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The increasing accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in oceans and landfills, along with the depletion of non-renewable fossil-based resources, has sparked environmental concerns and prompted the search for environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodegradable plastics derived from lignocellulosic materials are emerging as substitutes for synthetic plastics, offering significant potential to reduce landfill stress and minimise environmental impacts. This study highlights a sustainable and cost-effective solution by utilising agricultural residues and invasive plant materials as carbon substrates for the production of biopolymers, particularly polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), through microbiological processes. Locally sourced residual materials were preferred to reduce transportation costs and ensure accessibility. The selection of suitable residue streams was based on various criteria, including strength properties, cellulose content, low ash and lignin content, affordability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, shelf-life, mechanical and physical properties, short maturation period, antibacterial properties and compatibility with global food security. Life cycle assessments confirm that PHB dramatically lowers CO₂ emissions compared to traditional plastics, while the growing use of lignocellulosic biomass in biopolymeric applications offers renewable and readily available resources. Governments worldwide are increasingly inclined to develop comprehensive bioeconomy policies and specialised bioplastics initiatives, driven by customer acceptability and the rising demand for environmentally friendly solutions. The implications of climate change, price volatility in fossil materials, and the imperative to reduce dependence on fossil resources further contribute to the desirability of biopolymers. The study involves fermentation, turbidity measurements, extraction and purification of PHB, and the manufacturing and testing of composite biopolymers using various physical, mechanical and chemical tests.

The search for luxurious hospitality experiences increasingly coincides with the imperative to mitigate negative impacts in the pursuit of greater sustainability. This is a task often understood as being complex particularly in the context of luxury hospitality which often resonates with conspicuous consumption. This chapter uses a case study approach to analyze the complex relationship between luxury tourism and sustainability. The study focuses on the development of “luxury” from a materialistic perspective toward an experience economy and relates this to the concept of sustainability and agreements relevant to the tourism industry. The environmental impact of luxury hospitality is then discussed. The case study on properties in Costa Rica, South Africa, the Maldives, Vietnam, and French Polynesia focuses on philosophy, facilities, energy and waste consumption, food and beverage, conservational and educational activities, and alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The focus is on the properties and shows limitations in that it is not applicable to the whole tourist journey and experience. All properties understand luxury as based on experiences and involvement in nature. Measures to mitigate environmental impact and foster conservational and educational activities are mainstream practices. Comparing the cases with academic literature on luxury, sustainability, ecotourism, and environmental policies underline that sustainability-driven luxury hospitality shows valuable steps toward a more sustainable product but is ultimately faced with the dilemma of taking into consideration and ultimately mitigating the impacts of the entire travel value chain.

Tourism acts as a stimulant in rural poverty reduction and inclusive socioeconomic development. Sustainable tourism can significantly contribute to the economic diversification and local economic development of rural areas with its ability to create jobs and encourage infrastructural development focusing on preserving the environment, culture and indigenous groups. The detrimental effects of tourism on the economy, society and culture have shifted attention to sustainable travel. As a result, terms like ‘tribal tourism’, ‘ecotourism’ and ‘sustainable tourism’ have become popular. Inclusive engagement is a crucial agenda item in future tourism development and a major concern of many international organisations, including the United Nations. This chapter focuses on exploring the tribal communities and their involvement in sustainable tourism initiatives with an overarching focus on the role of the indigenous community and their skill sets in creating sustainable livelihoods through tribal tourism. Apart from creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, tribal tourism will support the growth of locally produced goods and have significant multiplier effects as capability-building initiatives will give impetus to the community's socioeconomic development.

Additionally, the sector offers notable advancements in the development of the tribal region. Tribal tourism will help people comprehend the significance of the ecosystem, local biodiversity and emission control activities on a deeper level (Thanikkad & Saleem, 2021). This chapter explores the indigenous tribes of Kerala and their ethnic skill sets, capabilities and means of livelihood. Further, the discussion on how the tourism domain promotes inclusive engagement of these tribes and aids in mapping skill sets, livelihood and inclusive engagement through tourism initiatives is explored.