Feeling the heat?
Still doubting climate change…?
We believe it is about time to put aside all of your skepticism.
As the heat of summer intensifies, it becomes increasingly difficult to deny the reality of climate change. Recent findings from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) underscore the severity of the situation. By monitoring global climate patterns, C3S has revealed unprecedented ocean warming and escalating surface air temperatures in June 2023, solidifying the urgent need for action.
For those who are not familiar with this service, here is a short summary: The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), an initiative by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts on behalf of the European Commission, plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting climate patterns. By analyzing vast amounts of data from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations worldwide, C3S provides valuable insights into global climate trends.
Unprecedented Ocean Warming: The world's oceans, integral to regulating Earth's climate, are experiencing a troubling rise in temperatures. The latest C3S report highlights that June 2023 witnessed the highest global sea surface temperatures ever recorded for that month. Particularly concerning are the exceptionally warm sea surface temperature anomalies observed in the North Atlantic, resulting from a combination of atmospheric anomalies and long-term oceanic changes.
Escalating Surface Air Temperatures: June 2023 broke records for surface air temperatures, surpassing the previous high set in June 2019 by a significant margin. It was the warmest June globally, with temperatures exceeding the 1991-2020 average by over 0.5°C. Notably, Northwest Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Asia, and eastern Australia experienced significantly warmer conditions than usual, signaling the widespread impact of rising temperatures.
The concurrent occurrence of drought and heatwaves, known as compound drought and heatwave (CDHW) events, is drawing increased attention due to their detrimental effects on agriculture, energy, water resources, and ecosystems. Both recent observations (1982-2019) and future model projections (2020-2099) demonstrate statistically significant trends in CDHW characteristics. The greatest increases in CDHW frequency are projected to affect regions such as East Africa, North Australia, East North America, Central Asia, Central Europe, and Southeastern South America by the late 21st century.
The implications of rising ocean temperatures, soaring surface air temperatures, and the projected increase in CDHW events are far-reaching. Ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and energy sectors face significant challenges. To address these risks, tailored adaptation and mitigation policies are necessary, particularly in critical geographical regions.
In conclusion: the convergence of rising ocean temperatures, soaring surface air temperatures, and the projected increase in CDHW events present a stark reality of climate change's impact. Urgent action is imperative to mitigate both the causes and effects of climate change and to minimize the repercussions of extreme events. The heatwave in Southern Europe serves as a poignant reminder of the immediate risks faced by communities worldwide. Governments, policymakers, and communities must unite to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement robust adaptation strategies. By doing so, we can build a sustainable future for generations to come.
The partnership will enable Booking.com to automate the way it updates and manages information about accommodations with recognised third-party sustainability certifications on its platform
Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2023 – BeCause, a startup enterprise software company transforming how the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries manage their sustainability data, has announced a new partnership with global online travel platform Booking.com. Through a dedicated API, the partnership will make it possible for Booking.com to receive updated data in real time about accommodations that have earned an array of more than 40 recognized third-party sustainability certifications. This will enable the company to more efficiently present reliable, up-to-date information about those accommodations with a third-party certification, so travelers can make a more informed choice for their next trip.
The ability to transparently communicate credible sustainability information is increasingly crucial for companies like Booking.com, as a growing number of people continue to indicate that they prefer more sustainable travel choices. In fact, according to Booking.com’s latest Sustainable Travel Report, 57% of global travelers say they would feel better about staying in a particular accommodation if they knew it had a sustainable certification, and 81% say sustainable travel is important to them.
A bespoke sustainability solution to meet global tourism and traveler needs
Based on its Sustainability Management Hub platform, BeCause developed an API solution specifically for Booking.com’s needs. As one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, Booking.com sought an efficient, scalable way to receive data from accommodations certified according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognized standards, among others. They also wanted that data to be automatically updated in their database, so Booking.com customers would always have access to up-to-date sustainability information about the available accommodation options.
BeCause’s solution addresses both needs first by replacing manual update processes, which are time-consuming and occur only periodically, with automated sustainability data transfers. The BeCause solution also maps standards from 40+ certifications that align with GSTC criteria to the data provided by tens of thousands of individual properties worldwide, providing a more complete and accurate picture of the sustainability information for those accommodations available on Booking.com.
