Carbon Neutral

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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The Green Logistics Revolution

The Green Logistics Revolution

Logistics companies achieve Carbon Neutral certification and take the lead in climate action transport services sector. The companies DELFIN GROUP, an international cargo agent; and DELFIN LOGISTICS, the transportation arm of the DELFIN group, were granted the Carbon Neutral certification, issued by the GREEN INITIATIVE, complying with global standards validated by the United Nations. The companies, part of the CIMC CHINA holding company, achieved this certification by successfully completing the process of measuring and offsetting their carbon footprint, with high standards of transparency. These companies are leading the way in the logistics sector, in terms of responsibility and climate action; assuming specific commitments within its Action Plans for 2023-2025, specifically referring to 1) the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations, and 2) innovation in climate-smart services. “We decided to incorporate climate action into our business model, because we are convinced that international trade can be part of the solution and not part of the problem of global warming. We want to lead this great ‘green logistics revolution’ in Peru, developing the necessary capacities that allow us to be the first option in carbon neutral logistics services”. Felipe Lopez, general manager of DELFIN LOGISTICS. For his part, Herbert Saco-Vertiz, commercial manager of DELFIN GROUP, added that “The climate agenda is a priority in all economic segments, including international trade. We are going to support our clients to reduce their carbon emissions and generate a positive impact on the climate, through climate-smart logistics services. The “green logistics revolution” is a call for innovation and Peru, as a leading exporting country in many sectors, must anticipate it in order not to lose competitiveness. At Delfin Group, we will be helping exporters meet their climate goals.” Herbert Saco-Vertiz, commercial manager of DELFIN GROUP Both executives agreed that their great task is to assume leadership and internalize climate action within the company and among their stakeholders, so that the positive impact of their climate actions generate value for their clients, who will also benefit from climate smart logistical services. Also, both executives have something in common when it comes to relationship building with suppliers: they consider them to be a fundamental part of their carbon footprint mitigation strategy, in order to progressively reduce GHG emissions from their operations. To achieve Carbon Neutral certification, the companies of the DELFIN group engaged into detailed and transparent measurement of its corporate carbon footprint and mitigation action, there results were reviewed and are available at Green Initiative – Impact webpage. Engage your business into a New Level Learn how to engage your Business into a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness by becoming Climate Positive, Climate Neutral and Climate Measured certified here.

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Brazil is on its way to Certifying the First Carbon-Neutral Ecotourism Destination Worldwide

Mainstreaming climate Action Bonito is mainstreaming carbon action to become the first carbon-neutral certified tourism destination. Brazil’s ecotourism is dominated by landscapes with astonishing biodiversity hotspots and vibrant ecosystems that provide food and shelter for native species. One of Brazil’s ecotourism “jewels” is Bonito, a small destination in Mato Grosso do Sul, which happens to be on top of the second largest fresh water on earth – The Guarani Aquifer. sustainable tourism As the world continues to recover from the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding a more sustainable tourism sector remains a shared responsibility of tourism businesses and destinations worldwide. At the COP26 climate change conference held in November 2021, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and their partners issued the Glasgow Declaration on Tourism and Climate. In this context, since August 2022, the Tourism Authority of Mato Grosso do Sul  (FUNDTUR) has started a relevant effort to certify Bonito as the first Carbon Neutral ecotourism destination worldwide. According to Bruno Wendling, President of  FUNDTUR:  “our goal is to generate new capabilities to proactively and strategically execute GHG management, which will lead to climate-smart tourism products and services and the strategic positioning of Bonito as an international ecotourism destination”. Climate Action In practice, this means that Bonito will start the implementation: (i) concrete mitigation actions to avoid and reduce GHG emissions through investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the circular economy. (ii) work on incentives to attract and promote private investment that seeks a positive impact on climate and biodiversity. Bonito’s climate certification cycle is led by Green Initiative, which was also responsible for the carbon-neutral certification of Machu Picchu. In addition to supporting Bonito’s carbon footprint analysis, Green Initiative is evaluating the carbon sinking capacity of the local forest within the specific scope of tourist attractions. With the development of the ability to measure and monitor Bonito’s climate performance, it will be possible to set emission targets, assess progress and, through this, attract investments and climate finance that allow us to boost the international competitiveness of the Bonito destination. Learn how to engage your Business in a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness. Become Climate Positive, Climate Neutral, and Climate Measured Certified here.

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World exchange becomes Carbon Neutral certified

WorldXchange becomes Carbon Neutral Certified

Worldxchange is the first Currency Exchange House in the world to reach the Carbon Neutral Certification The Company WorldXchange, a foreign currency exchange house with more than 40 years of experience in the national market. Conveniently located in the country’s main airports, our services are characterized by their reliability, agility, and competitiveness. The company´s ISO 9001 certification ensures compliance with high-quality standards. It guarantees commitment and continued improvement. Tourism is one of the most critical sectors for the country’s economic recovery. It provides outstanding contribution to generating work and income opportunities. Peru needs to promote the reactivation of Tourism in a different way. Namely, by internalizing the lessons that COVID-19 has left us. Lessons Learned One of the ways to promote the recovery of tourism activity is by supporting the international climate agenda. WorldXchange understands that the Peruvian tourism sector must engage in a sustainable development path. This is by adopting smart climate action practices that will contribute with efficiency and innovation – Building Tourism Back Better. The tourism sector of Peru has been taking significant steps in this direction. The certification of Machu Picchu as the first carbon-neutral UNESCO Designated Site is perhaps the best example for this. This good news has spread worldwide and has given our emblematic heritage site access to financing sources and international recognition. Like National Geographic, Lonely Planet, United Nations Climate Change, and the World Tourism Organization. At WorldXchange we believe that this effort is consistent with the current needs of tourism industry and needs to be widely supported by all tourism stakeholders, including airports, hotels, tourism operators and agencies, transport, and the entire set of organizations that make up the value chain. In this context, WorldXchange has been working with Green Initiative to introduce climate action at the core of its business model. “One of the lessons that Covid-19 leaves us is that from wherever we are, we must do things differently. At WorldXchange we are committed to the reactivation of tourism with climate responsibility. Responsible companies must support intelligent and climate-responsible economic reactivation. From which, we all benefit. This is our great challenge today.” Raul Villa Green Initiative is very proud to announce that WorldXchange is the first Currency Exchange House in the world to reach the Carbon Neutral Certification. Engage Learn how to engage your Travel Business into a New Level of Leadership and Competitiveness. Become Climate Positive, Climate Neutral and Climate Measured certified here.

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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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