sustainable development goals

Rio de Janeiro's Cristo Redentor Launches Climate Certification A New Era for Sustainable Tourism and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Rio de Janeiro’s Cristo Redentor Leads the Way for COP30: Climate Action in Tourism for a Resilient Future

Cristo Redentor Sanctuary, Rio Book, and Green Initiative Sign Collaboration Agreement to Launch Climate Certification of this Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site Aligned with UN Tourism efforts to promote sustainable tourism best practices across the region, and inspired by the achievements of Machu Picchu, the Santuário Cristo Redentor, Rio Book, and Green Initiative have signed a collaboration agreement to launch the climate certification process of Cristo Redentor — an emblematic cultural and religious landmark recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Our vision for a thriving tourism sector, aligned with the great challenges humanity must overcome, is clear: tourism development and decarbonization can — and must — go hand in hand. Through this initiative, leveraging the powerful symbolism of Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro, we aim to carry this message not only to other destinations in the region but to the entire world.” — Gustavo Santos, UN Tourism Director for the Americas Located within the lush Tijuca Forest National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Cristo Redentor stands as a powerful symbol of the interconnection between culture, spirituality, and nature. The Sanctuary leads a robust environmental sustainability agenda through its institutions, such as the Instituto Redemptor and the Obra Social Leste Um, coordinated under the Consórcio Cristo Sustentável. Guided by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sanctuary is progressively internalizing best practices in environmental and social governance, aiming to generate a positive climate impact across all its activities. “Cristo Redentor, a universal symbol of welcome and inclusion, is on its way to its centenary in 2031, establishing itself as the first cultural and religious tourist destination in Brazil to achieve this level of commitment to climate sustainability in the management of its activities. Our strategic planning and governance are aimed at integrating the best environmental practices, with the goal of positioning our monument as a communicating agent that conveys the urgent need for the holistic care of our common home.”— Father Omar Raposo, Rector of the Santuário Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary) On April 24th, during a historic event held in Belém do Pará, the Sanctuary signed two strategic agreements. First, a Protocol of Intentions with the Government of the State of Pará to jointly advance climate and sustainability agendas ahead of COP30. Second, a collaboration agreement with Rio Book and Green Initiative to initiate the climate certification process of Cristo Redentor’s management, with a progressive strategy towards achieving a positive climate impact. Through this collaboration, Cristo Redentor will undergo a comprehensive climate certification process aimed at assessing and mitigating its carbon footprint, integrating climate action at the core of its management model. “Being involved in the Cristo Carbono Neutral Certification process is a tremendous honor and pleasure. With the support from UN Tourism, along with support from public authorities and private sector institutions, we will have a unique project! In addition to Green Initiative’s work, we will mobilize talents to organize events, national and international photography exhibitions, concerts, documentaries… In short, a powerful network of communication and achievements worthy of this major project.” — Ricardo Amaral, Director of Rio Book “This collaboration reflects our commitment to positioning climate action as a central element of regenerative and sustainable tourism. At Green Initiative, we believe that iconic sites like Cristo Redentor have the power to inspire global change—not only through environmental leadership but by engaging communities, visitors, and partners in a collective journey toward a climate-positive future.” — Tatiana Otaviano, Relationship Manager at Green Initiative Importantly, through this process, Cristo Redentor will align its efforts with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Launched at COP26 in 2021, the Glasgow Declaration has been endorsed by over 700 organizations worldwide and calls on tourism stakeholders to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. It outlines five pathways for action: Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance. By adhering to these principles through the certification process, Cristo Redentor will further strengthen its governance framework and serve as a model for UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, illustrating how tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and climate action can be mutually reinforcing pillars for sustainable development. Grounded in international standards and Green Initiative’s approach, the overall goal of the project is to internalize climate mitigation action within the Sanctuary’s management practices. In doing so, the certification process will help reinforce ongoing social, cultural, and environmental initiatives led by the Sanctuary, while also identifying and making visible new opportunities for climate action, nature conservation, and community-based cultural programs. This integrated approach will contribute to amplifying the project’s impact and outreach, strengthening Cristo Redentor’s role as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development. The certification process will entail a full measurement and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions balance associated with site operations and activities. It will identify and reinforce existing mitigation efforts while exploring new opportunities for carbon capture and resource efficiency. It will culminate in the development of a Climate Action Plan covering the 2025–2030 period, designed to guide strategic investments, operational improvements, and long-term social, cultural and climate-related initiatives. A Strategic Step Toward COP30 The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Brazil prepares to host COP30 from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém do Pará — the first time a UN Climate Conference will be held in the Amazon region, a globally significant ecosystem for climate stability. Since the launch of the Glasgow Declaration, the tourism sector has been building a compelling case for its role in addressing the climate crisis. This momentum gained significant traction at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where tourism was celebrated through the inaugural Tourism and Climate Action Day, underscoring the sector’s growing recognition as a driver of climate solutions and nature-positive action. The climate certification of Cristo Redentor aligns with these global movements and serves as a strategic contribution to Brazil’s and the broader region’s efforts to demonstrate that tourism can be a powerful force for good. By positioning a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a leader in climate mitigation,