“Through our partnership with BeCause and the technical solutions they have created specifically for our platform, we’ve streamlined how we receive sustainability information from our accommodation partners that have invested in achieving a credible third-party certification, allowing us to focus our efforts internally on those areas where we can further innovate and have the most impact,” says Thomas Loughlin, Sustainability Manager at Booking.com. “We get the accurate, trustworthy data that we need in real time, which we can then in turn automatically present to our customers, enabling them to make more informed decisions about how they choose to travel.”
A partnership between leaders in the sustainability sphere
“Working with Booking.com, which beyond having an extensive global reach, has an equally considerable reputation for being a leader in sustainability issues and efforts, is a significant deal for our startup,” says Frederik Rubens Steensgaard, CEO and Co-founder of BeCause. “It’s an ideal fit in terms of vision, needs and capability, and we look forward to helping Booking.com expand its sustainability data management capabilities even further as our partnership continues.”
BeCause helps organizations collect, coordinate, and communicate their sustainability data, reducing redundancies and creating efficiencies that translate to positive revenue and ecological impacts. BeCause’s solution connects certification entities and travel providers and distributors, enabling over 17,000 hotels and online travel platforms to provide travelers with accurate and reliable sustainability data. These processes, traditionally handled via spreadsheets, emails and unconnected niche systems, are ripe for transformation, and the need to manage them efficiently to ensure compliance and competitive advantage is fueling the growth of BeCause.
For more information about BeCause or to speak with CEO and Co-founder Frederik Steensgaard, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.
Watch the video below to hear about how Booking.com benefits from their partnership with BeCause.
About BeCause
BeCause is an enterprise software company that enables sustainability data to flow simpler, faster and cheaper so travel and tourism companies can positively impact people, the planet and their profits. BeCause works with over 17,000+ companies, including sustainability-certified hotels, eco-labels, certification entities like GreenKey, industry partners including UN GSTC and marketplaces including Booking.com. The BeCause Sustainability Management Hub allows organizations to collect and display all their communication about their sustainability efforts in one place, empowering them to make sustainability manageable for their operations and a competitive advantage for their business. For more information, visit because.eco.
About Booking.com:
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit www.globalnews.booking.com.
A look at how Artificial Intelligence is propelling the industry towards a greener and more profitable future.
Key Takeaways:
- Hotels around the globe are losing out on approximately $21 billion annually due to ineffective sustainability management.
- With the help of AI, companies can seamlessly collect, analyze, and present reliable sustainability data, improving customer acquisition and retention.
- Investments in AI-powered sustainability tech are growing, indicating an increasing market demand for greener business practices.
Greening the Hospitality Industry: The Demand for Sustainability
The business world is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability becomes a deciding factor in the marketplace. As governments and consumers push for more sustainable practices, companies are seeking efficient ways to streamline their sustainability management processes. This transition is not only a matter of compliance with environmental regulations like the European Union’s Green Deal initiative but also a strategic move to capture the growing segment of eco-conscious consumers.
One of the most eye-opening revelations in this regard comes from the latest annual sustainable travel report by Booking.com. According to the report, a whopping 78% of global travelers intend to stay in a sustainable property at least once this year, and 57% prefer accommodations with recognized sustainability certifications. These figures highlight the vital role of sustainability in shaping consumer decision-making and indicate the vast untapped potential that awaits businesses aligning themselves with this emerging trend.
The Challenge: Managing Sustainability Data
While the benefits of embracing sustainability are clear, the road towards achieving it is not without obstacles. The challenge lies in efficiently collecting, analyzing, and communicating sustainability practices and data to customers. Traditional methods for managing sustainability data are riddled with inefficiencies, manual work, and high costs. These hiccups obstruct businesses’ ability to promptly provide reliable sustainability data to consumers in a transparent manner.
To put it into perspective, hotels alone lose approximately $21 billion every year due to inefficient sustainability management. Of this, $8 billion is spent on sustainability data reporting through complex, fragmented, and manual approaches. Moreover, hotels miss out on a staggering $13 billion in potential revenue due to lack of sustainability. The impact is not just monetary; it’s also about reputation and market share, as sustainable hotels enjoy a conversion rate that is four times greater than their unsustainable counterparts.
