Climate Leadership in Action: The Bonito Model at the 2026 Global Tourism Roundtable

The global tourism industry stands at a critical transition point where a destination’s success is no longer measured solely by visitor numbers, but by its ability to protect the natural assets that sustain it. On February 26, 2026, Green Initiative will join global leaders at the One Planet Global Roundtable to discuss “Practical Solutions for a Climate Resilient Tourism Future.”

Strategic leadership is the cornerstone of this evolution. A primary voice in this transition is Bruno Wendling, President of Fundtur-MS (Mato Grosso do Sul Tourism Foundation), who has transformed the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, into a global laboratory for climate-resilient development.

The Bonito Model: An Award-Winning Legacy of Resilience

Under the management of Bruno Wendling, the city of Bonito (MS) and Fundtur-MS have consolidated their positions as world references in sustainability. The partnership with Green Initiative not only secured Bonito’s status as the world’s first Carbon Neutral ecotourism destination but has also yielded a remarkable record of international acclaim over the last three years (2023–2025).

Climate Leadership Awards and Milestones

This strategic commitment has earned achievements that serve as an inspiration for the entire sector:

World’s First Carbon Neutral Ecotourism Destination: A historic certification granted by Green Initiative and recognized by the UN.
National Tourism Award (2024/2025): Mato Grosso do Sul was the most awarded state in Brazil, with the Bonito Carbon Neutral initiative being a highlight for climate mitigation. Granted by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism for the “Bonito Carbono Neutro” program, celebrating its role in national climate leadership
FIDI 2025 – Environmental Sustainability Award: Honored at the Ibero-American Smart Destinations Forum for its exemplary carbon reduction and conservation efforts.
WTM Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards (2025): Secured the Silver award for its measurable impact in environmental conservation.
Best Ecotourism Destination in Brazil: Elected for the 18th consecutive time by Viagem e Turismo magazine (2024/2025 Edition).
ESG Best Practices Contest (Embratur 2024/2025): Ranked in the Top 3 of Brazil for leadership strategies in sustainability, inclusion, and governance.
World Travel Awards (2024): Recognized as the Best Ecotourism Destination in the World, surpassing legendary competitors in Iceland and New Zealand.
UN Climate Change “Gold” Certification: A historic technical validation of the destination’s rigorous decarbonization and forest sequestration efforts.
Professor Mario Beni Award (2025): Awarded specifically to Bruno Wendling for Public Management in Tourism and Events, recognizing his career-long dedication to innovation and responsible development.

Strategic Actions by Fundtur-MS

The success of Mato Grosso do Sul is the result of critical actions implemented by Fundtur, which serve as a framework for destination certification and local climate action:

Climate Action Plan for Tourism: Structured around pillars such as energy transition, ecosystem restoration, and the circular economy.
Signing the Glasgow Declaration: Bonito was the first Brazilian destination to sign this UN commitment for total decarbonization by 2030.
MS Tourism Observatory: Data-based governance essential for carrying capacity control, ensuring economic growth respects environmental limits.

Matheus Mendes, Portfolio Manager at Green Initiative, will join forces with Bruno Wendling at the Roundtable to detail how these achievements can be replicated. They will discuss the sector-specific emission measurement nuances that allow tourism destinations to move from theoretical promises to verifiable results.

Join the Global Conversation

This event is an invitation to witness the practical implementation of the future of tourism. Participants will learn how the partnership between Fundtur and Green Initiative is scaling solutions to make Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil’s first carbon-neutral state, creating a climate positive tourism model that generates brand value and competitive advantage.

Event Details: