Climate Positive

Building Tourism Back Better

A Climate Action Guide For Tourism Businesses and Destinations

As the world continues to recover from the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding a sustainable tourism sector remains a shared responsibility for tourism organizations worldwide. Amid mounting evidence of severe climate change, the window of opportunity for swiftly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is rapidly narrowing. In November 2021 The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the Travel Foundation, launched the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism at the climate-change conference COP26. The declaration calls on all tourism stakeholders to publicly demonstrate a joint commitment towards GHG reduction and climate resilience. In the wake of the Glasgow Declaration, the tourism industry is striving to embrace the challenges posedby climate change. Reaching a broad consensus on how to address climate change would be of utmost importance, impacting tourism industry developments and performance in the years to come. Since 2014 Green Initiative has been working alongside tourism businesses and destinations worldwide, introducing best climate action practices leading to efficient processes, access to climate financing, cost reductions, compliance with ESG standards, and international climate leadership. As part of our continuous support to accelerate the decarbonization of global tourism, a Climate Action Guide for Tourism Businesses and Destinations was prepared by Green Initiative and technically reviewed by the staff of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Forthcoming at COP 27th At Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the guide provides a practical roadmap to define baseline emissions, monitor carbon footprint changes, set emissions targets, evaluate progress, and publicize climate commitments and successes. At Green Initiative, we believe that unsustainable business-as-usual models will lose competitiveness and disappear. It’s time to reinforce collaborative processes and work together, “Building Tourism Back Better”. Please click here to download the Climate Action Guide For Tourism Businesses and Destinations.

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SENAC - Driving Climate Action in Brazil Tourism and Trade Sector

SENAC – Driving Climate Action in Brazil Tourism and Trade Sector

About SENAC The National Commercial Training Service (SENAC) is the leading professional education agent focused on Brazil’s Trade of Goods, Services, and Tourism. It is present in more than 1,800 municipalities, from North to South of Brazil, where it maintains the state-of-the-art infrastructure of more than 600 school units, pedagogical companies, and mobile units. To support the tourism sector in the State of Bahia, in its alignment with the main trends and climate regulations at a national and international level, SENAC has been working since August 2022 to apply good climate management practices for its School Restaurant in Bahia. The Climate Action Project The goal of this first climate action project is to introduce the management of carbon emissions in the SENAC school restaurants, seeking to: Comply with the climate guidelines promoted by the World Tourism Organization through the Glasgow Declaration. Comply with UN Climate Change GHG emissions management protocols. Achieve the global Carbon Neutral certification as recognition to be offered by the Green Initiative. The success of this effort could mean the development of new internal capacities and, consequently, a unique reference for the tourism and commerce sector of the State of Bahia and the country in terms of climate action. SENAC and Green Initiative Green Initiative is supporting SENAC by bringing essential carbon mitigation practices to the center of its business model that will contribute to improvements in the efficiency of operations, as well as raising the awareness of students and thousands of customers who use the services of the Restaurante-Escola. Learn how to engage your business in a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness. Become Climate Positive, Climate Neutral, and Climate Measured certified. Lastly, click here to contact us to find out more about taking your organization to the next level in Climate Action.

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First Condo in The World to Be Climate Positive Certified

First Climate Positive Certified Condo in The World

Tivoli Ecoresidences da Bahia, Brazil: the first condominium in the world to be Climate Positive certified. The Concept Since launch in 2012, Tivoli Ecoresidence provides visitors with an unique experience of living in harmony with nature. Another key point is that this vision is now more relevant than ever. As we know, the COVID-19 Pandemy showed that it is necessary to reconcile the relationship between man and nature. With this in mind, we must integrate culture and business models of all economic sectors. By all means, including tourism. Climate Positive Certification Tivoli Ecoresidences began the necessary steps to achieve the Climate Positive Certification in March 2022. As the need to set a new and more sustainable path became imminent. Promoted by the Green Initiative, this climate certification is explicitly an international recognition. The company is a leading certification organization. Equally important, an active partner of the United Nations and World Tourism Organization for deploying climate action awareness and standards worldwide. The great news is that the certification as Climate Positive Condominium is the first of its kind. Many will follow the same steps and take action. At Tivoli, 42 Ecoresidences operate in an integrated and harmonious way within an area of 15 hectares of Atlantic Forest. Only 10% of the total condo area has built space. This allows the primary forest to maintain the quality of its ecosystem services, including capturing carbon from the atmosphere and biodiversity. carbon emissions and footprint As part of the Climate Positive certification process, Tivoli Ecoresidences is conducting an in-depth analysis to track most compelling evidence on its primary sources of carbon emissions. Such data is important to realize and will help managers identify actions to allow progressive reduction of their carbon footprint. Taking Action As a result, Tivoli Ecoresidence is incorporating climate management into its business model and condo operation by taking this actions. Furthermore, they are developing new capabilities and adding a differentiated value to the experience of tourists and visitors of the northern coast of Bahia, in Brazil. We believe that the answer to avoiding global warming is in the shared responsibility of everyone. From Tivoli Ecoresidence, we are very proud to connect and contribute to the achievements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Tourism Organization to promote a climate-smart tourist activity. Odair Conceição Click here to see the Tivoli Ecoresidence in Google Earth Engage in Climate Action Commit to a new level of leadership and competitiveness by becoming a Climate Positive, Carbon Neutral and Carbon Measured certified. Click here to learn more about Green Initiative Certifications.

