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Recap – Webinar on Regenerative Tourism: The Key Dimension for Ecological Sustainability and Business Competitiveness

On August 28, 2024, the Green Initiative hosted an exceptional international webinar titled “Regenerative Tourism: The New Dimension for Ecological Sustainability and Long-Term Business Competitiveness.” The event brought together a diverse group of experts, industry professionals, and global stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of regenerative tourism. The webinar provided attendees with invaluable insights into how regenerative tourism practices are not only reshaping the future of travel but also contributing to global sustainability goals. Frédéric Perron-Welch, Head of Climate and Nature Policy at Green Initiative, kicked off the webinar with a warm welcome. “Regenerative tourism is not just about sustainability; it’s about restoring and enhancing the ecosystems and communities that make tourism possible,” said Perron-Welch, emphasizing the core philosophy of the event. Keynote Presentations Marcos Vaena – Senior Executive at IFC Marcos Vaena provided a comprehensive overview of the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Environmental and Social Performance Standards, illustrating how they align with the principles of regenerative tourism. He highlighted the synergies between green finance and regenerative practices, particularly in emerging markets. “In today’s world, going beyond sustainability is crucial for destinations that want to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. Regenerative tourism offers a blueprint for long-term success by ensuring that tourism projects do not adversely impact the natural assets that these countries possess,” Vaena stated. He also discussed how IFC’s performance standards, which include guidelines on labor conditions, community health, and biodiversity conservation, are critical in boosting competitiveness in the tourism sector. Virginia Fernandez-Trapa – Programme Coordinator, UN World Tourism Organization Virginia Fernandez-Trapa presented a compelling discussion on the “Regenerate Pathway” of The Glasgow Declaration. She emphasized that concept challenges conventional tourism practices by focusing on not only preserving but actively restoring ecosystems. “The regenerate pathway challenges us to go beyond conventional practices, focusing on restoring ecosystems and supporting nature’s ability to draw down carbon”, said Fernandez-Trapa She highlighted how the regenerate pathway is central to the goals of the Glasgow Declaration and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that incorporates environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainable development. “At present and in alignment with the Glasgow Declaration pathways for us is clear, that regenerative can certainly play a role in accelerating the pace of change towards the needed balance, so that we can ultimately ensure sustainable development of our societies, and we need to integrate those regenerative arteries and policies and actions”, she added. Tenisha Brown-Williams – Senior Tourism Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank Tenisha Brown-Williams captivated the audience with compelling case studies from Barbados and Brazil, showcasing how regenerative tourism can lead to transformative change. She shared the story of Walker’s Reserve in Barbados, a former quarry transformed into a thriving ecotourism destination, and the IDB‘s Salvador program in Brazil, which empowers Afro-Brazilian communities through regenerative tourism. “I want to bring us all to one common point of agreement. We can all agree that in spite of the debates around sustainable turism and regenerative…. I think we could agree that given the climate crisis and other pressing vulnerabilities the global tourism industry must embrace in a new approach, so it is imperative for all stakeholders within the tourism value chain to adopt, what is called a transformative mindset, and this shift really involves moving beyond purely economic objectives to embrace the holistic reflections, which I have highlighted… On some rhetorical questions, we need to ponder: it’s tourism a benefit to the people at the destination or to the tourists?, said Brown-Williams. “I want to propose that a mind cannot be transformed without visible proof of change and tangible evidence of its impact. So the IDB’S Tourism sector framework has a line of action which deals with original knowledge agenda for the tourism sector that covers important issues for which there is a lack of information. We also need to continue to inspire by sharing examples which strengthen community based tourism enterprises such as the examples shared in Belize, the Bahamas and Dominica, with elements of regenerative tourism at it’s core”, she added. “I propose that the future of regenerative tourism hinges on our collective recognition that it is a mindset shift, brought to life through strategic policies and programs, and fully realized through robust partnerships across the entire tourism value chain. It is in this unified understanding and collaborative effort that we will shape a truly regenerated future for the global tourism industry. As we face unprecedented challenges, regenerative tourism offers a path forward that benefits both people and the planet. By fostering inclusive, community-driven initiatives, we can ensure that tourism serves as a powerful tool for positive change and long-term resilience,” she concluded. In closing, Tenisha Brown-Williams emphasized the critical importance of regenerative tourism as a transformative force within the industry. She called on all stakeholders to embrace this new approach, which prioritizes not only environmental sustainability but also social equity and cultural preservation. Inspiring Case Studies Gabriel Meseth – Project Manager, Inkaterra Hotels Gabriel Meseth presented Inkaterra’s pioneering efforts in ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru, focusing on their initiatives in the Amazon rainforest and the Machu Picchu cloud forest. He highlighted the successful restoration of these areas and the innovative waste management strategies that have made Machu Picchu the first carbon-neutral UNESCO Designated Site. “Inkaterra’s approach to regenerative tourism is deeply rooted in scientific research and community engagement. By restoring ecosystems and empowering local communities, we are not only preserving Peru’s natural heritage but also setting new standards for sustainable tourism worldwide,” Meseth explained. He also discussed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving these ambitious goals, citing the collaboration between Inkaterra, the Green Initiative, and local communities as a model for other regions. André Fortunato – Program Manager, CEPA (Customized Educational Programs Abroad) André Fortunato shared CEPA’s innovative approach to regenerative tourism through their study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala. He emphasized the importance of service learning and climate-positive actions in educating students and supporting local communities. “Through our programs, students not only learn about sustainability but actively contribute

