Within the framework of the “Path to Sustainability” chaired at the Faculty of Economic, Administrative and Accounting Sciences, La Universidad Los Libertadores organized the conference “Sustainable experiences in Mexico”, which provided international experiences that allowed to understand how countries face the challenge of sustainable development. Cepei was invited to comment the talk, within the framework of the cooperation agreement, which we signed with the university on 2019.
The main speaker, Professor Roberto Montalvo, Coordinator of the Master in Administration, from the Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciudad de México, presented some success stories about sustainable productive units, sustainable tourism products and adaptation projects in the framework of sustainable development in Mexico.
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Fredy Rodríguez, Cepei’s Data for sustainable development area Coordinator, commented on the presentation to inquire about good practices, challenges and lessons learned from Mexico that could contribute to sustainable development in Colombia.
He also referred to the relationship of tourism with the SDGs, mentioning that Colombia, in its tourism plan, includes a series of guides aimed to the efficient use of water; sustainable and smart construction; regulation of hiking; and the possibility of tax exemptions for hotels to focus on sustainable tourism.
Rodríguez also emphasized the important role that the academy plays in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
“For sustainability, the academy plays a relevant role in terms of research. When the SDGs were born, a series of goals and indicators were set, but in many cases they said, yes, we have to address it because it is important; However, the how was not clear. And there is where the academy can help to find the answer to that how through research” [own translation].
Tourism: one of the most relevant sectors in the world economy
In 2017, tourism represented 10.4% of the world GDP and accounted 9.9% of total jobs. For 2018, its contribution to the GDP increased by 4%, and 3% in terms of jobs.
The 2030 Agenda includes three specific goals to strengthen sustainable tourism and implement best practices:
8.9 By 2030, develop and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism creates and promotes culture and local products.
12.b Develop and apply instruments to monitor the effects on sustainable development, in order to achieve sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes culture and local products.
14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits that small developing Island States and least developed countries derive from sustainable use of marine resources, in particular through the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
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