Cruise Lines Proudly Support UN Sustainability
As part of the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is proud to showcase how its cruise line members are committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“By declaring 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the UN provided our sector with the opportunity to raise awareness of cruise travel as a catalyst for positive change,” said Donnie Brown, vice president of maritime policy, CLIA, in a press release.
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“CLIA’s Cruise Line Members have contributed to this change through initiatives that protect the environment, create sustainable communities where our ships visit and build economic prosperity and jobs.”
The cruise industry is having the greatest impact on half a dozen of the Sustainable Development Goals as outlined below:
#7 Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Cruise lines are all about energy efficiency as it relates to environmental protection. In fact, one objective is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on new ships by 30 percent come 2025. Other initiatives include employing hull paints with special non-toxic coatings in order to lessen fuel consumption by up to 5 percent. Elsewhere, the use of LED lights, efficient appliances and solar panel installations all help the environment.
Looking to the future, cruise lines are researching and investing in alternative fuels which further help propel their development and availability.
READ MORE: The Cruise Industry Is Winning at Environmental Performance
#8 Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Internationally, the cruise industry contributes around $120 billion annually with nearly one-million full-time jobs and about 200,000 seafaring positions. What’s more is crew retention rates hold up to a hefty 80 percent.
#9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
CLIA not only focuses on cruise ships but also cruise ports. From an infrastructure standpoint, the industry recognizes the importance of facilitating passengers as well as goods. Almost 26 million people will set sail internationally in 2017 after all. Just like the vessels and lines, ports help to support regional jobs and the local community.
#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Extending from the ports are the destination themselves and the people therein. As such, the industry is dedicated to maintaining the more than 1,000 its ships visit by adhering to best practices, regulations, and policies to preserve the ocean, air and wildlife, as well as society and culture.
#13 Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Environmentally, it’s crucial to be mindful of climate change, and the industry works diligently to reduce air emissions as mentioned and also develop sustainable practices. For example, with the right innovations and technologies, cruise lines can reduce sulfur oxides emissions by up to 98 percent.
Plus, CLIA members also helped to develop and implement the first international and legally-binding greenhouse gas reduction regime for a global industry.
READ MORE: New Study Reveals Cruise Industry is Booming
#14 Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Last but not least, CLIA has led at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to institute the Ballast Water Management Convention. This sets forth regulations and guidelines regarding the transfer of aquatic organisms and pathogens in ballast water, thus lessening the chance of introducing non-indigenous organisms to environments.
Upholding even higher standards than global requirements, CLIA members are additionally committed to not discharging untreated sewage anywhere they sail.
For more information, visit https://www.cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/industry-facts.
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