What are LDCs and SIDS – And why do we support them?
In our increasingly interconnected world, economic and social disparities leave some nations struggling to keep up with the pace of global development. The United Nations (UN) recognizes this and has established a framework to identify and support the world’s most vulnerable countries through its classification of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Today the list includes 46 countries that face significant challenges in achieving sustainable development.
The UN has also identified a group of countries known as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) based on their shared vulnerabilities and specific geographical features. The SIDS list includes 39 States and 18 Associate Members dispersed across the world’s oceans and seas.
While the challenges vary from one of these States to another, there are several common characteristics including their vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather impacts, low income, limited human capital, and high poverty levels. In most cases, tourism is a key socio-economic lifeline and international support a necessity for sustainable development. They all require international targeted support to overcome the challenges they face.
At the Climate Friendly Travel Club, we not only support all LDC & SIDS nations by promoting their tourism, but through the SUNx Group we are creating Chapters led by local chapter leaders who are CFT Diploma graduates. We are calling for Climate Justice for these States. We are also helping their local tourism businesses through the CFT Registry and CFT Services activities.
By joining the Climate Friendly Travel Club, you are contributing directly towards this work, and wherever you see the orange LDC or SIDS Eco-badge on our site, you will know that your travel to this destination will be especially impactful.
