Tourism Concern calls for fair water

Tourism Concern is appealing for funds to support its Water Equity in Tourism programme (WET)

WET is striving to ensure that the water rights of communities living in tourism destinations are protected in the face of growing competition from the industry, and in a world where freshwater for many is becoming increasingly scarce.

The FAO estimates that by 2025, two-thirds of the world population could be enduring water stress due to physical absence of water, or lack of infrastructure, weak governance and poverty. Such water poverty typically lies in stark contrast to the tourism industry, which has the resources to ensure its water needs are met.

This can have a detrimental impact on access and availability of water for neighbouring communities, exacerbating inequalities and undermining the social and environmental sustainability of destinations.
 For example, in Bali, farmers steal water from each other while hotels use water in abundance and the island’s golf courses consume some three million litres a day.

“Progress on our WET programme so far has been strong. We’ve undertaken investigations in Kerala and Bali and formed an expert steering group to help guide and analyse our research. We’re working to put tourism on the water agenda by campaigning on World Water Day and contributing to a briefing for MPs”, says Rachel Noble, Campaigns Manager at Tourism Concern.

“However, this is just the beginning. So much more crucial work needs to be done to ensure that tourism does not undermine community water rights. We need help in making this happen – even a small contribution means a lot to our work”.

Forthcoming WET activities include:

• Investigations into tourism’s impacts on community water rights in Zanzibar and the Gambia
• A campaign report showcasing the gathered evidence and offering recommendations for industry and governments that will help safeguard community water rights.
• Exploring how the barriers to equitable water access can be overcome through local-level initiatives that bring together varied stakeholders
• A Water Rights in Tourism Advocacy Handbook, which local groups can use to help ensure their water rights are protected
• Awareness raising for tourists, including a leaflet containing water saving tips and mobilisation in support of  WET campaign

To make a donation, visit Tourism Concern’s Just Giving WET appeal page http://www.justgiving.com/Tourism-Concern0

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE