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The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) joined key partners at the Eastern Cape Green Tourism Workshop in East London. The session brought together public and private stakeholders to discuss how tourism can grow while protecting the environment.
What Happened
The workshop took place at Hemingways Hotel. It focused on new strategies that support sustainable tourism. Stakeholders explored how the province can use its natural assets for economic growth without harming the environment. The discussions also stressed the need for long-term conservation.
Official Response
The session centred on the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024. The Act pushes South Africa toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. It calls for climate considerations in all sectors, including tourism. For tourism, this means reducing environmental impact, protecting biodiversity, and building resilience to climate change.
Officials said the Eastern Cape must grow tourism in a way that helps both communities and the environment. The province aims to support green investment and responsible environmental management.
Community Impact
The Provincial Economic Development Strategy (PEDS) outlines interventions to drive climate-aware development. It stresses the need to balance tourism growth with biodiversity protection. Sustainable tourism is expected to boost local economies while safeguarding natural resources. The province believes this approach will produce long-term economic benefits for communities across the Eastern Cape.
