The Explore Nepal

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Code for Sustainable Tourism

This code urges members to:

1. Conserve the natural environment, ecosystems and biodiversity
   • CONTRIBUTE to the conservation of any habitat of flora and fauna affected by tourism.
   • ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify areas worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development, if any, which would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas.
   • INCLUDE enhancement and corrective actions at tourism sites to conserve wildlife and natural ecosystems. Respect and support local traditions, cultures and communities.
   • ENSURE that community attitudes, local customs and cultural values, and the role of women and children, are understood in the planning and implementation of all tourism related projects.
   • PROVIDE opportunities for the wider community to take part in discussions on tourism planning issues where these affect the tourism industry and the community.
   • ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify cultural heritage worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development if any which would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas.
   • CONTRIBUTE to the identity and pride of local communities through providing quality tourism products and services sensitive to those communities.
   
   
2. Maintain environmental management systems
   • ENSURE that environmental assessment is an integral step in planning for a tourism project.
   • ENCOURAGE regular environmental audits of practices throughout the tourism industry and to promote desirable changes to those practices.
   • ESTABLISH detailed environmental policies and indicators, and/or guidelines for the various sectors of the tourism industry.
   • INCORPORATE environmentally sensitive design and construction solutions in any building or landscaping for tourism purposes.
   
   
3. Conserve and reduce energy, waste and pollutants
   • FOSTER environmentally responsible practices for:
     • reducing pollutants and greenhouse gases
     • conserving water and protecting water quality
     • managing efficiently waste and energy
     • controlling noise levels
     • promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials.
   
   
4. Encourage a tourism commitment to environments and cultures
   • ENCOURAGE those involved in tourism to comply with local, regional and national planning policies and to participate in the planning process.
   • FOSTER, in both management and staff of all tourism projects and activities, an awareness of environmental and cultural values.
   • ENCOURAGE all those who provide services to tourism enterprises to participate through environmentally and socially responsible actions.
   • SUPPORT environmental and cultural awareness through tourism marketing.
   
   
5. Educate and inform others about local environments and cultures
   • SUPPORT the inclusion of environmental and cultural values in tourism education, training and planning.
   • ENHANCE the appreciation and understanding by tourists of natural environments and cultural sensitivities through the provision of accurate information and appropriate interpretation.
   • ENCOURAGE, and support research on the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism.
   
   
6. Cooperate with others to sustain environments and cultures
   • COOPERATE with other individuals and organisations to advance environmental improvements and sustainable development practices, including establishing indicators and monitoring.
   • COMPLY with all international conventions and national, state and local laws which safeguard natural environments and cultural sensitivities.