THT2114 Sustainable Operations and Destinations for Precaution

Several years ago, Uganda had numerous primary forests that supported a stable and reliable climate. Today, most of those rain forests have been converted to crop land. Deforestation affected the climate and it no longer rained as before (Uganda Tourism Association, 2011). The local communities could no longer rely on rain for their agricultural activities. Also, the depleted ecology affected wild animals and as a result, wildlife decreased significantly. Some animals migrated to other more accommodative areas while other succumbed to human violence.

The University of Manitoba conducted a project to sustain tourism and enhance the economic lives of the local people. Despite having a feasible plan, implementing it faced several issues and challenges. In Ruhija community, he project involved re-opening a gorilla park for tourism. Accommodation was part of the activities because it is part of tourism. Dr. Michael Campbell successfully assisted Ruhijja and two other communities in this exercise.

Among the issues and challenges experienced in this project were low levels of literacy. Dr. Campbell was expected to work with local people and empower them economically. Despite their willingness in participation and learning, low education levels slowed down the progress (Augustine, 2011). For instance, accommodation for tourists was initially rooms locally constructed. Dr. Campbell guide them on how to enhance the accommodation camp and make it attractive to the tourists.

Life in third world countries is difficult, especially in the rural areas. Establishing resources is a major challenge. The University of Manitoba sponsored a beehive project for the local people but they did not have land to hold the project. They had to request an individual to allow the project on his land. Another major challenge that Dr. Campbell faced was working with individuals who lacked training in tourism. Although the local people were interested and cooperative in upgrading their lives through sustainable tourism, they had to undergo training (Eweje & Perry, 2012). Despite the challenges and issues in this case stud, the University of Manitoba was able to sponsor project that supported local communities in ecologically degraded areas. Tourism will not only preserve the environment but also empower the people economically.

Question 2

Uganda is making efforts of improving sustainable tourism by utilizing the natural environment. Intermediaries such as Intrepid Travel have a major role in supporting people, planet, profits and the progress in such a case. This company is a tour company that practices sustainable traveling. The company had collaborate with the tourism ministry in Uganda and bring visitors to experience tourist destination in the nation. While doing, Intrepid Travel will be promoting sustainability and expressing its importance to the travelers. Intrepid Travel will also be benefitting as a business through profits earned from the tours.  

Sustainability is a responsibility of every function and department, including supply chain (Rezaee, 2017). This department is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and other degrading factors in business. The supply chain department can engage in environmental preservation practices that will both benefit their businesses as well as the surroundings. For instance, utilizing renewable energy would reduce operational costs for the business and sustain the environment.

Another essence of sustainability in supply chain is perpetuating supply. Sustainability is derived from maintenance and guaranteeing a continuous flow (Robinson, 2012). This continuity keeps the business operational. If the environment is destroyed, the entire life of humanity would be destroyed as well. The environment gives resources such materials required in the supply chain process. To secure tomorrow’s business, supply chain activities have to put into account the future’s wellbeing.

Sustainability could be achieved by social responsibility practices such as community development. The community is an integral part of supply chain and other business departments. Conserving or protecting the environment is a responsibility for the entire community (Kenny & Meadowcroft, 2002). Businesses and people ought to work together in cohesion to achieve this objective. Sustainable practices will deliver quality goods and services to consumers. This benefit will continue to strengthen the bond between businesses and the community.

Intermediaries supporting sustainable initiatives is also for their interest. Sustainable initiatives motivate intermediaries to be innovative. For instance, creating and developing business processes that will reduce costs and maximize gains while conserving resources. Also, intermediaries are capable of inventing new product and services (Rezaee, 22017). These innovations add value and quality to consumers.

Recommendations

Intermediaries understand the importance of sustainability to the individuals, businesses and entire globe. They could engage in awareness as they conduct their business activities (Robinson, 2012). In this case, Intrepid Travels are a suitable opportunity of sensitizing sustainable practices to tourists. It is even more persuasive when this company takes visitors on adventures and practically shows them the gains of sustainability.

Conclusion

Sustainability is a critical determinant of environmental preservation. Do the depletion that has happened to forests and other natural resources, the negative effects are being experiences in numerous spheres of life, especially in the economy. A country such as Uganda is implementing conservative measures that will increase tourism business, create job opportunities and generally improve the lives of people in the local communities.

References

Augustine, S. Tourism in Uganda. (2015). Florida : BluewaterPress.

Eweje, G., & Perry, M. (2012). Business & sustainability: Concepts, strategies and changes. (Emerald business, management and economics ebook series.) Bingley: Emerald.

Kenny, M., & Meadowcroft, J. (2002). Planning sustainability. London: Routledge.

Khosrow-Pour, M. (2018). Green computing strategies for competitive advantage and business sustainability. Hershey PA : IGI Global, Business Science Reference.

McFarland, B. (2017). REDD+ and Business Sustainability: A Guide to Reversing Deforestation for Forward Thinking Companies. London : Taylor and Francis.

Rezaee, Z. (2017). Business sustainability: Performance, compliance, accountability and integrated reporting. New York : Routledge.

Robinson, Z. (2012). Sustainability. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions.

Uganda Tourism Association,. (2011). Tourism investment opportunities in northern Uganda. Uganda Tourism Association.