The Game Changer: AI-powered Sustainability
Here’s where artificial intelligence (AI) steps into the picture. Companies like BeCause, an AI-powered sustainability technology firm, are helping brands integrate sustainability into their everyday operations efficiently. The advantages are manifold, ranging from resource optimization to enhancing initiatives that positively impact consumers, the planet, and ultimately, the profit margins.
BeCause’s technology addresses the pain points of managing sustainability data, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best. It’s worth noting that early investments of $450,000 from seasoned Danish entrepreneurs Carsten Mahler and Daniel Heskia, the founders of FundConnect – Europe’s preferred neutral fund data infrastructure – have already begun pouring into this innovative startup. This investment, which came ahead of the company’s official seed round, will enable BeCause to expand its commercial and product development efforts.
Conclusion: AI, the Future of Sustainable Business
The hospitality industry’s green revolution is being led by trailblazers like BeCause, proving that profitability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are interconnected, and AI is the key to unlocking this synergy. In a world where sustainability is not just an advantage but a necessity, businesses must leverage AI’s capabilities to streamline their sustainability data management.
In doing so, they stand to gain not just financially but also in terms of building a stronger, more resilient brand that appeals to the increasing number of eco-conscious consumers. Therefore, the onus is on businesses to adapt and innovate, for the future is not just digital, it’s green.
In today's world, sustainability has become a crucial aspect of the hospitality industry. Hotels, in particular, play a significant role in resource consumption and environmental impact. To address this, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has introduced the Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) framework. This initiative aims to provide a standardized set of 12 essential sustainability indicators for hotels worldwide, serving as a foundational tool for properties to kickstart their sustainability journey. In this blog post, we will delve into the HSB framework, exploring its purpose, key indicators, and the role it plays in promoting global sustainability in the hotel industry.
What is the purpose of the HSB?
The HSB framework serves as a global supporting tool for hotels to embrace sustainability. It offers a standardized approach that enables properties to understand and address their environmental impact systematically. By following the HSB framework, hotels can embark on their sustainability journey with a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines.
Which topics are covered within HSB?
Efficiency
o Energy Use
o Water Use
o Waste reduction
o Carbon Emissions
Planet
o Linen reuse program
o Green cleaning products
o Vegetarian options
o Usage of plastic straws or stirrers
o Usage of single-use plastic (SUP) water bottles
o Bulk amenity dispensers
People
o Community benefit
o Reduction of inequalities
What are the requirements of HSB?
The Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) framework provides clear requirements and a flexible approach for hotels to embrace sustainable practices.
During the first year, hotels are granted a certain degree of flexibility in selecting which criteria to prioritize. To begin their sustainability journey, hotels are required to fulfill eight out of the twelve criteria established by the HSB. These criteria, as listed above, cover various aspects of sustainability, including resource management, environmental conservation, and community engagement. By meeting these initial requirements, hotels demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices from the outset.
While the initial fulfillment is necessary, the HSB scheme allows hotels a reasonable timeline to address the remaining four criteria. Hotels are given three years to fulfill these criteria, enabling them to gradually incorporate sustainable practices into their operations.
The scheme acknowledges that sustainability initiatives require time, investment, and adjustments to existing practices. This approach ensures a realistic and manageable transition toward sustainability for hotels of all sizes and capacities.
The given flexibility allows hotels to focus on areas that align with their specific circumstances and resources. By tailoring their sustainability efforts, hotels can implement changes that are most impactful and feasible within their operations.
What are the benefits of becoming verified?
· Strengthening the hotel’s position as a leader in sustainability.
· Gaining a better understanding of environmental and social impacts, along with identifying opportunities for improvement through benchmarking.
· Networking opportunities and the ability to share best practices with other stakeholders.
· Promotion possibilities through the WTTC, enhancing visibility and reputation.
What can a hotel do once it achieves the ‘Basics’?
