12 July 2018

To advocate for circular economy solutions in the tourism sector, the Government of Botswana is joining hands with the governments of Bhutan, Finland and Mexico, UN Environment, as well as the One Planet Network, to organize an official side event at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which will take place in New York on the 9th until 18th of July 2018.

In line with the ‘Kasane Call to Action on Sustainable Tourism: The Tourism We Want’, adopted following the Conference and Symposium for Empowering Tourism Destinations’ Sustainability through Innovation, held in Kasane, Botswana on 8 December 2017, the government of Botswana is conjointly organizing the side event ‘Tourism & Construction: Circular Economy solutions for SDG12’ at the UN Headquarters on 18 July 2018. 

The event aims to highlight the importance of strengthening circular thinking in both sectors, showcasing how circular economy solutions in the tourism and construction sectors can accelerate the shift to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the implementation of SDG 12, while contributing to sustainable and resilient societies. 

H.E. Mr. Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism of Botswana, will lead the discussions on the Kasane Call to Action on Sustainable Tourism and elaborate on the aspects outlined to support circular models and SDG12 monitoring in tourism sector.  

Recalling that the Kasane Call for Action advocates for the development and promotion of SCP practices that ensure the efficient use of natural resources and help to combat climate change, the fundamental target of the document is to further strengthen sustainable development of the tourism sector by 2030.