BCTCRI: Project Three

Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework

Project Three is focused on developing and implementing a sustainability and climate adaptation data framework that encourages industry alignment with policies and practices, common metrics, and data collection methods in the areas of sustainability and climate adaptation.

A Working Group was established to develop the data framework and guide its implementation through the following process:

• an exploratory sample inventory of organizations offering sustainability and climate adaptation data, measures, and programs that currently exist internationally, nationally, and within BC;
• a globally recognized performance measurement process to develop a set of key quantifiable measures; and
• workshop discussions and engagement with partners and experts.

The Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework (Data Framework) provides a foundation for strategic direction for industry alignment with policies and practices, and common metrics and data collection methods in the areas of sustainability and climate adaptation.

Measuring sustainability is an essential part of the collective efforts in BC to meet climate action targets and build climate change resilience. However, because there are broad and differing definitions of sustainability and hundreds of frameworks globally, there is limited consensus on what and how to measure.

This Data Framework was created to identify and focus on the most meaningful measures that demonstrate strong evidence of our desired outcomes, while ensuring the feasibility for data collection by tourism partners across BC. Using this approach, the industry can focus on what needs to change to effectively build a cleaner tourism industry that is better prepared to adapt to climate change. The data can be used by partners within the tourism ecosystem, and beyond, to develop tools to help businesses respond to climate hazards, and encourage broad adoption of common sustainability policies and practices.