Empretec Mauritius is a member of an international network that includes 42 Empretec Centers around the world. This NGO-based non-profit association is under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The organization’s main objective is to develop business capacity, provide training, technical assistance and an institutional framework, promote the development and international competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, among others.
The tourism service provider in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Tanzania relies heavily on natural resources, that is, the physical environment. The traditional marketing approach of “sand, sea and sun” has created a mentality that has led to the concentration of tourist facilities in coastal areas.
Coupled with the growing dependence of the economy on tourism revenue and the agglomeration of hotels on the coast, tourism has become a sector of the economy in its own right which has led to increased use of coastal and marine resources. This dependence is not without costs, both for the economy and for the industry. According to Empretec Mauritius, the tourism industry has undoubtedly contributed to the degradation of the coastal and marine environment.
However, some of the leading coastal hotels are aware of the negative impact they have on coastal areas in recent years, so best environmental practices were individually identified and implemented. Recently, there has been a joint effort by small and medium sized coastal hotels to identify and implement best practice Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to sustain coastal tourism for which Empretec Mauritius is the training organization.
Address tour operators
The actions of the tourism industry have a close relationship with coastal and marine resources and are highly dependent on coastal and marine resources. For this reason, for the sake of their sustainability, they are at the forefront of actions aimed at the protection and conservation of coastal areas, including marine biodiversity.
However, because ecosystems are fragile and interconnected in coastal areas, they are experiencing increased stress from human activities such as lagoon fishing, pollution, erosion, overexploitation of coastal waters, and coral .
For the long-term survival of tourism, the concern of all parties is required, including hoteliers, private sector institutions, NGO authorities, tour operators, hospitality, the public and coastal communities. The implementation of essential actions is, without a doubt, for the sustainable use of our natural resources.
Projects to develop the spirit of Green Mauritius
The workshop on Environmental Management Systems held last week in Mauritius was a resounding success. Furthermore, this same workshop is taking place in two different areas in Madagascar. The objective is not to differentiate or compete with other projects, but to advocate for a cause that they have at heart.