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Celebrating World Environment Day 2024: Honoring Our Planet’s Biomes

June 5, World Environment Day 2024 On this World Environment Day, we celebrate and commit to protecting the incredible diversity of life on our planet. Each biome plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s ecological balance and sustaining life. This year, we are digging deep into land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the UN Environment Programme slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” The Vital Role of Biomes Tropical Rainforests Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon and the Congo Basin, are the lungs of our planet. They are teeming with biodiversity and are vital for regulating the global climate. These irreplaceable treasures support countless species and are essential for our planet’s health. Let’s commit to preserving these lush, vibrant ecosystems. Fun Fact: A single hectare of rainforest can contain over 750 types of trees and 1,500 species of higher plants. Savannas Savannas, spanning Africa, South America, and Australia, support a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems. These grasslands, with their seasonal rains, remind us of nature’s resilience and the importance of sustainable land use. Protecting savannas ensures the survival of the diverse species that inhabit them. Fun Fact: The Serengeti in Africa hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras making their annual trek. Deserts Deserts, such as the Sahara and the Gobi, teach us about survival and adaptation in the harshest conditions. Despite their arid nature, deserts are teeming with life uniquely adapted to thrive where water is scarce. Protecting these fragile ecosystems is crucial for maintaining their delicate balance. The Great Green Wall initiative, aiming to restore 100 million hectares of land in Africa, exemplifies efforts to combat desertification and promote land restoration. Fun Fact: The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, spans 9.4 million square kilometers—about the size of Canada. It is home to over 500 plant species and 90 different species of birds. Diverse Biomes and Their Unique Contributions Temperate Forests Temperate forests, found in North America, Europe, and Asia, enchant us with their changing seasons and diverse flora and fauna. These forests are essential for carbon storage, soil conservation, and providing habitat for countless species. Ensuring these woodlands remain vibrant and healthy is crucial for future generations. Fun Fact: The oldest known tree in the world, a bristlecone pine named Methuselah, is located in California’s White Mountains and is over 4,800 years old. Taiga (Boreal Forest) The Taiga, or Boreal Forest, stretches across Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia, forming the largest terrestrial biome on Earth. These coniferous forests are crucial carbon sinks and home to species uniquely adapted to cold climates. Preserving the Taiga helps combat climate change and supports biodiversity. Fun Fact: The Taiga represents about 30% of the world’s forest cover, playing a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Tundra The Tundra, with its cold, treeless plains and permafrost, is a reminder of nature’s extremes and the fragility of life in harsh environments. Found in Arctic regions and high mountains, the Tundra is vital in regulating global temperatures and supporting unique wildlife. Fun Fact: The Arctic Tundra is home to the largest and most successful land predator, the polar bear, which can travel over 30 kilometers a day in search of food. Marine Biomes Marine biomes, covering about 70% of Earth’s surface, include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. They support an immense variety of life and are crucial for global climate regulation. Protecting our oceans is essential for maintaining the planet’s health. Fun Fact: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world, spanning over 2,300 kilometers and hosting over 1,500 species of fish. Freshwater Biomes Freshwater biomes, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, provide habitat for diverse species and are vital for human survival. Lakes, rivers, and wetlands hold 20-30% of global carbon despite occupying only 5-8% of the land surface. The Nile River, widely regarded as the world’s longest waterway, exemplifies the critical importance of freshwater ecosystems. Fun Fact: The Nile River, widely regarded as the world’s longest waterway, flows through 11 different countries and stretches 6,695 kilometers. Terrestrial and Land-Based Ecosystems Soil and Water Soil is the planet’s most biodiverse habitat, with almost 60% of all species living in it. Healthy soils store massive amounts of carbon, which, if released, would cause a huge spike in planetary warming. Only 0.5% of water on Earth is usable and available freshwater, and climate change is dangerously affecting this supply. Over the past two decades, land-based water storage—including soil moisture, snow, and ice—has dropped at a rate of 1 centimeter per year, severely impacting water security and food production. Drylands Drylands cover 41% of the Earth’s land surface and 78% of the world’s rangelands. They generate 44% of global crops, provide feed for half of the world’s livestock, and support the lives and livelihoods of over 2 billion people. Despite their arid conditions, drylands are home to more than a quarter of the world’s forests and a third of global biodiversity hotspots. Protecting drylands is essential for sustaining the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. Farmlands and Urban Ecosystems Farmlands Farmlands are crucial for global food production, yet they face significant challenges. Every five seconds, the equivalent of one football pitch of soil is eroded. It takes 1,000 years to generate just 3 centimeters of topsoil, and every year, more than 24 billion tonnes of priceless topsoil are washed or blown away worldwide. Agricultural expansion continues to threaten forests and biodiversity. The world will need to raise its food production by 60–70% to feed a projected human population of 9 billion by 2050. Close to 75% of the world’s fruit and seed crops depend on pollinators like bees, which contribute to 35% of the world’s total crop production. Despite their importance, pollinators are in serious decline due to intensive agricultural practices, pesticide use, invasive species, diseases, and climate change. Globally, at least 2 billion people depend on the agriculture sector

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Celebrating World Environment Day 2024: Honoring Our Planet’s Biomes

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