Sustainable tourism takes centre stage at COP29 in Baku

During COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, sustainable tourism was the focus of a special session organized in the Green Zone. This event brought together industry experts, government representatives and non-governmental organizations, providing a unique opportunity to discuss strategies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of tourism and promoting more sustainable practices globally.

 

Participants in the session highlighted the need to integrate sustainability into global tourism policies. With tourism responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, a consensus has emerged on the need for paradigm shift.

Among the topics addressed, particular emphasis was given to the importance of improving transparency in the sector and developing frameworks for sustainable food systems related to tourism.

The meeting highlighted how tourism can become a driver for sustainable development, but only if accompanied by a concrete commitment to reducing emissions, respecting natural resources and enhancing local communities.

 

One of the highlights of the session was the presentation of case studies on destinations that have successfully implemented sustainable initiatives. The discussion then focused on the adoption of green technologies and the implementation of daily ecological practices, such as the use of renewable energy, waste management and the improvement of energy efficiency in accommodation facilities.

 

A central theme was the role of local communities in ensuring the success of sustainable initiatives. The active participation of the populations has been indicated as an essential condition for creating tourism that respects not only the environment, but also local cultures and traditions. In many destinations, in fact, tourism is seen as an opportunity to enhance cultural heritage and ensure direct economic benefits to the population.

 

The session ended with a call to action addressed to governments, companies, NGOs and travellers. The message is clear: to meet the challenges of climate change and ensure equitable tourism development, global collaboration is needed. Investing in sustainable practices is not only an ethical choice, but also a winning strategy for the future of the sector.

 

With COP29 as an international platform, Azerbaijan has placed itself at the center of the global debate, reaffirming the crucial role of sustainable tourism in achieving climate goals. The hope is that the solutions shared during the event can inspire new initiatives and policies around the world, charting a concrete path towards a greener future.