Sustainable Tourism Law

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW 803 2. Common Heritage entails freedom of access and freedom of scientific investigation; 3. The heritage may only be used for peaceful purposes; 4. The rational legal use of the heritage and equitable sharing of the Common Heritage of Humankind. The United Nations, along with other governments and non-governmental organizations, (NGOs) have sought ways in which regular and continuous economic development can lead to the betterment of humankind. Pursuant to these goals, sustainable development has been advocated and is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts: the concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.” The author goes further to state “Development involves a progressive transformation of economy and society.”. 5 II.4. The Sustainable Development of Tourism (UNWTO – Tourism, 2004) Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability. Thus, sustainable tourism should: 1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity. 2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter- -cultural understanding and tolerance. 5 Bruntland, G. (ed.), Our Common Future World Commission on Environment and Development , (1987) Oxford, Oxford University Press.