22 November 2024

How COP29 is Transforming Tourism, Transport, and Urbanization for a Climate Positive Future

How COP29 is Transforming Tourism, Transport, and Urbanization for a Climate and Nature Positive Future

On November 20, 2024, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a transformative moment in global climate action by dedicating a day to critical sectors shaping our climate future: tourism, transport, and urbanization. With two groundbreaking declarations, the conference showcased a vision of sustainability that integrates innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to leaving the planet better than we found. This Tourism Takes Center Stage with Climate Commitments The COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism highlights tourism’s dual identity as a vital economic force and a key partner of the climate change global challenges for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions supporting the Paris Agreement goals. This initiative seeks to redefine the sector, steering it toward a more sustainable and climate-positive future as a result of the determination and global leadership of the UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic and her team, who have mobilized the interest of UN Tourism member states from around the world to raise awareness to connect tourism with climate and nature positive action. Complementing this leadership is the outstanding contribution of Virginia Fernandez-Trapa, Programme Coordinator for Sustainable Tourism and Resilience at UN Tourism. Her advocacy for climate and regenerative action has been instrumental, building on milestones like the Glasgow Declaration to achieve this significant breakthrough. Key commitments in the declaration include: Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, emphasized the sector’s potential to drive transformative change through innovation, decarbonization, and regenerative practices. Resilient Cities Through Cross-Sector Collaboration Urbanization, a defining feature of modern life, was addressed by launching the COP29 Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) Declaration for Resilient and Healthy Cities. Developed in partnership with UN-Habitat, the MAP Declaration lays the groundwork for building sustainable, inclusive urban environments. This initiative promotes: Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President, highlighted the critical role of collaboration, stating, “These initiatives are about enhancing the quality of life while addressing the profound challenges posed by climate change.” The commitments made during COP29 underline the importance of addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions together, with a shared vision of a sustainable future for people and the planet. Green Initiative: Leading the Way in Regenerative Travel and Climate Certification While COP29 sets the stage for global action, organizations like Green Initiative are translating these goals into tangible outcomes on the ground. Through regenerative tourism, climate certifications, and nature positive strategies, the Green Initiative team helps businesses and destinations make measurable progress toward sustainability. Regenerative Tourism Regenerative tourism is a transformative approach that aims to leave destinations better than they were found. By restoring ecosystems, enhancing community well-being, and reducing carbon footprints, regenerative tourism shifts the focus from sustaining to actively improving environments. A prime example is Machu Picchu, where Green Initiative’s support helped the historic site achieve carbon-neutral certification. This included waste management improvements, renewable energy integration, and reforestation efforts in surrounding areas. Similarly, Bonito, a globally renowned ecotourism destination in Brazil, has embraced regenerative principles by achieving carbon-neutral certification with the help of Green Initiative. Bonito’s initiatives include protecting vital freshwater ecosystems, promoting biodiversity conservation, and implementing sustainable visitor practices to ensure long-term environmental resilience while supporting the local economy. Climate and Nature Positive Certifications Green Initiative offers certifications that help businesses and destinations go beyond carbon neutrality, designed to empower businesses, destinations, and organizations to demonstrate and enhance their sustainability efforts. These certifications are essential for ensuring measurable, transparent progress toward sustainability goals. From tourism operators to urban planners, the Green Initiative provides tools to align operations with global climate objectives. Join the Movement Interested in making your organization a leader in sustainability? The Green Initiative provides a clear path to certification and actionable strategies for regenerative practices. Contact us today to learn how your business or destination can make a lasting, positive impact. Get in Touch!

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Green Initiative Finalist for the Green Projects Awards Leading Sustainable Tourism and Climate and Nature Positive Action

Green Initiative: Finalist for the UN Tourism Green Projects Challenge Awards | Leading Sustainable Tourism and Climate and Nature Positive Action

From November 13th to 16th, 2024, the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, hosted the 122nd Executive Council Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This prestigious event brought together global tourism leaders to discuss the future of travel, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and innovation in a post-pandemic world. Attended by representatives from 47 countries, including 21 deputy ministers, 350 international delegates, and stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and financial organizations, the Council addressed strategic pillars such as tourism innovation and attracting investments for sustainable development. Amid these significant discussions, Green Initiative achieved a remarkable milestone: we were honored to be named a finalist for the Green Projects Challenge Awards, acknowledging our impactful efforts to drive climate action and foster sustainability in climate and nature through regenerative travel and tourism. Driving Climate Action: Green Initiative at the Green Projects Challenge Awards We are thrilled to announce that Green Initiative has been selected as a finalist for the Green Projects Challenge Awards, co-hosted by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and UN Tourism. This prestigious accolade recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding contributions to: Out of over 500 project submissions, only four finalists were chosen to present their initiatives in a 4-minute pitch during the event. Representing Green Initiative, Tatiana Otaviano Luiz emphasized our dedication to creating a greener, low-carbon future: “As a finalist, we are proud to stand alongside organizations committed to building a sustainable world through innovation and collaboration.” Being recognized for this award is a testament to Green Initiative’s work in helping businesses: Our transformative projects align with the goals of the Green Projects Awards and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making sustainability an aspiration and a necessity. UN Tourism Executive Council: Spotlight on Sustainable Tourism The 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting provided a platform to explore how sustainable tourism can address the global climate crisis. Host country Colombia demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through programs promoting biodiversity conservation and eco-friendly tourism development. During the event, delegates emphasized the critical need to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation. This focus resonates with Green Initiative’s vision of a tourism sector that contributes to economic recovery while respecting nature and promoting social inclusion. CAF and UN Tourism: Pioneers of Sustainability and Innovation The Green Projects Challenge Awards, co-hosted by CAF and UN Tourism, aim to recognize projects that embody sustainability leadership. These organizations are pivotal in fostering a future where climate action is at the heart of economic and social development. With more than 500 projects submitted, the awards highlight the collaborative efforts needed to: As a finalist, Green Initiative is honored to join the global movement of organizations leading the fight against climate change. We share this recognition with other exceptional finalists making transformative contributions to sustainability: Rodolfo Salinas Roca, representing Natoure, for pioneering efforts in eco-tourism in Mexico, Alvaro Quiros Rodriguez, with Tequina Wave, for advancing sustainable practices in coastal tourism in Panama, and Gilson Altamar, from Por un Coral Más Vivo, for championing marine conservation and coral restoration in Colombia. Together, we represent a united front in driving innovation, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering a more sustainable future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the incredible leaders and organizations recognized at the UN Tourism Green Projects Challenge Awards for their dedication to advancing sustainable tourism and driving positive climate and nature action. A special acknowledgment goes to: Together, your collective efforts inspire hope and action in the global fight against climate change, proving that sustainability is not only possible but essential for a thriving future. 🌍✨ Congratulations to all on your outstanding contributions! Let us continue to work together toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world. A Commitment to a Low-Carbon Economy Green Initiative’s recognition at the Green Projects Challenge Awards underscores the impact of our efforts to advance sustainable tourism and help industries transition toward a low-carbon economy. By partnering with businesses and governments, we create actionable solutions to address environmental challenges, build climate resilience, and foster sustainable development. As the 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council concluded, it left a renewed sense of optimism about the role of sustainable tourism in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Discover how Green Initiative can help your organization lead climate action. Contact us today to learn more. Related content:

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