2. Our Sdg Commitments
  4. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

A Manifesto for a Sustainable Tourism Future

Tourism and hospitality are an essential element of our rural economy, vital to the identity and prosperity of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. To ensure our area thrives, tourism must be sustainable - not only by preserving our unique natural and cultural heritage but also by driving business success.

That’s why we have embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - a global blueprint for a better future. These 17 goals address issues from poverty and hunger to clean energy and wildlife protection. They offer us a practical framework to safeguard what makes our region special and to empower our diverse business community.

Our vision is to be a champion of sustainable tourism. We call upon every stakeholder- from small and medium to large organisations, to join forces to create positive change. Together, step by step, we will build stronger businesses, transform our region, boost our economy and improve community well-being.

Sustainable tourism is the key to our local prosperity. It’s about evolving, adapting, and making a meaningful impact - no matter the nature of your business. Whether you provide accommodation, run an attraction or activities, operate in retail, hospitality or are involved in food and drink production, we all share a responsibility to drive change.

We invite all partners to join our mission: choose one UN SDG that speaks to you, champion it, act and help the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley flourish - today and for generations to come. It’s about realising that you are part of something bigger than yourself and that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the well-being of the whole.

Embrace the Future: Champion a Sustainable Goal Today

At Visit Dean Wye, we’re proud to support six UN Sustainable Development Goals that resonate with our region’s people, culture, and prosperity:

#1 No Poverty

#1 No Poverty 

#7 Clean Energy

#7 Clean Energy 

#8 Decent Work

#8 Decent Work

#12 Sustainable Consumption

#12 Sustainable Consumption

#14 Life Below Water

#14 Life Below Water

#15 Life on Land

#15 Life on Land

We call on every stakeholder - to adopt one or more of these goals and take action. Even the smallest step can spark meaningful change.

Why does one goal matter?

Because each goal is a building block for a healthy tourism economy. They protect our environment, fortify our communities, and attract visitors who care about sustainability. When you commit to a goal, you’re not only investing in your business’s future but also in the enduring legacy of our region.

The time is now

Choose a goal. Take action. And together, let’s drive real, lasting impact. 
Join us in championing a sustainable future for the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - one goal at a time.

Tourism UN Sustainable Development Goals

See the video for more information

How is each Goal relevant to you?

Here's how our partner businesses can get involved with our six selected SDGs.

Goal #1 No Poverty

Champion No Poverty: Empower Communities Through Tourism

Ending poverty isn’t just a global challenge - it’s an opportunity for our local tourism and hospitality businesses to drive real change. Here’s how you can put Goal #1 into action and make a difference:

Key Actions

  • Local Employment 
    Hire locally at every opportunity and level. Invest in training and career development to uplift the community and build a loyal, skilled workforce.
  • Community Engagement 
    Team up with local initiatives and organisations to identify pressing needs. Launch projects that boost education, healthcare, and infrastructure, strengthening the social fabric of our area.
  • Sustainable Procurement 
    Source your supplies—food, beverages, and more—from local producers. Embrace fair trade practices that keep money circulating in our local economy.
  • Cultural Tourism Promotion 
    Celebrate local heritage by offering experiences from locally based performers, food and artisan workshops. Let guests immerse themselves in authentic local culture, generating income for the community.
  • Rural Tourism Development 
    Diversify your offerings by promoting tourism in rural areas, ensuring economic benefits reach even the most remote communities.
  • Informing Guests 
    Encourage visitors to engage with local culture and communities, and how they can best support them, for example, by buying from visiting historical attractions, buying from independent shops local, eating in local pubs, cafes and restaurants.
  • Fair Pricing 
    Adopt pricing structures that fairly compensate local producers and service providers, ensuring a just return for the community’s contributions.
  • Recycle 

Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life.

Actionable Examples

  • Partner with Local Schools 
    Support education by offering apprenticeships, internships, or mentoring programmes for local students.
  • Support Minority or Women-Led Businesses 
    Prioritise partnerships with minority of women-owned enterprises, amplifying their role in the community.
  • Support of Organise Community Events 
    Support or host cultural festivals or events featuring local artists, performers, and vendors to showcase the vibrant local culture.
  • Develop Community-Based Tourism 
    Create tourism experiences designed and managed by local communities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared widely.