Once a hotel successfully meets the basic criteria, it is encouraged to continue its sustainability journey by complying with criteria from other certification schemes. Some examples of such schemes include:
· Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality (by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance)
· Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria
· Criteria developed by online platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Google)
In conclusion, the HSB framework presents a standardized set of 12 indispensable sustainability indicators for hotels, enabling them to embark on their sustainability voyage. By fulfilling eight initial criteria and gradually addressing the remaining four within a three-year timeframe, hotels can showcase their dedication to sustainable practices. Achieving verification through the HSB framework bolsters their standing as sustainability pioneers, fostering a deeper comprehension of their environmental and social impacts. Hotels also benefit from networking opportunities, and promotional prospects, and can further their sustainability endeavors by adhering to criteria from other certification schemes. The HSB framework empowers hotels to contribute to a more conscientious and eco-friendly landscape within the hospitality industry.
In the world of tourism, environmental responsibility, and sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important. Green Key, a globally recognized organization established in 1994, is at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly businesses in the tourism industry. Administered by the non-profit entity Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key grants certifications that endorse environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
With over 3000 establishments across 60+ countries proudly displaying the Green Key certification, guests have the power to make a positive impact. By choosing to stay at a Green Key certified establishment, visitors can be assured that they are actively contributing to a more sustainable environment. Green Key certification signifies that the establishment has met the demanding criteria established by the FEE, demonstrating their dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
What does the Green Key ecolabel ensure?
· Adherence to rigorous criteria.
· High-level integration of sustainability in management and operations.
· Reduction in resource consumption.
· Creation of awareness and behavioral changes.
· Increased utilization of environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.
· Third-party verification.
· Regular on-site audits.
· Requirement for continuous improvement.
See the ecolabel on the image below.
Which establishments are eligible to apply for a Green Key certificate?
Green Key offers its sought-after certificates to a wide range of establishments! From hotels and hostels to campsites and restaurants, the certificate recognizes the commitment of various businesses toward sustainable practices. Below we list the diverse types of establishments eligible to apply for a Green Key certificate, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program.
Eligible Establishments:
Hotels: Whether it is luxurious resorts or cozy boutique hotels, Green Key welcomes all types of hotels that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations.
Hostels: Budget-friendly accommodations also can participate in the Green Key program. Hostels that implement eco-friendly practices can display their commitment to sustainable tourism.
Campsites: Embracing the beauty of nature, campsites that demonstrate a dedication to environmental conservation and responsible camping practices are eligible for the Green Key certification.
Small Accommodations: Green Key recognizes that sustainability is not limited to large establishments. Even small-scale accommodations, such as bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, can strive for and achieve the Green Key certification.
Conference Centers: Promoting sustainability in business events, conference centers that prioritize eco-friendly practices and provide sustainable options for their attendees are encouraged to apply for the Green Key certificate.
Holiday Parks: With a focus on creating memorable and sustainable experiences for vacationers, holiday parks that adopt eco-friendly measures and engage in responsible tourism can be recognized through the Green Key certification.
Restaurants: In the realm of dining, Green Key acknowledges the importance of sustainable practices. Restaurants that prioritize locally sourced ingredients, waste reduction, and energy efficiency can demonstrate their commitment to a greener food industry.
Attractions: From museums and historical sites to amusement parks and zoos, attractions that integrate sustainability into their operations and promote environmental education can join the Green Key movement.
Find the applicable criteria for your establishment here.
Which topics are covered within the criteria?
Green Key covers a wide range of topics within its criteria and ensures that certified establishments adhere to a comprehensive set of sustainable practices. Below we list the various topics covered within the Green Key criteria, highlighting the holistic approach to sustainability embraced by the program.
Topics Covered within the Criteria:
Administration: Green Key emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices into the administrative aspects of establishments, including procurement, supply chain management, and environmental reporting.
Staff Involvement: Green Key emphasizes the importance of engaging staff members in sustainable practices, encouraging their active participation and contribution to environmental initiatives.
Environmental Management: Certified establishments must demonstrate effective environmental management systems, including policies, procedures, and practices that minimize their environmental footprint.
Guest Information: Green Key recognizes the significance of providing guests with accurate and comprehensive information about environmental practices, encouraging them to make sustainable choices during their stay.
Water: Efficient water management, including measures for conservation, reduction, and responsible use, is a crucial aspect of Green Key certification criteria.
Energy: Green Key promotes energy efficiency and encourages establishments to adopt renewable energy sources and implement energy-saving measures to reduce their carbon footprint.
Washing & Cleaning: Sustainable practices in washing and cleaning operations, such as using eco-friendly products, optimizing water usage, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, are key criteria for Green Key certification.
