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.
"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.
#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.
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