Climate Engagement

Green Initiative's Leadership in Climate-Smart Tourism at cop28

Green Initiative’s Leadership in Climate-Smart Tourism at COP28

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse, the tourism sector is both a beacon of exploration and a contributor to carbon emissions. However, amid this duality, strides toward sustainable practices are being made, exemplified by the Glasgow Declaration and the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Green Initiative. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, it is with immense pride and honor that Green Initiative announces its participation at COP28 in Dubai. Alongside UN Climate Change, on the 10th and 11th of December 2023, the exhibition booths nestled inside the Blue Zone. This presence shows our pivotal role in driving transformative change on the international platform. As a committed signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, Green Initiative has positioned itself as a catalyst for change, focusing on infusing climate action into the fabric of business models. Our unwavering commitment extends to guiding and empowering tourism entities worldwide to curb their carbon footprint and ultimately achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The transformative journey of the tourism sector aligns harmoniously with the principles outlined in the Glasgow Declaration. This movement is underscored by the Green Initiative’s strategic development of the “Climate Action Guide for Tourism Businesses and Destinations.”  This comprehensive roadmap equips stakeholders with practical tools and real-life examples of successful climate mitigation efforts, featuring notable instances like Machu Picchu – The First Carbon Neutral Certified UNESCO Designated Site and Bonito – The First Carbon Neutral Ecotourism Destination in the World. Beyond mere carbon reduction, the Glasgow Declaration advocates adopting eco-friendly and regenerative practices in tourism. Green Initiative stands at the vanguard, actively collaborating with international tourism entities, agencies, and hospitality chains to integrate regenerative approaches. Notably, our initiatives align with the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration program, showcasing projects in Peninsula de la Osa, Costa Rica, and Madre de Dios, Peru, to restore 10 thousand hectares (100,000 trees) by 2030. At its core, Green Initiative’s leadership under the Glasgow Declaration embodies a commitment to climate-smart and regenerative tourism. From spearheading decarbonization efforts in renowned destinations to fostering collaborative ecosystem restoration projects in biodiversity hotspots, our endeavors radiate a dedication to promoting positive climate and environmental impacts within the tourism sector globally. Moreover, through initiatives like the “Climate Action Guide for Tourism Businesses and Destinations,” the Green Initiative facilitates a critical alignment between public and private investments with overarching global climate goals. This guide is a beacon for industry leaders and governments, empowering them to steer their efforts toward sustainable, climate-resilient tourism practices. In essence, Green Initiative’s unwavering dedication underscores the vital role of proactive collaboration and sustainable innovation in fostering a tourism landscape that mitigates its environmental impact and nurtures the natural world it so eagerly explores. As we continue to pave the way for climate-positive tourism, our commitment remains a testament to the transformative power of aligned action and conscientious stewardship in safeguarding our planet for future generations.

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Inter-American Development Bank Launches BID CLIMATE Program with Nine Partner Nations

Inter-American Development Bank Launches BID CLIMATE Program with Nine Partner Nations

In a groundbreaking move towards combating climate change, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) unveiled its pioneering initiative, the BID CLIMATE pilot program. This innovative financial endeavor aims to incentivize and support nations in their pursuit of environmental and climate-related goals. Announced on December 2, 2023, in Dubai, the IDB highlighted the participation of the first nine eligible projects as a significant milestone in the fight against climate challenges. The BID CLIMATE program marks a transformative approach in financial assistance, providing borrowers with a remarkable benefit: a 5% grant of the IDB loan principal. This strategic move aligns with the overarching goal of mobilizing resources for climate and nature-centric investments on a larger scale. Initially allocating a substantial $1 billion in loans, the program will kickstart ten pilot projects aimed at catalyzing sustainable initiatives. The President of the IDB, Ilan Goldfajn, expressed immense satisfaction with the enthusiastic response received at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28. “The demand has exceeded our expectations, demonstrating a collective commitment to address climate and nature-related challenges. Our teams are actively collaborating with regional partners to initiate these transformative pilot projects,” Goldfajn remarked. To access this pivotal benefit, participating nations must meet three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specially designed to facilitate their engagement with green and thematic debt markets. These KPIs center around establishing ambitious environmental objectives, devising suitable policies and expenditures, and ensuring effective measurement and reporting mechanisms for their progress. The nine pioneering countries partaking in the BID CLIMATE program—Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Uruguay—herald a collective commitment to proactively combat climate change and preserve nature’s integrity. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Caribbean stand prominently at COP28, contributing a multifaceted approach to tackle global climate challenges. The IDB’s Americas Pavilion serves as a pivotal platform, hosting over 30 events featuring global leaders and experts. These events span a wide spectrum, encompassing discussions on cutting-edge financial instruments, sustainable resource management, just economic transitions, and initiatives for preserving the Amazon rainforest. Journalists covering COP28 have open access to the pavilion’s events, facilitating comprehensive coverage of these critical discussions and initiatives. The IDB, established in 1959, remains committed to enhancing lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Beyond financial assistance, the IDB spearheads research endeavors, offers policy recommendations, extends technical support, and provides training to both public and private entities throughout the region. Its unwavering dedication underscores a collective effort towards sustainable development. As the BID CLIMATE program takes flight, supported by nations committed to combating climate change, it marks a significant stride towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. For more information about the BID CLIMATE program contact Anspach,Raphael Philippe M. (raphaela@iadb.org) or Borges De Padua Goulart Janaina (janainag@iadb.org). You can also contact one of BID local offices. Source: BID

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28-02-23 Why Climate Engagement is Key

Why Climate Engagement is Key

Strengthening Your Company’s Organizational Culture through Climate Action The world is facing a climate crisis, and businesses have a critical role to play in mitigating its impact. As the urgency of climate action continues to grow, companies are increasingly recognizing the need to incorporate sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship into their organizational culture. By prioritizing climate action, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also reinforce their organizational culture and values. The importance of Organizational Culture in Driving Sustainable Practices and Climate Action in Companies Organizational culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that define how a company operates and interacts with stakeholders. A strong organizational culture that prioritizes sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship can help ensure that climate action is integrated into all areas of a company’s operations, from decision-making processes to resource management practices. There are several ways in which climate action can help to enforce a company’s organizational culture. First, climate action requires companies to set ambitious sustainability goals and work collaboratively to achieve them. This process of goal-setting and collaboration can help promote transparency, accountability, and teamwork. By involving all employees in the process of setting and achieving sustainability goals, companies can create a sense of shared purpose and commitment to responsible behavior. Second, climate action requires companies to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that align with their values. For example, if a company values innovation and creativity, it may choose to invest in new technologies that promote sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. By aligning those, companies can reinforce their commitment and demonstrate that sustainability is not just a side project but a core component of their business strategy. Third, climate action requires companies to engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community, to promote sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. By engaging with stakeholders in this way, companies can reinforce their commitment to building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and shared values. For example, a company that values community engagement and social responsibility may choose to work with local organizations to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. Key Strategies for Companies to Demonstrate Commitment to Responsible Environmental Stewardship and Reinforce Organizational Culture In conclusion, by setting ambitious sustainability goals, adopting sustainable practices and technologies, engaging with stakeholders, and embracing a culture of learning and improvement, companies can demonstrate their commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and reinforce their organizational culture and values. As the urgency of climate action continues to grow, companies must rise to the challenge and become part of the solution. Want to know more about how climate action can be a solution to your business? Reach out to contact@greeninitiative.eco and become a part of our climate champions.

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