Sustainable Tourism for Future Generations: Meeting the SDGs Challenge

21 May 2025 admin

The tourism industry has great power to support sustainable development, but only if it is managed wisely. In recent decades, the world has begun to realize that the growth of the tourism sector must go hand in hand with environmental protection, cultural preservation, and empowerment of local communities. This is the spirit behind sustainable tourism, which is also an important part of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

What is Sustainable Tourism?

 

Sustainable tourism is a form of travel that has a positive social, economic and environmental impact. Not only for the present, but also for future generations. This type of travel always involves environmentally conscious travelers, responsible industry players and empowered local communities. Through this approach, every trip is not just about "going and enjoying", but also about giving back and preserving.

 

SDGs and Their Relation to Tourism

 

Some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are highly relevant to the tourism sector include:

 

SDGs 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

 

Sustainable tourism educates travelers to reduce waste, use local products, and choose travel that does not damage the environment.

 

SDGs 13: Addressing Climate Change

 

Travelers can participate in mitigating climate change by choosing low-emission transportation, participating in conservation activities, or planting trees as part of their trip.

 

SDGs 14: Marine Ecosystems

 

Marine tourism such as snorkeling, diving, or island hopping must be done responsibly. Activities such as coral reef conservation, releasing baby turtles, or marine educational tours play an important role in keeping the ocean healthy.

 

SDGs 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goals

 

The success of sustainable tourism depends on collaboration between various parties: local communities, industry players, governments, and non-profit organizations. This collaboration is what will increase the positive impact for all.

 

Real Examples in Indonesia

 

Indonesia has developed several destinations that serve as examples of sustainable travel and tourism practices:

 

Nglanggeran Tourism Village, Yogyakarta

 

This village is located in Gunungkidul Regency, Nglanggeran is one of the tourism villages that has succeeded in developing the concept of community-based sustainable tourism. All tourism activities ranging from homestay management, local cultural preservation, to the involvement of village youth are managed independently by residents. This village is also listed as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, thanks to its commitment to preserving nature and geological heritage. Responsible consumption and production practices (SDG 12) and close collaboration between local stakeholders (SDG 17) are the keys to the success of the tourism model in Nglanggeran.

 

Serangan Island, Bali

 

This small island located south of Denpasar is known as a center for turtle conservation through the existence of the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC). This initiative not only focuses on saving endangered marine species, but also developing educational tourism that directly involves tourists in activities such as releasing hatchlings and conservation learning programs. This concept reflects the integration between nature conservation and responsible tourism, while supporting efforts to achieve SDG 14 (marine ecosystems) and SDG 13 (action on climate change) by increasing environmental awareness.

 

Raja Ampat, West Papua

 

Located at the western tip of Papua Island, Raja Ampat is globally recognized as one of the areas with the highest marine biodiversity in the world. To preserve its natural wealth, the area implements a marine zoning system that is managed collaboratively by local governments, conservation agencies, and indigenous communities. This approach has not only succeeded in protecting fragile marine ecosystems (SDG 14), but has also contributed to reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities (SDG 13). In addition, the multi-stakeholder partnership practices implemented are a concrete example of the implementation of SDG 17 in the context of sustainable destination management.

 

Want to experience a fun, meaningful, and positive-impact trip firsthand? 

 

Are you planning a company gathering, educational trip with a community or school, or even a CSR program that wants to make a real contribution to the environment and local communities? Now is the time to switch to a more conscious and responsible way of traveling.

 

With MAHRIVA YATRA, you can:

 

  • Explore destinations that prioritize sustainability, from tourist villages managed by local communities to natural and cultural conservation areas that maintain their authenticity.
  • Participate directly in nature conservation activities and participate in community empowerment such as tree planting, releasing baby turtles, or local craft workshops that are not only memorable but also have a real impact.
  • Building travel experiences that align with your company’s values, such as environmental stewardship, collaboration, and social responsibility.
  • Be part of the global movement to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through thoughtful, ethical, and impactful travel.

 

Contact the MAHRIVA team immediately and let's make a trip that not only leaves a trace, but also leaves a meaningful impression. Because with the right way, tourism can be a real tool for change.

 


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