Every action, no matter how small, can ripple out and create a wave of change. As a Visit Dean Wye partner, your commitment to fighting poverty directly enhances our community’s wellbeing and drives sustainable prosperity.

Embrace Goal #1 No Poverty.

#7 Clean Energy: Powering a Sustainable Tourism Future

Imagine slashing your energy costs while cutting your carbon footprint - and attracting eco-conscious visitors in the process. Embracing clean energy isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for business. By taking both small practical steps and bold collaborative initiatives, Visit Dean Wye partners can lead the fight against climate change and make a lasting impact on our area.

Small Steps, Big Impact

  • Lighting and Appliances

Switch to LED lighting and smart plugs that use the EU energy label system, which rates products from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) with a colour-coded scale.   Use motion detectors to power lighting and heating only when needed.

  • Heating Efficiency 
    Ensure smart thermostatic controls on radiators – does every room need the radiator on?  Invest in app-controlled heating systems like Hive, Nest or Tado. Replace electric heaters with infrared alternatives and controlled heating zones – ask yourself, does every room need a radiator?
  • Water and Insulation 
    Harvest rainwater for non-potable uses and insulate water pipes and hot water tanks to reduce heat loss. Insulate and ventilate (with heat capture) wherever possible to reduce energy demand for heating in the first place.
  • Staff Empowerment 
    Train your team on energy-saving practices and encourage them to spot and report waste.

Long Term Initiatives

  • Renewable Energy Adoption 
    Install solar panels or switch to renewable energy tariffs such as those offered by Ecotricity, Good Energy, Octopus or British Gas. Consider adding EV chargers for visitors and exploring geothermal systems where feasible.  Team up with Big Solar Co-op if roof space is over 80m2.
  • Smart Systems and Offsets 
    Install smart thermostats in guest rooms and common areas. Invest in carbon offsets through reputable reforestation or clean energy projects.
  • Fuel Source Review 
    Choose fuel suppliers that invest directly in renewable sources, ensuring your energy comes from a sustainable future.

Collective Action for Lasting Change

  • Carbon Audit

Depending on where your business is located, contact your Business Hub, Growth Hub or your local District Council to as some offer free carbon audits to help you benchmark.

  • Group Initiatives 
    Join forces for bulk-purchasing solar installations (Big Solar Co-op) and negotiate green energy rates as a group. Check the production and procurement of photovoltaic (PV) cells doesn’t involve slave labour, in line with the government’s commitment through GB Energy.
  • Collaboration 
    Participate in industry programmes to compare energy performance, share best practices, and learn from real-world case studies.
  • Adopt a Net Zero Sign up to Forest of Dean District Council’s Climate Action Group via the Forest Economic Partnership.
  • Advocacy 
    Advocate for local, regional and national government policies that promote net zero, energy efficiency and renewable adoption across the hospitality sector.

Your commitment to clean energy today is a commitment to a sustainable tomorrow. Whether you’re implementing one small change or launching a long term initiative, every effort counts. Take action now.

Embrace Goal #7 Clean Energy.

#8 Decent Work and Economic Growth: Empowering Our Workforce, Energising Our Rural Economy

Tourism and hospitality businesses have the power to drive positive change by putting people first. Goal #8 commits us to create fair, inclusive and sustainable work environments that benefit everyone - your team, your community and your bottom line. Economic growth that doesn’t destroy our natural assets or environment in the process.

Fair Labour Practices

  • Guarantee National Minimum and Living Wages for all, including seasonal staff.
  • Enforce policies that eliminate forced and child labour.
  • Offer competitive salaries, clear career progression, staff discounts, flexible work arrangements, and robust training and development programs.
  • Cultivate a positive, inclusive, sustainable work culture that attracts and retains talent that cares about people and our natural environment.

Local Employment and Skills Development

  • Prioritise hiring from local communities, especially marginalised groups.
  • Forge partnerships with local training programmes, schools and colleges to build the green and circular economy skills needed for sustainable tourism careers.
  • Invest in continuous training and leadership development to empower your workforce.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Operations

  • Source goods and services from local businesses to reinvest in the community.
  • Support local projects and initiatives - be an active partner in your community’s growth.
  • Implement sustainable practices that reduce your environmental footprint while creating new green job opportunities.
  • Promote responsible tourism practices among guests to amplify positive social impact.