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Positive Impact Investment The New Frontier of Investments for Climate Action and the Role of Verification Organizations

Positive Impact Investment: The New Frontier of Investments for Climate Action and the Role of Verification Organizations

In recent years, impact investments have gained prominence as a powerful tool to finance initiatives that generate tangible social and environmental benefits. Within this context, impact investments have emerged as innovative financial instruments, offering a unique opportunity to channel resources toward combating climate change and promoting sustainable and social solutions. What Are Impact Investments? Impact investments are a type of debt instrument with a key distinction: the payments are tied to achieving specific social, climate or environmental impact targets. In other words, the repayment is directly linked to the borrower’s ability to meet measurable objectives, such as reducing carbon emissions or restoring ecosystems. This structure is relevant to climate finance because it allows investors to ensure that their capital makes a significant contribution to mitigating climate risks while also generating a financial return. This innovative structure offers a win-win scenario: Transforming Climate Financing: A Paradigm Shift in Resource Allocation The importance of these investment instruments goes beyond being mere financial tools. They represent a paradigm shift in how resources are allocated to mitigate environmental impacts. By effectively channeling capital to companies and projects committed to addressing climate change, these investments drive transformation within the private sector and align financial interests with global sustainability goals. Traditional financing models often lack accountability when it comes to environmental impact. Impact investments flip the script by directly linking financial performance to climate outcomes. This approach channels resources into projects that actively address climate risks while fostering long-term economic resilience. But achieving these lofty goals requires more than just good intentions. For these investments to work, robust systems for monitoring, evaluating, and verifying outcomes are essential. The Role of Independent Verification For impact investments to be effective and truly deliver the desired outcomes, independent evaluation and ongoing verification of results are crucial. This is where organizations like Green Initiative play a vital role. As a specialized third-party entity, Green Initiative provides advisory, certification, and monitoring services for financial institutions—such as funds and banks—that offer financial instruments linked to positive climate and environmental impacts. This is where third-party organizations like Green Initiative step in. As a trusted verifier, Green Initiative ensures that the impacts promised by borrowers are not only measurable but also delivered transparently and effectively. Here’s how: How Green Initiative Ensures Impact Leveraging its expertise, Green Initiative ensures that climate and environmental impacts are measured and monitored accurately and transparently, guaranteeing that resources allocated to these projects are utilized effectively. This advisory role, often referred to as third-party verification, extends beyond merely tracking results. It also helps ensure that borrowers meet the climate mitigation goals agreed upon in their contracts with funders, such as reducing CO2 emissions or enhancing biodiversity. Strengthening Credibility and Transparency One of the standout features of impact investments is their ability to foster transparency and accountability in climate financing. By linking financial success to environmental performance, these instruments ensure that resources are used where they matter most. For example, a company borrowing funds to transition to renewable energy can have its loan terms adjusted based on measurable reductions in carbon emissions. This accountability incentivizes borrowers to achieve their goals while giving investors confidence that their capital is making a tangible difference. By acting as an independent advisor, Green Initiative also strengthens the credibility and transparency of the process. This supervisory role builds trust among all stakeholders—investors, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and society at large. Through rigorous and impartial audits, Green Initiative validates the impact metrics reported by borrowers, ensuring that funds are appropriately used to achieve the desired outcomes. Beyond Verification: Driving Accountability In this context, Green Initiative’s work goes beyond simply validating results. It also assists financial institutions in monitoring compliance with the impact objectives of the instrument. This can include adjustments to instrument conditions, such as modifying interest rates based on the borrower’s performance. This flexibility ensures that impact investments remain aligned with environmental objectives and promote ongoing accountability among borrowers, incentivizing them to achieve the agreed-upon goals. Positive impact investments are more than just a financial innovation—they’re a strategic approach to driving global sustainability. Here’s why they matter: Unlocking the Potential of Positive Impact Investments Positive impact investments not only offer a way to finance climate mitigation projects but also contribute to building a more sustainable and transparent economy. These investments represent a groundbreaking shift in how we finance climate action. But their success hinges on rigorous monitoring, accountability, and collaboration between stakeholders. However, to unlock their full potential, rigorous monitoring and validation of impacts must be conducted by trustworthy entities like Green Initiative. In doing so, these instruments can ensure that financial resources are effectively directed toward combating climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable future for everyone. At the heart of this ecosystem is Green Initiative, a leader in providing the oversight and expertise that positive impact investments demand. From validating outcomes to guiding borrowers and investors through the intricacies of sustainability metrics, Green Initiative ensures that these financial tools live up to their potential. Our work goes beyond audits and certifications—it helps create a culture of accountability in climate financing, paving the way for a transparent, sustainable future. Now is the time to embrace this innovative approach to climate action. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a better future for generations to come. Written by Tatiana Otaviano, from the Green Initiative Team.

