Hartlepool, a coastal town in northeast England, is committed to developing its tourism industry in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By balancing growth with ecological and social responsibilities, the town aims to build a sustainable future.
A key initiative focuses on preserving Hartlepool’s natural and historical assets, such as its coastline and landmarks like the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Eco-friendly tourism experiences, including coastal walking trails and heritage tours, safeguard these resources and support SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Hartlepool Borough Council, 2023a).
The town is also investing in renewable energy and green infrastructure, such as energy-efficient tourism facilities and low-carbon transport options. These efforts contribute to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action, reducing the carbon footprint of tourism while promoting sustainability (Hartlepool Borough Council, 2019b).
Below is the ‘Tees Valley 2005 Baseline’ graph, which shows the region’s carbon emissions and includes expectations for reduction up to 2050. This data highlights the efforts to track and decrease emissions, which directly support Hartlepool’s own sustainability and climate action goals.
(Hartlepool Borough Council, 2019c).
Community engagement is at the heart of Hartlepool’s strategy. Local businesses and residents are encouraged to participate, ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably. Initiatives like local craft markets and seafood festivals support SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating job opportunities and fostering economic inclusivity (Hartlepool Borough Council, 2023d).
Additionally, Hartlepool promotes SDG 4: Quality Education by raising awareness through environmental campaigns, workshops, and school partnerships. These efforts encourage stewardship and long-term sustainability (United Nations, n.d.).
Hartlepool’s approach demonstrates that sustainable tourism can drive economic growth while protecting both the environment and the community.
4 – (European Commission, n.d.). 7 – (Grantham Centre, n.d.). 8 – (United Nations, n.d.).
11 – (Royal Academy of Engineering, n.d.).
13 – (Grantham Centre, n.d.).
References
European Commission (n.d.) SDG 4: Quality Education. KnowSDGs. Available at: https://knowsdgs.jrc.ec.europa.eu/sdg/4 (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Grantham Centre (n.d.) SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Available at: https://grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/sdgs/sdg-7-affordable-and-clean-energy/ (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Grantham Centre (n.d.) SDG 13: Climate Action. Available at: https://grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/sdgs/13-climate-action/(Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Hartlepool Borough Council (2019b) Hartlepool Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy – April 2019. Available at: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/downloads/file/1996/hartlepool_sustainable_modes_of_travel_strategy_-_april_2019(Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Hartlepool Borough Council (2019c) Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy. Available at: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/3034/hlp04_7_tees_valley_climate_change_strategypdf.pdf (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Hartlepool Borough Council (2023d) ‘Businesses urged to help shape Hartlepool tourism plan’. Available at: https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/news/article/2691/businesses_urged_to_help_shape_hartlepool_tourism_plan (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Hartlepool Borough Council (2023b) Hartlepool Inclusive Growth Strategy. Available at: https://www.investinhartlepool.co.uk/app/uploads/2023/03/Inclusive-growth-Strategy-DIGITAL-1.pdf (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
Royal Academy of Engineering (n.d.) SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Available at: https://raeng.org.uk/sdg11 (Accessed: 6 December 2024).
United Nations (n.d.) Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8(Accessed: 6 December 2024).
United Nations (n.d.) THE 17 GOALS – Sustainable Development Goals. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals(Accessed: 6 December 2024).