Recommended Actions,

Examples by Pathway
Supported by : Developed by :
 Acknowledgments
Disclaimer: This document has been developed within the framework of the Glasgow Declaration, and with the support of the project
Transforming Tourism Value Chains in Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States to accelerate more resource efficient, low-carbon
development. This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and
Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.

Lead Authors: Helena Rey, Andrea Bacher, Pablo Montes, and Libera Zizai Assini (UNEP)

Contributing authors: Niklas Hagelberg (UNEP), and Jeremy Smith (Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency)

Design: Maëlys Nizan, Johanna Fuhlendorf (UNEP)

We would like to thank Virginia Fernandez-Trapa (UNWTO), Roxana Ashtari (UNWTO) , Ben Lynam (The Travel Foundation), Jeremy Sampson (The
Travel Foundation), Svitlana Mikhalyeva (UNEP), Carolyn Churchill (Visit Scotland), Janie Neumann (Visit Scotland), Alex Narracott (Tourism
Declares a Climate Emergency), Daniel Scott (University of Waterloo), Susanne Becken (Griffith University), and Miguel Naranjo (UNFCCC) for their
valuable inputs.

Recommended citation: UNEP (2021). Recommended Actions, Examples by Pathway – Glasgow Declaration. Nairobi
 Introduction to the Recommended Actions

The Glasgow Declaration signatories support the global commitment to achieve a 50% emissions reduction in tourism operations by
2030 and to reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. To achieve these overarching goals, signatories are expected
to publish a climate action plan, or to update an existing plan by integrating climate action elements or aligning its targets with those
in the Glasgow Declaration.

This document outlines a series of initial recommended example actions to help signatories understand what to include in their plan.
The recommended actions are intended to provide a starting point for signatories to design an ambitious and effective climate action
plan that is tailored to the unique circumstances of their organisation. While the actions can help indicate the overall scope of possible
activities, they are not exhaustive.

The actions are categorised according to the five pathways of the Glasgow Declaration: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate,
Collaborate, and Finance . For each action, it is also indicated
for which stakeholder(s) the action may be most applicable and implementable with a
for which stakeholder(s) it would be applicable for specific project implementation activities and/or investments with a
Many of the actions have been marked as relevant for multiple stakeholder groups, highlighting the need for widespread collaboration
to advance a rapid and just transition towards a sustainable tourism sector.

Further resources and tools that signatories can use to draft their plans are available on the Glasgow Declaration website here hosted
by the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

1 Ensure policy alignment Collaborate Collaborate -

integrating climate mitigation and Governance
adaptation, biodiversity, and
pollution concerns in tourism
policies, strategies, and initiatives

2 Collaborate Collaborate -
Integrate climate change
Governance
adaptation and mitigation
considerations into business
strategies

Collaborate Collaborate -
3 Promote domestic and intra-
New Business
regional tourism to reduce
Models
emissions, in particular from
transport

4 Collaborate with the tourism Collaborate Collaborate -

value chain to implement Knowledge
innovative business models to Management/
improve circularity New Business
Models
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

5 Provide accurate and non- Collaborate Collaborate -

misleading information, including Knowledge
for advertising and marketing Management
purposes, on climate impact of
tourism, greenhouse gas emissions
and carbon offset activities to
allow consumers to make informed
1
decisions

6 Provide tourism stakeholders with Collaborate Collaborate -

access to tools and resources Knowledge
required to upskill and address Management
knowledge gaps. For example:
a) Develop and/or provide education
and trainings on sustainable tourism,
including exploring cooperation
with academic institutions
b) Ensure access to available tools
and technologies
c) Facilitate access to financing
sources and investments
d) Allocate budget resources
required for sustainability actions

1 United Nations Environment Programme (2020). Consumer Information Tools and Climate Change: Facilitating low-carbon choices in Tourism, Buildings and Food Systems -
Guidance for Policy Makers and Business Leaders. https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/33384.
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

7 Use video conferencing for Collaborate Collaborate -

meetings and conferences New Business
Models

8 Follow participatory processes Collaborate Collaborate -

when developing climate action New Business
plans with local communities and Models
visitors to leverage their feedback
and knowledge

9 Encourage cooperative and Collaborate

Collaborate -
participatory management models
Governance
(destination or climate action
models) with local communities
and visitors

10 Ensure the needs of vulnerable Collaborate

Collaborate -
and/or marginalised groups are
Governance
accounted for in the development
and implementation of climate
action plans
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

11 Collaborate and foster Collaborate Collaborate -

interdisciplinary, multi-level Knowledge
partnerships to address Management
knowledge gaps on climate
change impacts and strategies for
adaptation and mitigation

12 Increase awareness and Collaborate Collaborate -

communication among tourists New Business
and visitors on environmental Models
impacts of the sector to help
individuals choose sustainable,
low-impact travel options and
tourism activities

