Legal Due Diligence in Private Security Operations
The spirit of #BLUESecurity demonstrates the respect for Indvidual’s rights in a complex environment of international legal regimes. The constant instability caused by piracy and threats of violence on shipping routes prudent security management and a solid legal awareness to be able to react to changing security situations. The complex interplay of different legal systems […]The Relevance of SDG16 in the Ocean Cruise Business
The ocean is not a lawless place. The global community must regard the importance of Justice Equality at Sea as on Land.
The beauty of cruising is in the journey, the destinations, and the experiences. As luxury liners glide across the vast oceans, passengers are often lost in the breathtaking horizons and opulent offerings onboard. But beneath this tapestry of travel delight lies a pressing concern that requires immediate attention: the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16) – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. One might wonder how this goal, primarily focused on peace, justice, and effective governance, aligns with the ocean cruise business. But delve deeper, and the relevance becomes crystal clear.
At first glance, SDG16 emphasizes the importance of reducing all forms of violence, promoting the rule of law, ensuring equal access to justice, and developing effective, accountable institutions at all levels. While it might seem that these objectives are more pertinent to countries and governments, businesses, especially those with a significant global footprint like the cruise industry, play a crucial role in achieving them.
1. Protecting Local Communities
Cruise liners often dock at multiple ports, from bustling cities to quaint towns. These destinations are not just stopovers; they are communities with unique cultures and socioeconomic dynamics. A responsible cruise business ensures that their interactions with these communities are peaceful and just, contributing positively to local economies without causing socio-cultural disruptions.
2. Environmental Justice
While SDG16 does not address environmental concerns directly, the principle of justice extends to environmental responsibility. The cruise industry has, in the past, faced criticism for pollution and its impact on marine life. Upholding the tenets of SDG16 means adopting cleaner technologies, minimizing waste, and ensuring that the oceans – the very asset that allows this industry to thrive – are protected and preserved.
3. Accountability & Transparency
One of the primary directives of SDG16 is to establish effective, transparent, and accountable institutions. The cruise industry, being a significant stakeholder in global tourism, has the responsibility to lead by example. By implementing transparent business practices, engaging in fair trade, ensuring guest safety, and being accountable for their environmental footprint, cruise businesses can set the gold standard for the travel sector.
4. Collaboration for Peace and Prosperity
The cruise industry’s vast network, which spans countries and continents, places it in a unique position to foster dialogue and collaboration. Cruise businesses can initiate peace-building activities, cultural exchange programs, and joint ventures that not only promote global understanding but also contribute to economic prosperity in the regions they operate.
5. Equitable Opportunities
A cruise liner is a microcosm of a community, with staff hailing from various countries and backgrounds. SDG16’s emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity can be mirrored in hiring practices, ensuring fair wages, and providing a safe, discrimination-free environment for all staff members and the implementation of the same legal standards at sea as on land.
In conclusion, while the vast oceans might seem to insulate cruise liners from global challenges, the reality is quite the opposite. The cruise business is intricately linked with the destinations it touches and the global community it serves. Embracing SDG16 is not just a moral obligation but a business imperative. By aligning with peace, justice, and strong institutional principles, the cruise industry can ensure sustainable growth while leaving a positive and lasting impact on the world.
