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Riding the Wave of Change: How Roberto Meza “Muelas” Is Mobilizing Peru’s Surf Industry Toward Innovative Climate- and Nature-Positive Action

The ocean has always been Peru’s stage for surf legends. Today, it’s also becoming the frontier of climate leadership—thanks to visionaries like Roberto “Muelas” Meza, founder of Olas Perú and Global Ambassador of the World Surf Cities Network (WSCN). Earlier this month, Olas Perú officially launched its 2025–2028 Sustainability Plan at the Municipal Palace of Miraflores. The event marked a milestone not only for Peruvian surf culture but for global sustainability in sports. With this initiative, Olas Perú reaffirmed its role as the world’s first carbon-neutral surf school, setting the standard for surf communities everywhere. From Surfboards to Sustainability Boards Under the leadership of Meza and Director Silvana Pastorelli, Olas Perú’s new plan revolves around five strategic pillars: “This plan is not just a document—it’s our commitment to Peru, to the ocean, and to future generations,” said Pastorelli. “We invite everyone to paddle together toward a surf culture that inspires, regenerates, and transcends.” For Meza, sustainability isn’t an accessory—it’s the new wave that must carry the entire surf ecosystem forward. As an active voice within the WSCN, he has been instrumental in connecting surf cities like Miraflores and Cabo Blanco through shared goals of carbon neutrality, circular tourism, and climate-positive coastal management. Measuring Impact: From Commitment to Certification Olas Perú’s commitment to sustainability is backed by concrete results. In 2023, the organization conducted a rigorous carbon footprint measurement following ISO 14064-1:2018 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol standards, covering all emission sources—from transportation to energy use and materials. These emissions were fully offset through Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued by the United Nations, derived from a renewable energy project in India, enabling Olas Perú to contribute to the global clean energy transition. This achievement positions Olas Perú not only as a pioneer in Latin America but as a model for surf schools worldwide, proving that sports can grow in harmony with the planet. The Power of Partnership The launch event brought together key partners and institutions shaping Peru’s green transition. Representatives from PromPerú, CANATUR, Hazla por tu Ola, LATAM Airlines, and the Municipality of Miraflores joined the discussion panel “Surf and Sustainability: Waves of Change for Peru.” Their collective message was clear: sustainability in sports thrives when public and private sectors paddle in the same direction. Olas Perú’s leadership was also recognized with the Marca Perú (Peru Brand) distinction, underscoring its role as an ambassador for responsible tourism and national pride. Miraflores and Cabo Blanco: Twin Beacons of Climate Action The Mayor of Miraflores, Carlos Canales, highlighted the district’s recognition as an official Surf City within the WSCN—thanks in large part to Olas Perú’s decades of work. Miraflores now stands beside other Peruvian coastal destinations like Cabo Blanco, which recently advanced its own sustainability agenda through the Turismo Circular Perú project, financed by AECID and the European Union and implemented with the Green Initiative. While Miraflores symbolizes the urban surf model of circular governance, Cabo Blanco represents the community-driven transformation of rural coastal tourism. Together, they embody Peru’s emerging identity as a global laboratory for climate and nature-positive development in surf cities. A Movement That Transcends the Ocean With over 33 years of history, Olas Perú continues to inspire athletes, educators, and policymakers to view surfing not only as a sport but as a vehicle for environmental restoration and social inclusion. By integrating education, circular economy principles, and ecosystem conservation into its operations, Olas Perú demonstrates how surf schools can become agents of decarbonization—turning every wave into a ripple of positive impact.Through the guidance of Roberto “Muelas” Meza and the support of partners like Green Initiative, PromPerú, and WSCN, the country is charting a new course: one where sustainability is as natural as the tide and where Peru’s surf cities ride together toward a climate-positive future. This article was written by Musye Lucen from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading

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Cabo Blanco Advances in Circularity and Decarbonization of Tourism in Peru

