Conservation & Livelihoods
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Tourism is the world’s largest industry, and constantly growing. One in every 12 jobs is tourism related, and tourism-related activities generate more than $3.6 trillion a year. Yet, all the impacts of tourism aren’t positive. Blatant disregard for the environmental and cultural impacts of travel on World Heritage sites has led to site degradation, and unless we act quickly many of the sites will not recover. Promoting sustainable travel is a way to encourage responsible travel and help protect World Heritage sites. Learn more »
COMMUNITY-BASED ENTERPRISES
Fostering small, local businesses and helping them better promote their goods and services is a tangible way to have a positive impact on the communities around World Heritage sites. By doing this, we can help ensure that local customs and cultures are maintained, jobs are created and communities grow, sustainably. Learn more »
PROMOTING MARKET ACCESS
Local producers and manufacturers are an important source of products for businesses around World Heritage sites. Working with governments, corporations and other partners, we are currently exploring how these local-based entrepreneurs are ensured fair and equal access to the global marketplace. Learn more »
LATEST STORY OF IMPACT
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Preserve World Heritage
Area of Involvement: Sustainable Development
Meet Lizbeth Pool Uc, co-founder of Flor de Tajonal, a women’s cooperative in the small town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mexico that makes and sells honey and honey products. For generations, Lizbeth’s family has been keeping bees, one of the oldest economic activities of the Yucatan’s Mayan people and an important part of their ceremonial life.
