At COP29, held in Baku, a new chapter was opened for the tourism industry's role in climate action, highlighted by the participation of Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand from IU International University of Applied Sciences. Despite complex negotiations surrounding climate financing, the conference marked a significant milestone with the endorsement of the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. Ministers and representatives from 50 countries unified their efforts to advance tourism's climate agenda, setting the stage for further discussions at COP30 in Brazil.
As tourism currently contributes approximately 8% to global carbon emissions, its potential influence on sustainable and climate-resilient growth cannot be overstated. Recognising this dual role, industry leaders are working to mitigate its negative impacts while enhancing its positive contributions to global economies and local communities.
Willy Legrand led the High-Level Roundtable 2 at COP29, focused on elevating the tourism sector's climate ambitions. This session, titled "From Commitments to Implementation," explored the critical relationship between regenerative tourism practices, climate adaptation, and financing innovations. The discussion underscored the necessity of preserving tourism's economic contributions while ensuring swift actions towards climate resilience and equity.
The Roundtable opened with insights from Mr. Kanan Gasimov, Head of Administration at Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency, and Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director at UN Tourism. Dr. Nazia M Habib from the University of Cambridge delivered a keynote on "Climate Finance Innovation for Tourism Economies," emphasising the importance of co-creation in finding solutions beyond traditional collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Legrand then facilitated a vibrant panel discussion featuring distinguished experts across the tourism value chain. Participants included Ms. Chompan Kulnides from Minor International PCL and Mr. Thomas Mills from Booking Holdings, among others. They deliberated on key strategies to enhance climate adaptation within the tourism sector.
Key takeaways from these discussions included:
1. Policy Mechanisms for Adaptation: The Travel Foundation showcased how National Tourism Organisations can implement policy mechanisms for climate adaptation, integrating ecosystem restoration into planning while supporting local businesses with climate risk tools.
2. Conservation Achievements: The Long Run's efforts in managing over 21 million acres focused on essential conservation and rewilding projects, addressing challenges like funding and engagement.
3. Hospitality Resilience: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council's criteria have facilitated sustainable practices in destinations, underscoring the continuous need for ecological adaptation.
4. Funding Strategies: Booking Holdings shared insights into structuring climate strategies around recognised frameworks, such as the SBTi, focusing on innovative funding models to enhance ecosystem resilience.
5. Financial Instruments and Education: Discussions highlighted the need for improved financial tools, like green finance, to support economically viable projects within tourism, alongside educating stakeholders on sustainability.
The conversations moderated by Prof. Dr. Legrand highlighted the tourism industry's vital role in addressing climate challenges through innovative policy-making, conservation efforts, and strategic funding. The commitment to integrating climate adaptation strategies reflects the sector's responsibility and potential to influence global sustainable development positively.
"At COP29, we have witnessed a pivotal moment for tourism as a driver of climate solutions. It's not just about reducing emissions; it's about transforming our entire approach to tourism, ensuring that it becomes a beacon of sustainability and resilience for future generations," Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand concluded.
For more Information:
• On the UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
