Global code of ethics - Essay Example

All cultures and societies are committed to specific ethical values within which common areas of concern have been accepted. These values draw upon secular traditions and regulations which guide the interaction of individuals, communities and societies as well as to the different beliefs of the religions of the world. Representations of these ethics can be found, for example, in various UN conventions and declarations, e.g. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly, the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development and the recommendations of Agenda 21.

They have also been expressed as fundamental principles by the Parliament of the World's Religions. These principles embody the inviolable dignity of every human being as the very first fundamental ethical principle, which means that every person has a responsibility to treat all people everywhere and at all times in a humane way. These principles imply broad guidelines for human behavior, such as the commitment to a culture of: non-violence and respect for all life; solidarity and a just economic order; sustainability of consumption with respect for fragile environments and scarce resources tolerance and a life of truthfulness; equal rights and partnership between men and women, protection of the rights of children DEMANDS In order to improve the present situation in tourism and to minimize its negative impacts, we urge all actors involved to contribute the best of their knowledge, abilities, and skills towards a tourism that is in line with these ethical principles.

We appeal to the international community and all actors involved in tourism, such as governments, other public authorities, decision makers and professionals in the field of tourism, public and private associations and institutions whose activities are related to tourism, tourists and local communities to adopt the following principles and work towards the following objectives: Political the recognition and protection of political diversity; the control of tourism development in line with sustainability criteria - for the sake of the world of today, its present inhabitants and future generations; to adopt the principle of subsidiary presupposing decentralisation, so that preference is given to local participants in decision-making rather than global, supranational and centralised institutions.

They should be brought in only when problems cannot be resolved by local actors themselves. the participation of all persons involved, an aim which presupposes the freedom to participate and the duty to use this freedom responsibly; the empowerment of local communities who are affected by, involved in, engaged in and concerned with tourism development; protection of decision making structures of minorities and marginalized people/groups and the right to fight for their rights; the principle of good governance.

Economic the recognition and protection of economic diversity; the observance of labour rights; the fair sharing of profits and redistribution of income the restriction of non-resident ownership; the responsibility connected with ownership; the protection of local economies against displacement and disruption; the training for local entrepreneurship and support of local investment; the protection of the informal sector and its values; the protection of attractions against free consumption. Environmental the recognition and protection of ecological diversity; protection of natural resources the provision just access to natural resources the implementation of special programmes to save endangered species Social the recognition and protection of social diversity; the principle of self-reliance; gender equality; the right of children to childhood; the stabilisation of communities; the protection from exploitation or dependence; education and information skills; the participation in the setting up of master plans; the principle of accountability; the local/public definition of infrastructure standards; the integration of the local elite, investors and tourism the abolition of child prostitution local access to and sharing of all facilities between tourists and hosts Cultural the recognition and protection of cultural diversity/multi-culturalism tradition vs.

modernisation the protection of local culture as opposed to tourist culture the protection of basic values the avoidance of zoo syndromes