The role of tourism in addressing the global challenge of food and nutrition security

World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, serves as a global platform to recognize the vital role of tourism in fostering sustainable economic growth and cross-cultural interaction. Tourism has the power to bridge cultures, connect communities, and impact the world positively. Today is a day to celebrate the joys of exploration and cultural exchange, but it also provides a platform for deeper reflection.

Tourism, encompassing a diverse array of activities from leisure to business, offers a unique avenue for the promotion of sustainable food tourism. The essence of this approach lies in providing travelers with nourishing, locally sourced foods that celebrate cultural diversity and freshness. Tourism has emerged as a catalyst in raising awareness about nutrition, aligning the interests of modern travelers with health-conscious dietary choices, and cultivating an appreciation for regional foods’ nutritional and cultural significance.

This year, the theme “Tourism and Green Investments” underscores the critical need for targeted investments that benefit both people and the planet.

The term “green investments” refers to investment activities that are focused on the preservation of natural resources. Green investments are financial operations that are primarily aimed at preserving natural resources and implementing environmentally friendly corporate practices. These investments prioritize sustainability and offer various environmental benefits. They help to prevent pollution, reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, maintain production and consumption quality, and promote sustainable practices.

The transition to a green economy involves a shift in how we do business and manage resources. It is a shift towards ecologically responsible and sustainable practices. This transformation has enormous promise in a number of crucial areas. Green investments generate new job possibilities and economic progress. More individuals can find work and improve their living conditions by assisting industries that use environmentally friendly practices. This, in turn, lowers poverty and improves food security, nutrition outcomes and overall well-being. Food security is a critical worldwide issue. It entails ensuring that everyone has sufficient access to safe and nutritious meals. Good nutrition is critical for the productive futures of every individual as well as the overall socio-economic development of a country. Presently, malnutrition is a serious global challenge that impacts many of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Green investment is interlinked with nutrition in many ways. It promotes sustainable agricultural practices with focus on enhancing crop yields, preserving soil quality, embracing organic farming and safe agroforestry practices with impact on food security, food safety and nutritional composition of food. This is germane now that the food system is becoming increasingly complex, and globalization is fast transforming local food system all around the world. Green investment encourages the creation of healthier and more diverse food options through practices, and promotes better nutrition for local populations and tourists.

Secondly, a green economy has the potential to make our overall economy stronger and more resilient. This protects the food system from extreme consequences of climate change by promoting drought-resistant crops and scaling up irrigation systems for year round production.

Thirdly, green investment preserve biodiversity and improve access to varieties of wild fruits and vegetables, edible insects and animal foods which enrich the food system. This, in turn, allows individuals to have access to nutritious food and other necessities.

Investments in environmentally friendly practices start a growth cycle that leads to higher income levels. Also, investment in improved transportation and storage facility can reduce food waste, enhance food availability and affordability.

Moreover, tourism can promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly food production, which often aligns with healthier food choices. Supporting small-scale farmers and highlighting locally-sourced ingredients can offer tourists fresher and more nutritious food options. Besides, experiences are memorable, making them a powerful platform for delivering lasting messages about the importance of nutrition. By integrating nutrition education into the tourism industry, destinations can enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the health and well-being of travelers while promoting local food culture and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the topic of “Tourism and Green Investments” for 2023 World Tourism Day underscores the transformative effect of environmentally responsible investments i.e Green investments which focuses on sustainability and environmental stewardship, provides a method to reduce poverty, boosts food security, nutrition, and community health outcomes. Let us remember the importance of these investments in creating a better, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations as we celebrate this day. Tourism has the potential to be a catalyst for promoting nutrition, connecting communities, and contributing to a sustainable future. It can play a pivotal role in nourishing tourists and fostering healthier communities while addressing global challenges related to climate change and food security. It’s time for tourism to take a leading role in nourishing the world.

AUTHORS

Abdulmalik Aisha
Adedokun Emmanuel
Ajibade Cornelius
Akinloye Oluwagbemisola
Faji Raphael

From the prestigious Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, these authors are passionate master’s students, driven by their academic prowess and practical insights, to tackle pressing nutritional issues at the community, country and global level.