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On October 1, 2025, thanks to the Turismo Circular Peru project led by Canatur with the financing support of AECID – Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo and the European Union, a workshop took place in El Alto, bringing together authorities, partner organizations, and local community representatives. The gathering marked the beginning of a historic process to position Cabo Blanco as an international reference for climate action and sustainable tourism through circularity. Building Circular Tourism in Cabo Blanco The workshop was led by the District Municipality of El Alto, in collaboration with CANATUR, Inkaterra, Olas Perú, and Turismo Circular Peru. Together, they explored how circular economy principles and decarbonization strategies can transform Cabo Blanco into a sustainable surf tourism hub. Participants emphasized the importance of reducing emissions, adopting circular business models, and creating local value chains that benefit the community. The event also demonstrated how the Circular Tourism Peru project strengthens local capacities, ensuring that sustainability is not only a vision but also a concrete, measurable practice. Insights and Contributions Key interventions during the workshop included: Through participatory dynamics, attendees worked on practical solutions for reducing waste, optimizing resources, and strengthening Cabo Blanco’s positioning within the International Surf Cities Network. Next Steps This workshop is the first in a cycle of activities outlined in the project agenda, which will include: These steps aim to consolidate Cabo Blanco as a national and international benchmark for sustainable, circular, and regenerative tourism. A Shared Commitment The Cabo Blanco Circular Tourism Project is made possible by the leadership of the District Municipality of El Alto and the commitment of partners including AECID, the European Union, CANATUR, Inkaterra, Olas Perú, and Turismo Circular Peru.While Green Initiative contributes with technical assistance, the driving force behind this transformation is the collective effort of partners and the local community, working hand in hand to build a more resilient, inclusive, and circular model of tourism in northern Peru. This article was written by Virna Chavez from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading

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Inkaterra Cabo Blanco: A Global Model for Regenerative Tourism and Sustainable Sport Fishing

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Cabo Blanco, a small fishing village on the northern coast of Peru, holds a unique place in maritime history. Once a legendary destination for sport fishing—attracting figures such as Ernest Hemingway—it is now at the center of an ambitious initiative to promote regenerative tourism, marine conservation, and climate-positive economic development. Through the efforts of Inkaterra Hotels, a leading Climate Positive Certified hospitality group, and Inkaterra Asociación, a nonprofit organization dedicated to biodiversity research and conservation, Cabo Blanco is transitioning towards a nature-positive future—one that restores ecosystems, empowers local communities and creates long-term economic value through sustainable tourism. A Legacy of Sport Fishing in Cabo Blanco During the 1950s, Cabo Blanco gained international recognition as a premier destination for big-game fishing, particularly for black marlin, with record-breaking catches exceeding 700 kg. However, decades of overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change have led to a dramatic decline in marine populations, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishing communities. To counteract these impacts, conservation initiatives have been set in motion to restore marine biodiversity while ensuring sustainable tourism remains a viable economic driver. One of the most significant steps toward this goal is the proposal for Peru’s first marine reserve, which aims to protect critical habitats, replenish fish populations, and regulate responsible fishing practices. Sustainable Sport Fishing: A Regenerative Approach While sport fishing remains a core attraction in Cabo Blanco, adopting regenerative fishing practices, such as catch-and-release policies, ensures that tourism supports, rather than depletes, the region’s marine resources. Key Benefits of Sustainable Sport Fishing: Regenerative Tourism and Marine Conservation in Cabo Blanco Beyond fishing, Cabo Blanco is evolving into a hub for regenerative tourism, where visitors actively contribute to the ecosystem’s health rather than merely minimizing their impact. Inkaterra Asociación, in collaboration with scientists, conservationists, and local communities, is implementing nature-positive solutions to rebuild degraded marine and coastal environments. Regenerative Tourism Initiatives in Cabo Blanco: Inkaterra’s Climate and Nature-Positive Impact As a Climate Positive Certified company, Inkaterra Hotels goes beyond sustainability by actively removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. In Cabo Blanco, its impact is being realized through: By aligning with global climate goals and nature-positive principles, Inkaterra Asociación and Inkaterra Hotels prove that tourism can be a force for environmental regeneration rather than exploitation. A Scalable Model for Global Conservation The transformation of Cabo Blanco into a regenerative tourism destination serves as a blueprint for coastal communities worldwide. By combining scientific research, sustainable economic development, and active ecosystem restoration, this initiative demonstrates how tourism can be reimagined as a tool for global climate action and biodiversity protection. How to Support Regenerative Tourism in Cabo Blanco: Conclusion Cabo Blanco is undergoing a profound transformation—from a historic fishing hotspot to a global leader in regenerative tourism and conservation. By prioritizing marine restoration, responsible tourism practices, and community engagement, this initiative ensures that future generations can continue to experience this iconic destination’s natural and cultural richness. As the world moves toward more climate-resilient and nature-positive tourism models, Inkaterra’s work in Cabo Blanco is a powerful example of how travel can catalyze ecological regeneration and socio-economic prosperity. For more information on regenerative tourism and conservation efforts, visit Green Initiative and contact us.

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