Machu Picchu, Peru – A Living Wonder Leading the Climate Revolution
Amidst the lush Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu—one of the world’s most iconic cultural and natural landmarks—is redefining what it means to be a sustainable travel destination. With over 1.5 million visitors each year, the challenge was immense—but the will to act was even greater.
In a recent interview for the Observatorio de Descarbonización y Economía Circular of the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (CANATUR), Elvis La Torre, Mayor of the District Municipality of Machu Picchu, shared the region’s ambitious climate goals, achievements to date, and critical lessons for the global tourism sector.
A Bold Start: Why Machu Picchu Chose Decarbonization
The decarbonization project officially began in 2021, led by the District Municipality of Machu Picchu, in collaboration with Inkaterra Asociación and Green Initiative. The decision was made in response to the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of mass tourism and to shape a more resilient, sustainable development model following the COVID-19 crisis.
Using 2019 as the baseline year, Machu Picchu began the Carbon Neutral Certification process and soon became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to earn this recognition.
In 2022, the destination became a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, further reinforcing its leadership in climate-smart tourism.
“This certification, led by Green Initiative, gave us the opportunity to position Machu Picchu as a global leader in climate-intelligent tourism,” said Mayor La Torre in the CANATUR interview.
Tangible Climate Results: From Waste to Regeneration
To date, the outcomes have been remarkable:
- 18.77% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2019 baseline.
- Biodiesel production from used cooking oil, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Conversion of organic waste into biochar, a soil enhancer that also sequesters carbon.
- Installation of a PET plastic compactor and glass crushers to support sustainable construction.
- Recycling stations installed across the district, promoting a circular economy mindset.
- Reforestation of more than 6,500 native trees across 5+ hectares, resulting in over 5,000 tCO2eq captured.
These milestones were achieved through robust collaboration among public and private stakeholders. Notably, Inkaterra, Grupo AJE, and Tetra Pak played key roles in implementing circular solutions. Luz del Sur provided technical assistance, while CANATUR offered strategic support, reinforcing strong climate governance.
What’s Next: Scaling Impact and Inclusion
Despite significant progress, major challenges remain. Chief among them is the need to expand both public and private financing to scale up the most impactful decarbonization initiatives—such as energy efficiency in tourism services and large-scale ecosystem restoration.
Equally important is the continuous strengthening of existing programs, particularly those involving waste management through circular economy principles and the transition to clean energy.
Most critically, there is a growing need to increase the active participation of local communities and businesses. Their involvement will be essential to ensure that this regenerative and carbon-neutral tourism model becomes permanent and self-sustaining.
“The active participation of all stakeholders will be key to consolidating a regenerative and carbon-neutral tourism model that stands the test of time,” affirmed Mayor La Torre.
A Model for the World
Machu Picchu’s decarbonization journey is more than a local success story—it is a global call to action. As destinations worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, Machu Picchu proves that protecting heritage, supporting local livelihoods, and leading in climate action can go hand in hand.
By embracing bold decisions, inclusive governance, and science-based climate solutions, Machu Picchu is charting a path toward a climate and nature-positive future—one that others can follow.
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This article was written by Yves Hemelryck from the Green Initiative team
