Sustainable tourism: using Blockchain Technology for sustainable tourism at World Heritage Sites.
Introduction
The students of 5MT- HDC Leuven- took on an inspiring challenge to find ways to help World Heritage sites welcome tourists sustainably. They have studied how sustainable tourism, blockchain technology, and UNESCO World Heritage sites interact. World Heritage sites are valuable for their cultural, historical, and environmental importance. However, increasing tourism can threaten their sustainability. Sustainable tourism is essential to balance visitor needs and site conservation for the future. Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in this mix. It offers a secure and clear way to keep records, helping to maintain World Heritage sites. By using blockchain, we can keep reliable records of activities at these sites, which is vital for applying rules and protecting the sites from excessive use and harm.
Here's a peek into their innovative project:
Caylee, Aurelie, Mona, and Hannah dived into what "sustainable tourism" truly means. They explored how tourism can benefit both the environment and the local communities without compromising the future needs of these heritage sites.
Meanwhile, Timon, Oliver, Lucas, and Vincent focused on analysing three UNESCO World Heritage sites. They delved into whether these sites have any conservation plans in place and how they manage tourist visits sustainably.
Stijn, Bram, Rage, and Yassine embarked on a quest to understand blockchain technology and its potential benefits for sustainable tourism. They investigated how this cutting-edge technology could offer solutions for common challenges faced by heritage sites, such as visitor management and conservation funding.
After conducting their individual research, the three groups came together to share their findings. They engaged in discussions, combining their insights to uncover how blockchain could be a game-changer in developing sustainable tourism practices for World Heritage sites.
The outcome of their project shows their collaborative effort. They proposed innovative ways in which blockchain technology can support sustainable tourism, such as secure and transparent ticketing systems, funding for conservation projects through cryptocurrency, and ensuring that visitor numbers are kept within sustainable limits.
What is sustainable tourism?
Tourism celebrates all the beauty of the world: breathtaking nature, history and enriching culture. It also provides good jobs and opportunities for people. But it also has a huge downside in terms of its negative impact on the environment. For example, when we travel by plane for short distances, it is unnecessary and causes air pollution. One study found that almost 70% of the carbon emissions generated by the tourism industry come from the combustion of fuels used for accommodation, transport and land use. Tourists usually travel to a destination with good air quality, which enhances their experience. Travelling to a polluted area has a negative impact on their experience and also on their willingness to return.
Sustainable tourism is about travelling with sustainability in mind, and there are many ways to achieve this.
- Support local businesses. You can eat in local restaurants, buy jewelry made by a local, go on excursions with a local guide. This way you can discover the local culture and help them make more money.
- If you want to travel to closer destinations, use the train. Once there, take the bus or train to get to different places. You can also try to rent an electric car if you want to.
- When using water and energy in hotels, make sure you turn off lights, televisions and other electronics when you don't need them or when you leave. Don't take long showers, but try to limit your shower time.
- Avoid single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable water bottle. Instead of going to a restaurant and ordering takeaway, eat in so they don't have to give you plastic bags or cups with your takeaway order. https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/resources-categories/what-is-sustainable-tourism/#:~:text=The%20aim%20of%20sustainable%20tourism,developing%20and%20managing%20tourism%20activities
It emphasizes the commitment to positively impact tourism on destination communities by promoting better management, sustainable products and community engagement. This is achieved through research, advocacy, education and stakeholder collaboration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9315471/ Tourists prefer destinations with clean air for a positive experience, while pollution deters revisits. Clean tourist spots mitigate air pollution, but the tourism industry is a major carbon emitter (70%), mainly from fuel use. Excessive tourism strains environmental quality, posing challenges for destinations. https://sustainabletravel.org/top-10-tips-for-sustainable-travel/
On this website you can find a lot of tips of how to travel in a sustainable way. There are 10 of them with each a very specific topic that is extensively written. These tips indicate what you, as a person can do, to make future traveling more accessible in an eco-friendly way. For example, they propose to you in which ways you can increase your carbon footprint by suggesting different ways to travel to another country. But also how you can support the local community there by investing in their businesses. https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/resources-categories/what-is-sustainabletourism/#:~:text=The%20aim%20of%20sustainable%20tourism,developing%20and%20managing%20tourism%20activities
Analysis of conservation efforts at three UNESCO World Heritage sites: La Grand-Place in Brussels, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Amalfi Coast.
Each site showcases unique challenges and approaches towards sustainable conservation and tourism management.
La Grand-Place, Brussels
La Grand-Place in Brussels exemplifies the architectural and cultural splendor of the late 17th century. It attracts millions of visitors, drawn to its historic buildings and vibrant events like the biennial flower carpet. Efforts to maintain and enhance La Grand-Place focus on sustainable conservation, responsible tourism management, and engaging local communities in preservation activities. Key strategies include environmental impact reduction, expert-led restoration, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure accessibility while preserving historical integrity. Educational programs and public awareness campaigns are crucial for promoting responsible tourism and conservation awareness.
The Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis stands as a symbol of classical spirit and civilization, thanks to its monumental architecture and artistry. Conservation plans for the Acropolis emphasize structural stability, damage restoration, and environmental management. Measures to reduce pollution, manage visitor traffic, and mitigate climate change effects are vital. Research, documentation, and public education about the site's significance and conservation challenges support these efforts. Collaboration with government, international organizations, and securing funding are essential for sustainable conservation and ensuring the Acropolis remains a beacon of human achievement for future generations.
The Amalfi Coast
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the Amalfi Coast welcomes approximately 5 million tourists annually. Conservation strategies here address marine protection, cultural heritage preservation, and effective tourism management. Initiatives include marine protected areas, restoration of historical sites, and sustainable infrastructure development to minimize environmental impact. Engaging local communities and promoting responsible waste disposal and recycling are also key. The conservation plan relies on government support, international funding, and revenue from tourism to maintain the coast's natural beauty and cultural value.
