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A guide for a resilient and inclusive tourism recovery in the face of emergencies
The Mexican representations of UNDP, UNESCO and UNICEF, the Disability Humanitarian Support Network, and the civil organization Mexican Transparency presented the "Guidelines for a Resilient and Inclusive Tourism Recovery and Reconstruction Post Hurricane Otis."
The joint document aims to strengthen the integration of gender, interculturality, accessibility, and transparency approaches in tourism recovery actions because of the devastating impacts of Hurricane Otis in the state of Guerrero last year. During the webinar, representatives from the various participating organizations and institutions delved into the practical recommendations offered by the guide for an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism reconstruction, addressing the needs of all people, with particular emphasis on women, girls, boys, adolescents, people with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples' communities who have been made vulnerable.
Andrea Quesada, Gender, Sustainable Development, and Environment Specialist at the Regional Center for Latin America and the Caribbean of UNDP, highlighted that "the guide shows the differentiated impact by gender roles and identities, highlighting the inequalities that put women and girls at greater risk in disasters. It recognizes differentiated vulnerabilities and needs, addressing the inequalities that threaten recovery. It adds value by guiding towards gender-sensitive design, promoting women's participation in decision-making and leadership."
Meanwhile, Paola Palacios, Program and International Affairs Coordinator at Mexican Transparency, addressed the importance of transparency and accountability. "Transparency is essential because all public and private resources reach these disaster areas. Its origin and final destination must be clear. It is necessary to follow the money trail to maximize resources."
Alicia Loza, General Coordinator of the Disability Humanitarian Support Network, emphasized universal accessibility: "To exercise the right to the city, we need to consider universal accessibility, which is a key right and a life paradigm."
Meanwhile, Cynthia Santoyo, Culture Sector Specialist at UNESCO Mexico, shared the importance of the interculturality approach. She mentioned: "to preserve the cultural sector in the face of risks, as its impact affects communities."
José Antonio Ruiz Hernández, National Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Mexico, discussed the crucial task of protecting girls, boys, and adolescents in post-disaster contexts, a fundamental priority in these efforts: "A resilient and inclusive reconstruction requires prioritizing the protection of the rights of girls, boys, and adolescents, whose violations increase dramatically in emergencies."