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International Travel Award Green Initiative

Green Initiative wins international travel award

and the winner is GREEN INITIATIVE! For its holistic approach to decarbonizing tourism in Machu Picchu, becoming the First Carbon Neutral Tourism Destination Worldwide. On April 16th, the day in São Paulo was marked by an important event. It was the handing out of the Responsible Tourism Awards, created to recognize advances in the Travel Market. Thus, paving the way for replicating successful cases and the joint construction of a more sustainable world. The award Created eight years ago to validate good practices within the tourism industry.  18 professionals from different areas across the entire continent judged the finalists in six categories. Three criteria where considered: originality, impact, and potential for replication within the tourism industry.  The work led by Green Initiative and local partners such as the municipality of Machu Picchu, InkaTerra Hotels Group, and AJE Group has introduced climate mitigation action at the core of the tourism destination management of Machu Picchu.  Green Initiative Approach For Climate Action Following the Green Initiative approach for climate action in the tourism industry, partners worked together on 3 levels of influence: Judges considered this initiative a global reference ¨to be watched¨ due to its pragmatic multi-sectorial approach. As well as the scaling up possibilities for other destinations worldwide.  Also, judges believe Green Initiative has led to a ¨holistic solution¨. Since it brings all stakeholders to the same table and shares responsibility for a ¨shift of course¨. Hence, that can benefit local communities, businesses, and the planet.  This international Award is a milestone for all tourism destinations worldwide. It is evident that tourism can lead the way into a climate-neutral transformation. And as a consequence, it is fundamental for the long-term prosperity of humanity.  Lastly, learn how to engage your Travel Business into a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness by becoming Climate Positive, Climate Neutral and Climate Measured certified here.

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INKATERRA – BECOME THE FIRST EVER CLIMATE POSITIVE HOTEL BRAND IN THE WORLD

First Climate Positive Hotel Brand in the World

INKATERRA Becomes the First Ever Climate Positive Hotel Brand in the World At a time when hotels are working hard to implement eco-friendly initiatives and be more sustainable, Inkaterra Hotels has managed to achieve a rare feat — become the first ever “climate positive” hotel brand in the world.  Green Initiative Certification After measuring Inkaterra’s CO₂ footprint, elaborate mitigation plan with a 5% per year reduction target by 2030 and offset, Green Initiative — certification company — declared the Lima, Peru-based ecotourism company as Climate Positive. This certification means that: “any activity that furthers the achievement of carbon neutrality, provides an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”  The announcement Coincided with the 2021 Climate Change Conference (COP 26). This certification comes as a validation of Inkaterra’s 46 years of efforts. By placing scientific research, biodiversity conservation and sustainability at the very core of its business. Inkaterra has pioneered ecotourism in Peru since 1975. As quoted by Inkaterra Founder and President Jose Koechlin and Head of Content Gabriel Meseth. For us, hospitality is a means to our end, which is sustainable development. Therefore, we work under a holistic approach where we produce scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation and the wellbeing of local communities. Jose Koechlin and Gabriel Meseth told HotelsMag.  Inkaterra’s plans to achieve the climate positive status. This includes Peru’s first land concession for research and ecotourism purposes at Madre de Dios region of the Amazon rainforest. The region has been sustainably managed by Inkaterra, since 1978.  Inkaterra The company established three “eco-lodges” inspired by local architecture. These were built with native materials, and developed several initiatives to restore carbon sinking capacity and conserve biodiversity. In addition, Inkaterra has a goal to restore more than 5,000 hectares by 2025. Which will be achieved in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and Forest Friends. Company efforts have been conserving Peru’s biodiversity and wellbeing of local communities. And this, for more than 40 years. “We are encouraging conservation and carbon free travel through the international exhibition ‘Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.’ It is the most innovative strategy to promote tourism and investments in Peru.” “The natural environment and native cultures are our most precious resources. Their conservancy is the only way to ensure the future of travel.” Jose Koechlin, Inkaterra Founder and President Engage your Travel Business Learn about how to engage your Travel Business into a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness. Become Climate Positive, Climate Neutral and Climate Measured certified here. Read this news at HOTELSMag.com By Kathakali Nandi 

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