Championing Equality

  • Create equal opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities to pave the way for leadership roles.
  • Adopt policies that firmly prevent all forms of discrimination and positively select women and/or minority group members.

Transparency and Accountability

  • Regularly share data on employment practices, wages, and community engagement.
  • Be transparent about your economic impact and the positive changes you’re making locally.

 
Your commitment to decent work and local prosperity is a game-changer. Each step you take - whether hiring locally, investing in your team’s development, or adopting sustainable operations - creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community. Now is the time to lead by example and unlock a future of shared prosperity.

Embrace Goal #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.

#12 Sustainable Consumption: Keep it Simple, Keep it Fair

There’s a growing movement called Voluntary Simplicity – it’s about living and doing business based on what people really need, not just what they’re told to want. For tourism businesses, this means offering meaningful experiences, not just more stuff.

When we focus on enough – rather than more – we reduce waste, cut costs, and lighten our environmental footprint (SDG #12). And by doing so, we also help build a fairer world (SDG #1), where resources aren’t wasted on excess, and more people can access what they truly need to live well.

It’s not always easy, but embracing simplicity is good for business, good for the planet, and good for people.  Live simply, so others may simply live. That’s not just a nice idea – it’s smart, sustainable tourism.

Quick Wins

  • Promote local, handmade products instead of imported souvenirs
  • Design simpler, low-impact guest experiences that restore, not consume
  • Reduce consumption
  • Switch to a renewable electricity tariff
  • Choose quality over quantity
  • Buy local
  • Embrace active travel
  • Choose video meetings
  • Review your packaging
  • Donate unused items - upcycle
  • Be ambitious in setting targets
  • Create a sustainability plan

Accommodation Providers

  • Eliminate single-use plastics in guest rooms and facilities. Replace plastic water bottles with glass or install filtered water dispensers.
  • Use a low-flow showerhead, which limits the flow, usually to two gallons per minute or less. Standard showerhead uses 9.5 litres of water per minute.
  • Encourage shorter showers - reducing shower time by a minute can save 10% of water. Saving three minutes can save about 45 litres of water per day.
  • Use an aerating showerhead, which mixes air with water to create a powerful shower while using 20% to 30% less water.
  • Dual-flush toilets.
  • Laundry services on request rather than daily.
  • Install energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
  • Use smart thermostats to regulate heating and cooling, or use infrared heaters over electric heaters
  • Provide visible recycling bins in guest areas and encourage guests to participate.
  • Provide biodegradable cleaning products, compost bins, and sustainable firewood.
  • Reduce waste and boost biodiversity by using hot compost bins to create rich, fertile humus on-site.
  • Use refillable bottles for soap and conditioner products.
  • Install solar panels or small wind turbines where feasible.
  • Cut emissions and fuel costs, use biofuels or electric vehicles.
  • Utilise solar battery packs (glamping and camping site – air, water, wind)
  • Use air and ground sourced heating pumps

Attraction and Activity Providers

  • Adopt a “Leave No Trace” policy - educate participants on responsible use of outdoor spaces.
  • Use sustainable materials for equipment eg bamboo paddles, recycled plastic boards.
  • Provide reusable water bottles and snack containers instead of disposables.
  • Switch to LED lighting in displays and energy-efficient heating in visitor areas.
  • Sustainable souvenirs - stock locally made or upcycled souvenirs. Sustainable souvenirs are memories - leave footprints, take away memories.
  • Sustainability experiences - offer workshops or tours on sustainable farming practices.
  • Partner with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to offer authentic and sustainable experiences.
  • Promote sustainable ways to travel to sites and premises – showcase use of cycle networks and trains

Retail and Hospitality

  • Sustainable menus. Use seasonal, local, and organic ingredients where possible. Offer plant-based dishes.
  • Utilise garden space to grow herbs and seasonal vegetables.
  • Compost unused food.
  • Provide smaller portion options, use smaller bowls and plates to help reduce portion size.

