Tourism Joins Climate Action with Historic Declaration at COP29 For the fir

Tourism Joins Climate Action with Historic Declaration at COP29

25-11-24

For the first time, tourism took center stage at COP29 with a dedicated Tourism Day, bringing over 700 stakeholders together. More than 50 countries endorsed the COP29 Declaration for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, marking a pivotal moment for aligning the sector with global climate goals. The event highlighted tourism’s dual role: a major economic contributor and a sector facing significant climate vulnerabilities.

Chaired by Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, the Ministerial Meeting featured leaders from the UN, UNEP, and UNFCCC, alongside ministers and deputies from over 20 countries. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the milestone, stating that tourism’s inclusion in COP discussions signifies a transformative step toward sustainable development and climate resilience.

Measurement and Decarbonization as Priorities

Discussions focused on advancing carbon measurement at global, national, business, and consumer levels to ensure informed, sustainable actions. The UN Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism was unveiled as a vital tool to align tourism policies with climate goals. Challenges such as the limits of technology and the need for innovative business models were also addressed.

Adaptation, Regeneration, and Financing Solutions

The sector’s potential for fostering climate adaptation and regeneration strategies was a key theme. Experts emphasized the importance of scalable financing mechanisms, innovative instruments, and collaboration for advancing sustainability. Success stories showcased how decarbonization and funding can drive adaptation while promoting science-based, climate-positive strategies.

Progress on the Glasgow Declaration

The Glasgow Declaration Initiative gained momentum, with 58 new signatories, including Destination Canada and HOTREC. COP29 also revealed key findings from its 2024 Implementation Report: 92% of climate plans include decarbonization, while 73% focus on biodiversity and 41% on climate adaptation. However, finance actions remain a challenge, featured in only 44% of plans.

Future of Climate-Resilient Tourism

To sustain the momentum, UN Tourism and Azerbaijan signed a Letter of Intent to establish a global coordination mechanism for tourism climate action. This initiative aims to build on progress at COP29 and prepare for COP30 in Brazil, ensuring tourism’s transformation into a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable sector.

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