Food & Beverage: Green Key values sustainable food and beverage practices, encouraging establishments to prioritize local sourcing, organic options, waste reduction, and responsible consumption.
Waste: Certified establishments must implement effective waste management strategies, including recycling, composting, and minimizing waste generation, to contribute to a circular economy.
Indoor Environment: Creating a healthy and eco-friendly indoor environment through proper ventilation, lighting, and use of environmentally friendly materials is a vital criterion for Green Key certification.
Green Areas: Green Key encourages the preservation and enhancement of green spaces within establishments, promoting biodiversity and providing a natural environment for guests to enjoy.
Green Activities: Certified establishments are encouraged to offer green activities that connect guests with nature, raise awareness about environmental issues, and promote sustainable lifestyles.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Green Key recognizes the significance of social responsibility and encourages establishments to contribute positively to local communities and engage in ethical practices.
These 13 topics are covered in the criteria applicable to the various types of establishments listed previously in this article. Green Key ensures that certified establishments prioritize sustainable practices across all aspects of their operations. By meeting these criteria, Green Key-certified establishments demonstrate their commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future for the tourism industry.
What steps does the application process consist of?
Step 1: Application submission. First-time applicants must provide the required documents, while repeat applicants should submit necessary updates and demonstrate improved performance aligned with the criteria.
Step 2: Audits. On-site audits are conducted prior to certification, upon certification, and subsequently every third year. Off-site audits involving document evaluation are performed when on-site audits are not conducted.
Step 3: Third-party verification decision. Third-party verification is carried out by an independent auditor, a National Jury, or an International Jury.
Step 4: Certificate issuance. Once an establishment's application is approved, it is awarded the Green Key certificate and a plaque.
Step 5: Renewal. The certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Find more information about the application process here.
What are the benefits of acquiring the Green Key certificate?
Acquiring the Green Key certificate is more than just a recognition of sustainable practices. It comes with a host of benefits that establishments in the tourism industry can enjoy. From assurance of high quality and adherence to rigorous standards to international recognition and ongoing support.
Benefits of Green Key Certification:
1. Assurance of High Quality and Adherence to Rigorous Standards:
Green Key emphasizes transparency and accountability. With regular on-site audits conducted by well-trained auditors and third-party verification, certified establishments can be confident in their adherence to rigorous sustainability standards. The certification serves as a symbol of quality and commitment to environmental responsibility.
2. International Recognition of Certification:
Green Key is a globally recognized certification program. Acquiring the Green Key certificate provides establishments with international recognition for their sustainable practices. This recognition enhances their reputation among eco-conscious travelers and positions them as leaders in the industry.
3. Low Participation Costs:
Participating in the Green Key program is accessible to establishments of various sizes and budgets. The program offers low participation costs, making it feasible for a wide range of businesses to engage in sustainable practices and receive the associated benefits of certification.
4. Ongoing Support in Implementing Sustainability Measures:
Green Key goes beyond certification by providing ongoing support to certified establishments. This support assists them in implementing and enhancing sustainability measures. Establishments can benefit from guidance, resources, and best practices shared by Green Key, enabling continuous improvement in their sustainable initiatives.
5. Multi-Stakeholder Driven Program:
Green Key is a multi-stakeholder driven program, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various stakeholders in the tourism industry. By participating in Green Key, establishments become part of a network that encourages dialogue, innovation, and collective efforts toward a more sustainable future.
6. Potential for Promotion through the Green Key Platform:
Certified establishments gain the potential for promotion through the Green Key platform. This exposure can increase visibility and attract eco-conscious travelers seeking sustainable accommodations and experiences. The Green Key platform acts as a marketing tool, connecting establishments with a targeted audience that value environmental responsibility.
In summary, Green Key provides a valuable platform for promoting and enhancing sustainable practices. By embracing the Green Key certification, establishments demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and position themselves as leaders in the global movement toward sustainable tourism. Let us embrace the benefits of Green Key certification and collectively contribute to a greener, more sustainable future in the tourism industry!
Additional useful sources:
In the month of July, there are several occasions dedicated to raising awareness and supporting causes that benefit the environment and our planet. In this blog post, we have chosen to highlight three significant events. We will delve into World Population Day, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, and International Tiger Day, exploring ways in which we can contribute to their respective causes. Join us as we explore these important days and discover how we can make a positive impact.