Conclusion
The conservation efforts across La Grand-Place in Brussels, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Amalfi Coast underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach to heritage preservation. While each site presents unique challenges, common strategies such as structural and environmental conservation, community involvement, and sustainable tourism management emerge as pivotal for safeguarding their historical, cultural, and natural significance. These initiatives ensure that these iconic sites continue to inspire and educate visitors from around the globe.
An interesting observation from the analysis of these three UNESCO World Heritage Sites is that none of the conservation or tourism management strategies explicitly mention the use of blockchain technology. In the current era, where digital innovation plays a critical role in various sectors, incorporating blockchain could offer novel solutions for sustainable tourism. Blockchain technology has the potential to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in managing visitor numbers, ensuring ticket authenticity, and facilitating donations or funding for conservation efforts. It could also provide a platform for secure and transparent governance of conservation funds, enabling stakeholders to track the utilization of resources in real-time.
Incorporating blockchain technology into the conservation and management strategies of these sites could revolutionize how we approach sustainable tourism and heritage preservation. It would not only foster greater accountability and trust among stakeholders but also potentially open new avenues for funding and international collaboration. As such, exploring the integration of blockchain technology represents a forward-thinking addition to the ongoing efforts to preserve these invaluable treasures for future generations. The successful implementation of these conservation plans continues to rely on collaboration, funding, and vigilance, reflecting a global commitment to preserving our world's heritage in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
How to promote sustainable tourism for UNESCO sites using block chain technology
For UNESCO sites like the Grand Place in Brussels, which are accessible without purchasing tickets, blockchain technology can be used to promote sustainability in innovative ways that do not rely on ticketing. Here are some possible applications:
Fundraising and Donations: a blockchain platform could facilitate the collection of voluntary donations from visitors or sponsors interested in contributing to the conservation and maintenance of the site. The transparency and security of blockchain ensure that all donations are traceable and that funds raised are allocated to specified uses, increasing donor trust.
Loyalty and Incentive Programs: visitors could earn blockchain digital tokens for sustainable behaviours, such as using eco-friendly public transport to reach the site, participating in low-impact tours, or contributing to local conservation initiatives. These tokens could be exchanged for benefits, such as access to exclusive events or discounts at local partner businesses.
Carbon Footprint Verification: Blockchain can be used to track and verify the carbon footprint associated with tourism at the site, including travel to and from Brussels, the use of tourism services, and more. This can help identify opportunities to reduce emissions and offset impact through reforestation projects or other sustainability initiatives.
Carbon Credits Markets: Blockchain tokens can represent carbon credits earned through sustainability actions. For example, if a local business reduces its emissions or contributes to conservation, it can receive carbon credits in the form of blockchain tokens, which can be sold to entities looking to offset their own emissions.
Storytelling and Education Platforms: use blockchain to create a platform where stories, traditions, and sustainability initiatives related to the site can be shared and verified. This not only increases visitor engagement but also promotes education on the site's history and the importance of its conservation.
Choosing Blockchain Technology Blockchain platforms like Ethereum, for its smart contract capabilities, or Cardano and Tezos, for their focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, could be suitable choices for these purposes. The specific selection will depend on the detailed needs of the project, including scalability, security, transaction costs, and environmental impact considerations. Incorporating blockchain technology in these ways can help make tourism more sustainable, even for sites of great historical and cultural value that do not require ticket purchases for access. https://www.mdpi.com/0718-1876/18/2/42
What is blockchain technology?
Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain.
It was created in in 2008 by someone named Satoshi Nakamoto and launched in 2009, is like a super secure digital ledger. It records information transparently and is used in many businesses. Unlike regular databases, it doesn't have one boss controlling it.
One cool thing about blockchain is that it's decentralized. That means anyone can join and make transactions, making it hard to cheat. Transactions are recorded in a super secure way, making it tough to change them without permission. Blockchain isn't just for money like Bitcoin. It's used in finance, healthcare, and more to make things run smoother and build trust between people. Smart contracts are another cool part of blockchain. They automatically do things when certain conditions are met, saving time and money.
But there are challenges, like making it big enough for everyone to use and figuring out rules. There are different kinds of blockchains, like public ones where anyone can join, private ones for specific groups, and mixtures of both.
Bitcoin relies on blockchain to keep track of transactions safely. It uses a special system to make sure everything is right. Bitcoin is just one use of blockchain, showing how powerful this technology can be for secure and honest transactions. https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/blockchain/?aws-products-all.sort-by=item.additionalFields.productNameLowercase&aws-products-all.sort-order=asc https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blockchain.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockchain
Blockchain technology applied in the tourism sector
An example of blockchain technology applied in the tourism sector to promote sustainability is a blockchain-based booking and rewards management system. This system can be used to encourage sustainable behaviours among travellers and tourism operators.
For instance, a blockchain platform could be employed to create an eco-friendly loyalty program where tourists earn digital tokens for making sustainable choices, such as selecting eco-friendly accommodations, participating in ecological tours, or flying with airlines that offset carbon emissions. These tokens can then be used for discounts, exclusive services, or experiences during their travel.
Blockchain ensures the transparency and security of transactions, encouraging both service providers and consumers to commit to sustainability. Moreover, due to its decentralized nature, it reduces the need for intermediaries, potentially lowering costs and increasing efficiency. Another potential use is in tracking the sustainable origin of tourism products and services.
Businesses can use blockchain to record and share information on sustainable practices, such as the origin of the food served to guests or the sustainability of the activities offered. This not only helps to build trust with consumers but also encourages businesses to maintain high sustainability standards.