13 Collaborate with farmers who Collaborate Collaborate -

apply sustainable agriculture New Business
practices to integrate practices Models
into contractual arrangements

14 Promote and support integration Collaborate Collaborate -

and alignment of national tourism Governance
strategies with Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs)
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

15 Collaborate Collaborate -
Undertake studies to assess
Knowledge
impacts of climate change on
Management
tourism. For example, carrying
capacity, availability of resources
locally, and identifying tourism
facilities in areas that are
vulnerable to climate change

Collaborate -
16 Promote diversified tourist Collaborate
New Business
attractions and products as
Models
alternatives to identified
vulnerable destinations

17 Advocate for and introduce risk Collaborate Collaborate -

reduction and risk transfer New Business
mechanisms for climate-induced Models
disasters affecting tourism. For
example:
a) Strengthen early warning
systems and capacity building in
most vulnerable tourism
destinations
b) Ensure coastal rehabilitation
and protection measures in critical
areas
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

c) Expand development of coastal

tourism zonal planning covering
all vulnerable coastal areas in
cooperation with affected
stakeholders

18 Assess and identify business Collaborate Collaborate -

climate risks and map out the Knowledge
avoided losses, economic benefits, Management
and social and environmental
benefits of adaptation measures
taken in areas prone to high
climate change impacts (within
own operations and along the
value chain)

19 Implement adaptation measures Collaborate Collaborate -

to ensure business continuity in New Business
cooperation with relevant Models
stakeholders (e.g. related to
physical climate risks)
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

20 Identify key suppliers to measure Collaborate Collaborate -

scope 3 emissions generated by New Business
the tourism value chain Models

21 Adopt an internal carbon price for Finance Finance/

operations and strategic planning Business
decisions Model

22 Set-up financial mechanisms to Finance Finance/

encourage implementation of Business
circular business models, Model
adoption of energy efficient
technologies, electric vehicles,
and improved waste
management infrastructure and
technology

23 Invest in and support sustainable Finance Finance

transport infrastructure to
encourage greener travel choices
(e.g. high-speed rail links, public
EV charging points, cycle lanes,
pedestrianised city centres etc.)
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

24 Adopt and implement sustainable Finance Finance/

and circular procurement for Business
tourism goods and services (e.g. Model
cooling systems in buildings,
plastics, electronics)

25 Develop climate inclusive Finance Finance/

insurance schemes for risk Business
management in tourism Model

26 Measure the overall greenhouse Measure Measure

gas emissions footprint of tourism
2
value chains (scopes 1-3) and
publicly report emissions
reduction progress against
established targets

2 Please see a list of general emission conversions at: https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2013/cop19/eng/10a03.pdf (annex III, page 25)
CO2 is the reference; it has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.
2 2
A variety of global and national tools and guidelines exist to help convert some or all GHG emissions into a CO -equivalent (CO e), e.g. IEA, UNEP, WRI, Australia, UK, US, Mexico. It is
recommended to first verify whether a national GHG emissions accounting and reporting system exists.
Please see also for measurement of key tourism value chain impacts the UNEP GHG and Resource Efficiency Tool (to be published by end of 2021).
UNEP is providing specific national conversation rates currently for its project pilot countries in the Philippines and Dominican Republic. The information will be published by end of 2021.
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

27 Encourage, enable, and support Measure Measure

all businesses and destinations to
measure and disclose emissions
according to best practice
guidelines, such as those
available on the One Planet
Network website

28 Identify the value chain emission Measure Measure

impact (scope 3) to account for
and act on emissions reduction
and avoidance activities upstream
(suppliers) and downstream
(customer/visitors) throughout the
value chain

29 Collect (and share) data on Measure Measure

indicators of state of nature,
social disruption and economic
situation in tourism destinations
(e.g. pollution accumulation,
overtourism, species extinction
risk) to inform impact
assessments of current practices
and planned climate action
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

30 Adopt and implement Measure Measure

widespread food waste
monitoring and reduction
measures in kitchens

31 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Reduce Reduce -

and other atmospheric pollutants General
from tourism value chain
operations

32 Reduce energy consumption and Reduce Reduce -

improve efficiency in its use Energy

33 Increase the use of renewable Reduce Reduce -

energy Energy

34 Share and/or develop mobility Reduce Reduce -

services to reduce greenhouse gas Transport
emissions
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

35 Reduce waste generation through Reduce Reduce -

implementation of circular Materials
processes (reduction, recycling,
re-use etc.) and improve waste
management practices to aim for
zero waste sent to landfill

36 Reduce food waste and losses Reduce Reduce -

through collaboration between the Food
tourism and food value chains

37 Arrange for flexible and Reduce Reduce -

staggered working arrangements Transport
for staff

38 Adopt and implement sustainable Reduce Reduce -

procurement practices for food, Food
especially for products with high
climate impact and potential
impacts to key ecosystems
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

