A sub-regional workshop on sustainable consumption and production in tourism policies in South Asia commenced today at the Customs Building. “The Policy Dialogue and Workshop on Sustainable Tourism: Mainstreaming Sustainable Consumption and Production in Tourism Policies in South Asia” will be a two day workshop which will focus on the promotion and dissemination of good practices and successful tourism projects within the context of sustainable consumption and production (SCP).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Policy Dialogue, the Minister of Environment and Energy Mr Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted the significance of sustainable consumption and production within the context of sustainable development goals, and the need for collective action from all stakeholders in substantively realizing this goal. The Minister also noted that sustainable consumption and production is of utmost importance to the Maldivian government to ensure a more resilient and prosperous future for the Maldivian people.

Participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be attending this workshop. The workshop will provide the platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building in sustainable tourism policy development and implementation tools including areas of specific interest such as green hotel guidelines and awareness raising campaigns.

This workshop is organized by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in association with SACEP, with financial support of the UNEP and EU funded SWITCH-Asia Regional Policy Support Component.