PART 3: RIGHTS AT RISK: KEY CHALLENGES FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM 3. Human rights and the environment Yet, the environmental impacts of the tourism Human rights are intrinsically linked to the water pollution, depletion of natural resources, environment in which people live. The UN excessive waste and greenhouse gas emissions.63 Framework Principles on Human Rights and the Environment states that ’environmental harm interferes with the enjoyment of human rights, and the exercise of human rights helps to protect the environment and to promote sustainable development’.59 In 2021, the UN Human Rights Council recognised for the first time that having a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right.60 In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution recognising the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right and calling for increased efforts worldwide to promote and protect that right for all.61 can be significant.62For example, activities related to tourism can lead to air and The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as ’tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, environment and host communities’. 64 the Given the interconnected relationship between human rights and the environment, business must take steps to understand their environmental and social footprint. Undertaking a comprehensive process to identify, prevent and mitigate negative environmental impacts will not only preserve the natural environment, ensuring the longterm viability of the tourism sector, but will also The tourism sector often relies on thriving and ensure that the rights of local communities are sustainable physical environments. Tourists travel not negatively impacted. to Vietnam to enjoy clean beaches, flourishing forests, abundant wildlife and mountain ranges. 30 | industry