All

  • Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies in re-usable containers.
  • Shop independent, shop local, reduce food miles.
  • Partner with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to offer authentic and sustainable experiences.
  • Appoint a “Sustainable Consumption” lead and incentivise to encourage a culture of “recycle, re-use, reduce” among employees. Only buy what you can reuse or recycle.
  • Offer training and education to staff about net zero and the positive environmental impacts, to pass on in conversation to customers

Your commitment to sustainable consumption can transform waste challenges into opportunities for growth. Every eco-friendly choice builds a stronger, greener community and sets you apart as a leader in responsible tourism.

Embrace Goal #12 Sustainable Consumption.

#15 Life on Land: Protect Our Natural Legacy

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity are the heart of our tourism appeal. By reconnecting with nature and building a truly sustainable relationship with the ecosystems that freely provide our air, water, food, fibre, and carbon storage, we protect what makes this place so special.

When we safeguard wildlife and their habitats, we’re not just preserving nature – we’re securing the future of our tourism industry and protecting the unique natural heritage that draws visitors here in the first place.

How You Can Make a Difference

Accommodation Providers

  • Eco-friendly landscaping. Plant native trees, wildflowers and hedgerows to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Create habitats like ponds, bug hotels, log piles and bird nesting boxes.
  • Manage outdoor spaces to minimise disturbance to wildlife, such as avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides and reducing light and sound pollution.
  • Provide guests with information about local wildlife and habitats, promote responsible wildlife viewing and sign-post guided nature walks or wildlife-themed activities.
  • Promote and explain that wildlife isn’t tidy – and that brambles, thorns, and untamed growth create vital habitats where more species can thrive.
  • Collaborate with local conservation organisations, participate in citizen science projects and support local initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment.

Activity Providers

  • Provide informative and engaging commentary on local ecology, wildlife and conservation efforts.
  • Educate participants about local wildlife, their habitats and how to minimise disturbance. Promote responsible wildlife viewing practices.
  • Leave No Trace: Promote and practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles on all activities, minimising disturbance to natural areas and ensuring responsible disposal of waste.
  • Incorporate citizen science projects and wildlife recording into activities, such as birdwatching surveys, butterfly counts or habitat monitoring.
  • Arrange volunteer days for habitat restoration projects with local conservation organisations, such as tree planting, invasive species removal or trail maintenance.

Retail, Hospitality

  • Partner with local conservation organisations and contribute to their efforts through fundraising or volunteer support.
  • Provide information about local wildlife, habitats and conservation efforts. Sign-post guided nature walks or wildlife-themed activities.
  • Create or enhance green spaces around premises by planting native trees, wildflowers and hedgerows.
  • Manage outdoor spaces to minimise disturbance to wildlife, such as avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides and reducing light and sound pollution.

Practical Steps

  • Small: Use native plants in landscaping; display information on local wildlife; put a water bowl out for birds and hedgehogs.
  • Medium: Adopt wildlife-friendly practices like avoiding pesticides and building a pond, log pile or bug hotel. Create a hedgehog or frog highway.
  • Collective: Champion and launch initiatives such as tree planting, conservation grazing, habitat creation and wildlife surveys.

Your commitment to preserving life on land is a commitment to the future of our area. Every step you take in protecting nature not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures that our beautiful landscapes thrive for generations to come.

Embrace Goal #15 Life on Land.

#14 Clean Water and Conservation: Waterways for Sustainable Adventure

The Rivers Severn, Monnow and Wye, our area’s lakes, and waterfalls aren't just scenic backdrops - they're the lifeblood of businesses offering paddleboarding, canoe and kayak experiences, gorge walking, wildlife watching, river cruises, fishing, wild swimming and even surfing when the Seven Bore is high. A healthy water ecosystem is essential for delivering unforgettable experiences and ensuring our visitors’ safety and enjoyment.

How Can You Lead the Way?

  • Protect Water Quality 
    Adopt practices that minimise pollution. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and reduce single-use plastics to ensure our waterways remain pristine and inviting.
  • Support Biodiversity 
    Collaborate with local conservation groups to protect aquatic life and their habitats. Implement measures that safeguard native species and maintain the natural balance of our rivers and lakes.
  • Eco-Innovative Operations 
    Invest in green technologies for your boats and equipment. Consider electric or hybrid engines and optimise fuel efficiency to reduce your environmental footprint. Consider installing EV charging points for visitors.
  • Educate and Engage 
    Inform your customers about the importance of clean water and responsible recreation. Encourage them to respect local wildlife and participate in conservation efforts during their adventures.  Encourage them to become citizen scientists.
  • Collaborative Initiatives 
    Partner with other water-based businesses, local organisations and authorities to champion sustainable practices, from waste management to water quality monitoring, ensuring a unified front in preserving our natural resources.