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Green Initiative Finalist for the Green Projects Awards Leading Sustainable Tourism and Climate and Nature Positive Action

Green Initiative: Finalist for the UN Tourism Green Projects Challenge Awards | Leading Sustainable Tourism and Climate and Nature Positive Action

From November 13th to 16th, 2024, the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, hosted the 122nd Executive Council Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This prestigious event brought together global tourism leaders to discuss the future of travel, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and innovation in a post-pandemic world. Attended by representatives from 47 countries, including 21 deputy ministers, 350 international delegates, and stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and financial organizations, the Council addressed strategic pillars such as tourism innovation and attracting investments for sustainable development. Amid these significant discussions, Green Initiative achieved a remarkable milestone: we were honored to be named a finalist for the Green Projects Challenge Awards, acknowledging our impactful efforts to drive climate action and foster sustainability in climate and nature through regenerative travel and tourism. Driving Climate Action: Green Initiative at the Green Projects Challenge Awards We are thrilled to announce that Green Initiative has been selected as a finalist for the Green Projects Challenge Awards, co-hosted by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and UN Tourism. This prestigious accolade recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding contributions to: Out of over 500 project submissions, only four finalists were chosen to present their initiatives in a 4-minute pitch during the event. Representing Green Initiative, Tatiana Otaviano Luiz emphasized our dedication to creating a greener, low-carbon future: “As a finalist, we are proud to stand alongside organizations committed to building a sustainable world through innovation and collaboration.” Being recognized for this award is a testament to Green Initiative’s work in helping businesses: Our transformative projects align with the goals of the Green Projects Awards and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making sustainability an aspiration and a necessity. UN Tourism Executive Council: Spotlight on Sustainable Tourism The 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting provided a platform to explore how sustainable tourism can address the global climate crisis. Host country Colombia demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through programs promoting biodiversity conservation and eco-friendly tourism development. During the event, delegates emphasized the critical need to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation. This focus resonates with Green Initiative’s vision of a tourism sector that contributes to economic recovery while respecting nature and promoting social inclusion. CAF and UN Tourism: Pioneers of Sustainability and Innovation The Green Projects Challenge Awards, co-hosted by CAF and UN Tourism, aim to recognize projects that embody sustainability leadership. These organizations are pivotal in fostering a future where climate action is at the heart of economic and social development. With more than 500 projects submitted, the awards highlight the collaborative efforts needed to: As a finalist, Green Initiative is honored to join the global movement of organizations leading the fight against climate change. We share this recognition with other exceptional finalists making transformative contributions to sustainability: Rodolfo Salinas Roca, representing Natoure, for pioneering efforts in eco-tourism in Mexico, Alvaro Quiros Rodriguez, with Tequina Wave, for advancing sustainable practices in coastal tourism in Panama, and Gilson Altamar, from Por un Coral Más Vivo, for championing marine conservation and coral restoration in Colombia. Together, we represent a united front in driving innovation, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering a more sustainable future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the incredible leaders and organizations recognized at the UN Tourism Green Projects Challenge Awards for their dedication to advancing sustainable tourism and driving positive climate and nature action. A special acknowledgment goes to: Together, your collective efforts inspire hope and action in the global fight against climate change, proving that sustainability is not only possible but essential for a thriving future. 🌍✨ Congratulations to all on your outstanding contributions! Let us continue to work together toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world. A Commitment to a Low-Carbon Economy Green Initiative’s recognition at the Green Projects Challenge Awards underscores the impact of our efforts to advance sustainable tourism and help industries transition toward a low-carbon economy. By partnering with businesses and governments, we create actionable solutions to address environmental challenges, build climate resilience, and foster sustainable development. As the 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council concluded, it left a renewed sense of optimism about the role of sustainable tourism in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Discover how Green Initiative can help your organization lead climate action. Contact us today to learn more. Related content:

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