World Population Day - 11th July
Every year on July 11th, World Population Day is observed, dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of population issues and the challenges they pose to our world. With the global population having reached 8 billion, it is crucial to comprehend the importance of this milestone and take action to ensure a resilient future for all.
In an ideal scenario, a population of 8 billion would present opportunities for healthier societies empowered by rights and choices. However, the reality falls far short of this ideal. Discrimination, harassment, and violence still impact many individuals based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and origin. Neglecting those who are left behind undermines our collective progress.
On World Population Day, you can take action to address population challenges and strive for a sustainable future. One way to participate is by educating yourself. Start by researching population issues and the organizations dedicated to addressing them. Armed with this information, you can then share it and raise awareness, encouraging others to do the same. Another action you can take is to donate to nonprofits and NGOs that dedicate their efforts and resources to solving population issues. These organizations play a crucial role in educating women about contraception and family planning, helping people escape poverty, and assisting refugees affected by environmental crises and human rights abuses.
World Population Day serves as a reminder that population issues affect us all. Even if you live in a developed country, the consequences of population growth, resource depletion, and climate change will eventually impact everyone's lives. By addressing these challenges and taking future considerations into account, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem - 26th July
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July 26th, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mangrove ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.
Mangroves are unique, impressive, and thriving ecosystems found at the interface of land and sea. These remarkable ecosystems significantly contribute to the welfare, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They support diverse biodiversity and serve as essential nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans. Additionally, mangroves act as natural coastal defenses against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels, and erosion. Moreover, their soils are highly effective in sequestering significant amounts of carbon, making them vital carbon sinks.
However, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate, three to five times faster than the overall global forest loss. In the past four decades alone, the coverage of mangroves has been reduced by half, resulting in severe ecological and socio-economic impacts. More than three-quarters of the world's mangroves are currently under threat, endangering the delicate balances that rely on them.
UNESCO is deeply committed to supporting the conservation of mangroves and promoting the sustainable development of local communities. By incorporating mangroves into Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites, and UNESCO Global Geoparks, the organization aims to enhance knowledge, management, and conservation of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, UNESCO actively engages in scientific and policy initiatives to protect, manage, or restore blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves. These efforts are essential for addressing climate change, preserving biodiversity, supporting fish populations, ensuring food security, and safeguarding coastlines against erosion and storm surges.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26th serves as a reminder to acknowledge the value, beauty, and vulnerability of mangroves. It encourages individuals and communities to commit to the protection and sustainable management of these extraordinary ecosystems.
International Tiger Day – 29th July
International Tiger Day, an annual observance on July 29th, is dedicated to increasing awareness about the conservation of tigers, one of our planet's most iconic creatures.
This special day originated in 2010 during a global summit that unveiled a distressing fact: the wild tiger population had declined by a staggering 97% over the past century, leaving a mere 3,000 remaining. The primary goal of International Tiger Day is to draw attention to the critical circumstances faced by tiger species and collaborate on efforts to halt their decline. Renowned organizations like WWF, IFAW, and the Smithsonian Institution already actively participate in the promotion and support of this cause.
Numerous threats contribute to the endangerment of tigers, including poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, and habitat loss. However, the most significant danger arises from the illegal trade industry and poaching, driven by the demand for tiger parts such as bones, skin, and organs. Criminal networks are deeply involved in this immensely profitable trade, which has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Another critical concern in tiger conservation is the loss of their habitats. Due to human activities like infrastructure development, logging, agriculture, and settlements, tiger habitats have drastically diminished. Merely 7% of their historical range remains intact, leading to increased conflicts between tigers and a decline in genetic diversity due to inbreeding.
To honor International Tiger Day, several actions can be taken to contribute. Supporting tiger conservation organizations through animal adoptions is one approach. The funds generated through these adoptions facilitate projects focused on monitoring tiger movements, reducing poaching, and fostering harmonious coexistence between local communities and these magnificent creatures. Moreover, organizing fundraising initiatives for tiger charities and leveraging social media platforms to raise awareness can have a substantial impact. Sharing videos, infographics, and educational content aids in passing on knowledge about the challenges tigers face, motivating others to join the cause.
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