Healthy waterways are the foundation of our area’s natural charm. By embracing sustainable practices and championing clean water, you’re not just enhancing customer experiences - you’re protecting a vital resource for generations to come.

Embrace Goal #14 Clean Water and Conservation.

United Nations Global Compact: Our Commitment to a Responsible Future

At Visit Dean Wye, we’re proud to be part of the United Nations Global Compact - a pledge to align our operations with principles that champion human rights, fair labour, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption.

This initiative isn’t just a global guideline, it’s a practical framework that helps us integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everything we do.

Why It Matters to Our Area

Supported by UN Tourism, which promotes responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide, our commitment to the Global Compact reinforces our dedication to building a tourism sector that is not only profitable but also ethical and sustainable. By embracing these global principles, we empower Forest of Dean and Wye Valley travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses to:

  • Uphold Fair Practices 
    Ensure that human rights and fair labour standards are at the core of your operations.
  • Protect Our Heritage 
    Conserve our natural landscapes and cultural treasures for future generations.
  • Drive Sustainable Growth 
    Promote economic prosperity that is both inclusive and sustainable, benefiting every stakeholder in our community.
  • Champion Environmental Responsibility 
    Implement eco-friendly practices that safeguard our planet while enhancing guest experiences.

A Call to Action for Our Partners

By joining the UN Global Compact, we’ve not just signed a document – we've committed to a movement that transforms how we do business. We invite every partner to embrace these principles, turning them into tangible actions that protect our natural and cultural heritage and drive a thriving, responsible tourism industry.

Together, we can lead by example and shape a future where business success goes hand in hand with social progress and environmental protection. Join us on this journey to create a legacy of sustainable tourism that benefits people, the planet, and our region’s prosperity.

Learn more about the UN Global Compact and our commitment here: UN Global Compact Video Series.

Forward Faster: Turning Sustainability Pledges into Action for Tourism

The UN’s Forward Faster initiative is a wake-up call for all of us – as individuals and as tourism and hospitality business owners. It’s about making our sustainability efforts more urgent, measurable, and impactful. While many of us already align with the UN SDGs and the Global Compact, Forward Faster pushes us to go beyond pledges and deliver real change by 2030.

Watch the video:

What Does This Mean for You?

  • Set Clear Targets 
    Define specific, time-bound goals for reducing carbon emissions, boosting recycling, or engaging local communities.
  • Measure and Report Your Progress 
    Use our simple biannual survey form to track and report your actions, ensuring we all stay on course.
  • Drive Real Impact 
    Forward Faster isn’t just about intent - it’s about turning your sustainability promises into results that benefit both your business and our area.

By embracing Forward Faster, you join a global call to accelerate progress, ensuring that every action counts towards a resilient, sustainable tourism future.

Measuring Our Impact: A Simple Framework for Sustainable Success

To ensure that our collective efforts make a real difference, we’re introducing a simple measurement and reporting framework that’s easy for everyone to follow. Here’s how it works:

  1. Biannual Reporting 
    Every six months, each partner will be asked to complete a short online survey. This questionnaire will capture key data on your recent sustainability actions and initiatives - nothing too time-consuming, just a quick update on your progress.
  2. Annual Impact Report 
    We’ll compile all the survey responses into an annual Impact Report that highlights our collective achievements. This report will be published by Visit Dean Wye and shared with the United Nations, showcasing how our area leads the way in sustainable tourism.
  3. Why It Matters 
    This reporting process not only helps us track our progress but also provides transparency and accountability. It’s a powerful tool to celebrate our wins, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the real impact of our efforts to stakeholders, partners, and the global community.

Your participation is crucial - together, we’ll build a strong case for sustainable tourism in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Let’s measure our success and make every action count.

Join us in this journey towards a sustainable future.

Resources and further information

You May Also Like

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter