At COP29 in Baku, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) emphasizes the urgent need for climate funding and action for small island developing states (SIDS), highlighting tourism’s vulnerability to climate change. Dona Regis-Prosper, CEO of CTO, stresses the importance of sustainable practices and resilience-building measures for tourism-dependent economies. The CTO aims for robust commitments to address the Caribbean’s climate challenges and embed tourism within global climate strategies.
At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is advocating for urgent climate action tailored to the needs of small island developing states (SIDS). This conference presents an opportunity to address the significant challenges faced by the Caribbean region, particularly as rising sea levels, severe hurricanes, and environmental degradation threaten both livelihoods and the tourism sector, which is critical to the region’s economy. The CTO underscores the importance of sustainable tourism practices and calls for increased funding to bolster climate resilience in tourism-dependent economies. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, remarked on the essential nature of tourism for the Caribbean, stating that, “Tourism is the heartbeat of the Caribbean. Yet, we must confront the stark reality that our islands contribute the least but are among the most vulnerable to climate change.” Underlining the critical need for action, she asserts that the CTO’s presence at COP29 is vital for promoting climate-resilient tourism practices. The organization seeks to embed tourism considerations in global climate strategies and aims to secure commitments towards climate action and financial support for resilience initiatives. Aligned with global frameworks like the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, the CTO is calling for a strengthened commitment to climate issues in tourism, advocating policies that protect regional economies dependent on this sector. As part of its agenda, a high-level session with tourism ministers is planned, highlighting the importance of fostering collaborative efforts to address climate vulnerabilities which are not only local but also global concerns. Moreover, the CTO emphasizes the urgent need for renewable energy adoption and the construction of infrastructure that can withstand climate impacts, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for Caribbean tourism.
The Caribbean region, composed mostly of small island developing states (SIDS), is significantly impacted by climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. This situation creates a paradox where these regions face existential threats, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events, while lacking adequate resources and infrastructure to mitigate these effects. The tourism sector, as a major economic driver for the Caribbean, is particularly susceptible to these climatic changes, necessitating urgent advocacy for climate-focused funding and policy implementation. This context shapes the CTO’s engagement at COP29, aiming to align the region’s needs with broader global climate initiatives.
In summary, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is leveraging its presence at COP29 to advocate for increased climate funding and supportive policies for tourism-dependent economies. The organization’s focus on climate resilience is critical, as the Caribbean region faces significant threats from climate change. By aligning with global climate initiatives and emphasizing sustainable tourism practices, the CTO aims to foster a unified response to the challenges posed by climate vulnerabilities, underscoring that these challenges warrant immediate and collective action from the international community.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
