 |
|
|
 |
23 Apr 2018
Earth Day 2018: Remove plastics from World Heritage Sites, says Unesco
BY
Tom Anstey
|
Marine pollution is a problem, with waste including plastics washing up on beaches
photo: NOAA Marine Debris Program
Unesco has sent out a message on Earth Day 2018, calling for an end to plastic pollution at World Heritage sites. Research suggests that rubbish and pollution are a significant problem at many World Heritage sites. Increased tourism means that more people are leaving trash at the world’s most iconic sites.
Marine pollution is also a problem, with waste including plastics washing up on beaches. Unesco says that birds, turtles and marine mammals get entangled in marine litter or mistake it for food, leading to high mortality rates.
"We must stop using so much plastic, and dispose of waste properly at sites, using trash bins or taking rubbish away with us, to dispose of it properly," said Unesco.
"Part of the problem for marine sites is the natural ocean currents that bring waste to rest on certain beaches, so it’s important to reduce waste overall."
Several World Heritage sites have created clean-up and awareness programmes, which serve as a model for protected areas around the world. These include the remote Papahanaumokuakea atoll in Hawaii, which has had almost 1,000 tons of marine debris has removed from its shores since 1996. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park also has regular clean-ups and awareness programs to protect the beaches along its 220km of coastline. By contrast, the UK overseas territory of Henderson Island struggles with sea debris, with the highest recorded density anywhere in the world.
"We must take action," said Unesco. "Cleaning up is just a start – we also need to use less plastic and not put waste in our oceans. Let’s keep our beaches clean, and dispose of plastics properly or not use them at all. The future of our oceans depends on it."
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
World Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
25 Apr 2024
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, following the launch of the inaugural Siro
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
24 Apr 2024
The US spa industry is continuing its upward trajectory, achieving an unprecedented milestone with a record-breaking revenue of US$21.3 billion in
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
24 Apr 2024
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to sustained increases in activity, according to new
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
24 Apr 2024
Spa and wellness veteran Shannon Malave has been named spa director at iconic US spa destination Mohonk Mountain House. Based in New York’s verdant
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
Xplor Gym
Xplor Gym is an all-in-one gym management software with embedded payments & integrated access control to make running your gym easier and more profitable.
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| World Leisure jobs |
 |
Party Leader
Salary: Competitive
Location: Gainsborough
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
