The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is urging climate funding at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS) in relation to climate change, especially for the tourism sector. The organization highlights the urgent need for stronger climate actions, resilience funding, and supportive policies while advocating for sustainable tourism practices to secure the economic viability of the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is advocating for enhanced climate funding at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. By representing the Caribbean region, the CTO intends to draw attention to the severe climate risks confronting small island developing states (SIDS), particularly concerning the tourism sector, which is essential for the economic well-being of the Caribbean’s 44.5 million inhabitants. The organization will address the challenges posed by rising sea levels, increased hurricane frequency and intensity, and overall environmental decline that threatens the region’s economic infrastructures and natural attractions. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO, emphasizes the importance of tourism amidst climate change, stating that the Caribbean’s contribution to global emissions is minimal, yet its vulnerability to climate impacts is profound. The CTO’s attendance at COP29 is viewed as a vital opportunity to promote climate-resilient tourism strategies, ensuring that global climate initiatives recognize and tackle the specific challenges facing the Caribbean. In alignment with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, the CTO is seeking definitive actions from COP29 that will integrate tourism into international climate policies. A collective statement advocating for stronger climate actions, increased resilience funding, and supportive regulations for tourism-dependent economies is anticipated. A high-level discussion with tourism ministers is scheduled for November 20. The CTO remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism, renewable energy adoption, and resilient infrastructure development, reinforcing the notion that the Caribbean’s climate issues are a global responsibility necessitating immediate joint action.
The Caribbean region, comprising many small island developing states (SIDS), faces significant threats from climate change, primarily due to its reliance on tourism as an economic driver. The impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and severe weather events, have an outsized effect on these nations, prompting organizations like the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to advocate for urgent action and financial assistance. By participating in international forums like COP29, the CTO aims to elevate the Caribbean’s concerns regarding climate vulnerability to a global audience and seek supportive measures that can help mitigate these impacts.
The CTO’s active engagement at COP29 highlights the urgent need for climate funding and strategic interventions to protect the Caribbean’s tourism sector. The organization’s efforts aim to draw global attention to the unique vulnerabilities of small island states, advocating for sustainable practices and cooperative solutions. By emphasizing the critical economic role of tourism, the CTO seeks to foster resilience against climate change while reinforcing that the Caribbean’s climate challenges necessitate comprehensive and immediate international responses.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