39 Improve energy efficiency in Reduce Reduce -

buildings via measures such as Energy
improved insulation for new and
existing buildings, heat pumps,
energy ‐ efficient appliances, and
bioclimatic and material ‐ efficient
building design

40 Tackle plastic pollution through a Reduce Reduce -

circular approach to the Materials
management of plastic packaging
and items, with a focus on
elimination, transition to reuse
models, and sustainable
procurement guidelines

41 Transition towards an electric fleet Reduce Reduce -

(electric vehicles and fuel cell Transport
electric vehicles)

42 Set lower heating temperatures in Reduce Reduce -

buildings and default cooling Energy
temperatures for air conditioning
units to reduce excessive thermal
demand
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

43 Introduce congestion pricing and Reduce Reduce -

targeted interventions Transport
differentiated by vehicle type,
such as charges aimed at highly
polluting vehicles, or preferential
parking for clean cars

44 Shift usage and investment Reduce Reduce -

towards less energy-intensive Energy
fuel types, especially in the
aviation and cruise sectors (e.g.
invest in sustainable aviation fuel
supply chains, identify and
increase usage of biofuels that
perform equally well in terms of
their climate, ecosystem, energy
security, and social impacts
throughout their life cycle)

45 Engage with the tourism value Reduce Reduce -

chain to identify solutions to General
address emissions from air travel,
such as eliminating subsidies for
kerosene, or landing charges
tiered to support cleaner aviation
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

46 Reduce water consumption and Reduce Reduce

improve efficiency in its use

47 Adopt standards, tender Reduce Reduce

specifications for energy-efficient
technologies and appliances with
recommended minimum
performance standards

48 Invest in the implementation and Regenerate Regenerate

scaling up of nature-based
solutions which sustainably
manage, protect and restore
ecosystems (e. g. ecosystem
restoration and reforestation,
oceans/reef conservation)3
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

49 Mainstream nature-based Regenerate Regenerate

solutions and finance within
climate-related tourism policy and
governance processes (e.g.
Nationally Determined
Contributions, low greenhouse gas
emission development strategies,
business plans)

50 Use ecosystem-based adaptation Regenerate Regenerate

methods to protect tourism
destinations from climate hazards
(e.g. heatwaves, floods, droughts,
wildfires)

51 Eliminate activities in the tourism Regenerate Regenerate

value chain contributing to
destruction of natural habitats
(e.g. deforestation)
 Pathway Governmental
International Financial Civil Society Private Academic
Recommended with and
ID Pathway Pathway with Governmental
Organisations Institutions Financial
Organisations Sector Institutions
Action
Recommended Institutional International
ID Subcategory
Pathway SubcategoryAgenciesand Institutional and Donors Institutions andCivil Society Private Sector
Action Organisations Donors Organisations
Agencies

52 Regenerate ecological integrity Regenerate Regenerate

of tourism supply chains by
ensuring sustainable sourcing
and procurement practices (e.g.
avoiding sourcing from areas of
high species extinction risk or
water- and energy- intensive
regions)

53 Promote climate resilience and Regenerate Regenerate

protection of ecosystems in the
tourism sector by using ‘green’
building design for all new
constructions and refurbishments
 References
IEA (2021), Net Zero by 2050, IEA, Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050
NBS Coalition. (2019). The Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Manifesto, UN Climate Action Summit 2019.
https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/29705/190825NBSManifesto.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
One Planet Network. (2017). Kasane Call to Action - The Tourism We Want. https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/resource/kasane-call-action-
tourism-we-want
SBTN (2020). Science-Based Targets for Nature: Initial Guidance for Business. Science Based Targets Network
Scott, D. Sustainable Tourism and the Grand Challenge of Climate Change. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1966. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-
1050/13/4/1966
UNEP. (2020, June 24). Six ways nature can protect us from climate change. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/six-ways-nature-can-
protect-us-climate-change
UNEP (2019), Transforming tourism through sustainable procurement. https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/default/files/from-
crm/transforming_tourism_through_sustainable_procurement_2019.pdf
UNEP. (2020). Emissions Gap Report 2020. https://www.unep.org/interactive/emissions-gap-report/2020/
UNEP. (2021). Nature-based solutions. https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/disasters-conflicts/what-we-do/nature-based-solution
UNEP (2021). The Heat Is On – A World of Climate Promises Not Yet Delivered. Nairobi. https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-
2021
UNEP (2020). Consumer Information Tools and Climate Change: Facilitating low-carbon choices in Tourism, Buildings and Food Systems -
Guidance for Policy Makers and Business Leaders. https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/33384.
www.oneplanetnetwork.org/programmes/
sustainable-tourism/glasgow-declaration