VIRTUAL London Heritages Conference

Abstract

Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, is a globally renowned historical and touristic destination. However, mass tourism pressures threaten the area’s cultural and environmental integrity, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism principles. Sustainable tourism aims to meet current tourism demands without compromising the natural and cultural heritage or diminishing future opportunities for collective enjoyment by tourists. Green tourism involves minimizing the negative social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism while promoting long-term sustainability. Eco-efficiency, in this context, refers not only to optimizing human activities and energy consumption to reduce pollutant emissions but also to actively removing pollutants that exceed acceptable thresholds through environmentally friendly solutions. This study proposes a three-step methodology to achieve these goals: 1. Assessing and Mapping Pollutants – Identifying and mapping the prevalent pollutants that exceed environmental thresholds within the area. 2. Developing Mitigation Solutions – Devising physical, chemical, and biological solutions to address these pollutants:
o Physical solutions – Employing devices and technologies to capture and remove pollutants. o Chemical solutions – Neutralizing pollutants through targeted chemical reactions. o Biological solutions – Cultivating specific organisms to absorb pollutants and release oxygen, thereby improving air and water quality. 3. Testing and Monitoring – Implementing the proposed solutions and continuously monitoring their effectiveness to ensure long-term success.
The paper discusses the proposed methodology and the suggested devices, offering a novel strategy for transforming Greenwich into a model for green tourism. While further scientific research will be essential to refine and optimize these solutions, the ultimate objective is to establish Maritime Greenwich as a leading example of sustainable tourism.