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Integrate climate action and sustainability measures in the management of cultural tourism and cultural heritage
The climate emergency is an existential threat to the planet and the civilization as we know it. It jeopardizes cultural and natural heritage, and threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of people across the world. Tourism dependent communities are particularly vulnerable.
All cultural tourism stakeholders must take action to mitigate, reduce and manage climate impacts. Actions should enhance the ability of communities to generate, retain and maintain sustainable benefits from cultural tourism. Tourism activities must minimize their greenhouse gas emissions. This is a shared responsibility of governments, tour operators, tourism businesses, destination managers and marketing organizations, site management authorities, land- use planners, heritage and tourism professionals, civil society and visitors. Enforcement should be ensured via incentives, bylaws, policies and guidelines that are updated as necessary.
Climate action is a personal, collective and professional responsibility beyond national commitments and the Paris Accord. Tourism and visitor management must contribute to effective carbon and greenhouse gas reduction, waste management, reuse, recycling, energy and water conservation, green transport and infrastructures that comply with international and national targets. Measures to support heritage conservation, biodiversity and natural ecosystems need to be a priority in planning, implementation and evaluation of tourism and visitor management strategies. Adaptive reuse and retrofitting of built and vernacular heritage can contribute to climate adaptation and retain a more authentic visitor experience.
Climate action strategies must consider traditional ownership, knowledge and practices. Communication, information, heritage interpretation, education and training must increase the awareness about the climate emergency and its consequences for natural and cultural heritage, especially where communities and destinations are at risk. The presentation and interpretation of heritage places open to the public must also contribute to these tasks including messages about climate impacts on preservation and the environment. This invites the consideration of innovative technologies that can be used for these purposes.
Climate change is calling for a transformational and regenerative approach to cultural tourism where the priorities focus on building resilient and adaptive communities and heritage places.
Webinar on principle 7
Webinar on principle 7
Recording of webinar on principle 6 & 7 organised 24 June 2026
Resources
Resources
UNESCO, Policy Document on the Impacts of Climate Change on World Heritage Properties, 2008.
UNESCO, World Heritage and Tourism in a Changing Climate, 2016.
ICOMOS, Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action, 2019.
ICOMOS, Declaration on Climate and Ecological Emergency, 2020.
ICOMOS, Europa Nostra, European Cultural Heritage Green Paper, 2021.
Our World Heritage (2025) A paradigm shift is needed now! Adapting World Heritage guidelines to climate change reality
Sun, YY., Faturay, F., Lenzen, M. et al. (2024) Drivers of global tourism carbon emissions.
Implementation
Implementation
To achieve practical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact in culture-based tourism, the following steps could be considered:
Introduce mandatory guidelines and incentives for climate cuts throughout the value chain in culture-based tourism, based on documented strategies such as the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage's climate strategy and the cultural sector's green roadmap.
Integrate sustainable energy solutions, green transport, efficient waste management and water conservation into all infrastructure and operational practices. Examples include the use of renewable energy in buildings, electric transport and systems for reduced water consumption.
Utilise traditional knowledge alongside modern climate adaptation strategies by working closely with indigenous peoples and local communities to develop adaptation methods that strengthen resilience to climate change.
Actively use technology and communication to raise awareness among both tourists and local communities about the consequences of the climate crisis for natural and cultural heritage, through digital media, exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Prioritise approaches that build resilient and adaptable local communities and cultural environments, such as by supporting the circular economy and locally based sustainable initiatives.
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
Here are some useful questions for reflection on the recommended advice on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact in culture-based tourism in practice, with particular emphasis on cooperation between indigenous peoples and local communities:
Introduction of guidelines and incentives
How can guidelines based on the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage's climate strategy be adapted to different parts of the value chain in culture-based tourism?
What incentives will be most effective in motivating actors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Sustainable energy solutions and green infrastructure
In what ways can the use of renewable energy and green transport be integrated into existing infrastructure without compromising the authenticity of cultural heritage?
How can water conservation and efficient waste management be adapted in small and medium-sized tourism units?
Integration of traditional knowledge and climate adaptation strategies
How can indigenous peoples' ‘traditional knowledge’ be formally and respectfully integrated into modern climate adaptation strategies?
In what ways can this knowledge contribute to the development of local and sustainable methods for strengthening resilience to climate change?
Technology and communication for increased awareness
How can digital media and interactive experiences be designed to increase both the local population's and tourists' understanding of climate change?
What methods can ensure that communication promotes responsibility and engagement without alienating the target groups?
Building resilient local communities
How can circular economy and locally based initiatives be stimulated in culture-based tourism to strengthen community resilience?
In what ways can we measure and monitor the impact of such initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability?
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