In honor of UN Day, on October 24, and the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, CLIA reminded cruise industry’s commitment to sustainable practices noting that the industry has had the most impact on six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
According to CLIA, its Cruise Line Members have contributed in the protection of the environment and have created sustainable communities where shipping can provide prosperity.
“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.
The cruise industry has had the most impact on six of the Sustainable Development Goals, CLIA notes, including:
- #7 Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Cruise lines prioritizes energy efficiency as part of their environmental protection programs. Innovative investments include energy-efficient design standards to achieve a 30 percent reduction in new ship CO2 emissions by 2025, hull paints with special non-toxic coatings that reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 percent, energy-saving LED lights, higher efficiency appliances and solar panel installation to provide emissions-free energy. - #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
The global cruise industry contributes approximately $120 billion annually, supporting almost 1 million full-time jobs and employing approximately 200,000 seafarers. CLIA Cruise Line Members employ world-class crews and provide a rewarding employment experience with crew retention rates of up to 80 percent. - #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Viable ports are critical to the cruise industry as they ensure the efficient, seamless processing and travel experience for the nearly 26 million passengers who will cruise globally this year. The entire cruise industry realizes the impact the port industry has on cruising, job creation and the communities it serves, and remains committed to maintaining resilient port infrastructure. - #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Cruise lines are protecting more than 1,000 communities their ships visit. This includes strict adherence to environmental best practices, regulations, mandatory industry policies to protect oceans, air and wildlife and the unique social and cultural fabric of destinations. - #13 Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
CLIA Cruise Line Members use a multi-faceted approach to reduce cruise ship air emissions, working to develop sustainable environmental innovations and practices. Through innovation and new technologies, cruise lines can reduce sulfur oxides emissions by as much as 98 percent. CLIA also supported implementation of the first ever global and legally binding greenhouse gas reduction regime for an entire international industry sector. - #14 Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
CLIA participated at IMO in the creation of the Ballast Water Management Convention to address the transfer of aquatic organisms and pathogens in ballast water. The Convention makes ballast water management more environmentally friendly through the establishment of regulations and guidelines which reduce the risk of introducing non-indigenous organisms to environments.
