Standards and Certification Programme for the phasing out of single-use plastics in the Pacific Tourism Sector

Published on July 2, 2024

Pacific Tourism Organisation

Participate and contribute to the development of the Standards and Certification Programme to phase out single-use plastics in the Pacific Tourism Sector!

As a key economic sector, tourism benefits from a cleaner environment but it also puts pressure on the environment, oceans, and ocean resources. Endorsed by Pacific Island Tourism leaders in 2021, the 2030 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) sets out four high-level goals for sustainable tourism development for the Pacific. Goal four of the PSTPF pursues healthy islands and oceans and this includes priorities on waste management.

As part of the (Australian government-funded) Pacific Ocean Litter Project, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has partnered with the Pacific Tourism Organisation to research, design and develop a dedicated standards and certification programme that will support the tourism sector to phase out single-use plastics in the Pacific. The programme will be a fit-for-purpose regional initiative that will aim to increase awareness about single-use plastic pollution, reduce the use of single-use plastics, and enhance the adoption of sustainable alternative products across the industry. As part of the development process for the Standards and Certification Programme, a Stakeholder Consultation is scheduled to be carried out from the 9th to the 23rd of July 2024.

SPTO is inviting industry stakeholders, tourism practitioners, NGOs, relevant government departments in Pacific Island Countries, and development partners to join the online discussions on how this regional tool should look and best serve the needs of the tourism industry in the Pacific.

The Pacific Ocean Project aims to reduce single-use plastics marine litter in the coastal environments of Pacific Island Countries. It has been developed in recognition of the threat marine litter poses to the environment, public health, and economic development of the Pacific region.