International Year of Ecotourism
1998/40 - Declaring the year 2002 as the International Year
of Ecotourism
United Nations
46th plenary meeting, 30 July 1998
Resolution 1998/40
The Economic and Social Council,
Recalling its resolution 1980/67 of 25
July 1980 on international years and anniversaries in which the Council recognized
the contribution of international years to the furtherance of international cooperation
and understanding,
Recalling also Agenda 21, 1/ which was adopted by one hundred
and eighty-two Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (Earth Summit), on 14 June 1992, and the conclusions of the General
Assembly at its nineteenth special session relative to sustainable tourism,
Stressing that the implementation of Agenda 21 requires the
full integration of sustainable development in the tourism industry in order
to ensure, inter alia, that travel and tourism provide a source of income for
many people; that travel and tourism contribute to the conservation, protection
and restoration of the Earth's ecosystem; that international trade in travel
and tourism services takes place on a sustainable basis; and that environmental
protection is an integral part of tourism development,
Stressing also the need to promote the implementation of
international conventions on environment and development, including those on
biodiversity and climate change,
Bearing in mind the need for international cooperation in
promoting tourism within the framework of sustainable development so as to meet
the needs of present tourists and host countries and regions while protecting
and enhancing opportunities for the future, managing resources to fulfil economic,
social and aesthetic needs, and maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological
processes, biological diversity and life-support systems,
Recognizing the support of the World Tourism Organization
for the importance of ecotourism, and particularly of the designation of the
year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism, in fostering better understanding
among peoples everywhere, in leading to greater awareness of the rich heritage
of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent
values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of world
peace,
Considering that the designation of the year 2002 as the
International Year of Ecotourism will encourage the intensification of cooperative
efforts by Governments and international and regional organizations, as well
as non- governmental organizations, to achieve the aims of Agenda 21 in promoting
development and the protection of the environment,
1. Recommends to the General Assembly that it declare the
year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism;
2. Invites States Members of the United Nations, and members
of the specialized agencies and pertinent intergovernmental and governmental
organizations, to exert all possible efforts on behalf of the success of the
Year, in particular regarding ecotourism in developing countries;
3. Requests the Commission on Sustainable Development, in
the framework of its discussion of tourism during its seventh session, to recommend
to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, supportive
measures and activities which will contribute to a successful Year;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to provide, in accordance
with the guidelines for future international years as contained in the annex
to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67, necessary support to ensure
the success of the Year, including widespread dissemination of pertinent information;
5. Requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with all
relevant entities of the United Nations system, including the United Nations
Environment Programme as well as the World Tourism Organization and the World
Travel and Tourism Council, to submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth
session a report containing:
(a) Programmes and activities undertaken by Governments and
interested organizations during the Year;
(b) An assessment of the results achieved in realizing the
aims and objectives of the Year, particularly in terms of encouraging ecotourism
in developing countries;
(c) Recommendations to further advance the promotion of ecotourism
within the framework of sustainable development.
Note
1/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development , Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted
by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum),
resolution 1, annex II.
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Date
last posted: 6 December 1999 17:53:10
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