23 May 2024

Since 2014, Grupo Aje has championed the Natural Revolution, spotlighting indigenous communities and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The aim? To transform these tourist destinations into carbon-neutral havens. Machu Picchu is now a shining example, inspiring other cities to follow suit. Tourist Destinations on the Path to Carbon Neutrality “We are living in the climate era,” says Jorge López-Dóriga, Global Director of Communications and Sustainability at Grupo Aje. Aje’s commitment to sustainability through its Bio Amayu and Agua Cielo brands focuses on protecting indigenous communities and the regions producing super fruits. Aje’s sustainability strategy targets both national and international tourist hotspots, including Machu Picchu, Manu National Park, the Nazca Lines, the Galápagos Islands, Tikal National Park, and Cartagena de Indias. These iconic sites, known globally, have been selected to set a precedent in environmental and waste management. The Machu Picchu Model In 2017, Grupo Aje, in collaboration with the Inkaterra hotel chain and the Machu Picchu municipality, launched an ambitious project to tackle waste and reduce Machu Picchu’s carbon footprint. Initiatives included installing plastic waste compactors, a biodiesel plant, an organic waste pyrolyzer, and a glass crusher. These efforts have prevented 4,100 tons of CO2 emissions between 2018 and 2022. By 2023, Machu Picchu became the world’s first carbon-neutral tourist destination, setting a global example. Cartagena de Indias: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality Following Machu Picchu’s footsteps, Aje is working to make Cartagena de Indias Colombia’s first carbon-neutral city. This project, led by Aje Colombia’s Country Manager, Fabian Mosquera, focuses on three objectives: mitigating the carbon footprint, promoting sustainable tourism, and positioning Cartagena internationally as a carbon-free city. Global Commitments and Actions At COP28 in 2023, significant commitments were made to combat climate change, including a $100 billion Loss and Damage Fund and goals to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency. Despite these efforts, 2023 was the warmest year on record, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive environmental management. Further Initiatives Across Iconic Sites Grupo Aje’s dedication extends to other UNESCO sites. In the Galápagos Islands, they partnered with the Galápagos Conservancy Foundation to protect giant tortoises. In Tikal National Park, Aje collaborates with the Tikin Petén association to manage solid waste. Similar efforts are underway in Manu National Park and the Nazca Lines in Peru, focusing on waste reduction and environmental education. Conclusion Grupo Aje’s initiatives at Machu Picchu, Cartagena de Indias, the Galápagos Islands, Tikal National Park, Manu National Park, and the Nazca Lines demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable tourism. These projects provide a replicable model for other tourist destinations, showcasing that environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation can go hand in hand. These efforts by Grupo Aje not only contribute to the local environment and communities but also set a global benchmark for sustainability in tourism. They set an example for municipalities and tourist destinations, proving that it is possible to have a positive impact on the environment while preserving the unique treasures of humanity’s natural and cultural heritage. Contact us at Green Initiative so we can advise your business on innovative solutions for championing climate action and supporting you along the way. Written by Yves Hemelryck, from the Green Initiative team. Source and suggested reading: Melissa Cosmopolis, from El Comercio