The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is advocating for climate funding at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasizing the threats of climate change on tourism in small island developing states (SIDS). The organization aims to secure increased resilience funding and sustainable practices to protect the economies and livelihoods of the Caribbean’s 44.5 million residents. CTO leaders stress the urgent need for global climate policies to consider the specific vulnerabilities of the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is actively participating in the COP29 climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where it intends to spotlight the severe climate challenges confronting small island developing states (SIDS). Given that tourism is a vital component of the Caribbean’s economy, the CTO plans to address the imminent threats posed by rising sea levels, intensified hurricanes, and environmental degradation, which jeopardize the livelihoods of the region’s approximately 44.5 million residents. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of CTO, emphasized, “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.” The CTO’s presence at this significant forum is aimed at promoting climate-resilient practices within the tourism sector and ensuring that international climate policies take into account the specific challenges faced by the Caribbean. The CTO is committed to initiatives such as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and expects COP29 to yield actionable outcomes that integrate tourism within global climate strategies. They are advocating for increased financial support for resilience efforts and the development of policies to protect economies reliant on tourism. A high-level meeting featuring Ministers of Tourism is set for November 20, where further discussions on this paramount issue will take place. In engaging actively in these discussions, the CTO insists on the significance of adopting sustainable tourism practices, renewable energy solutions, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure as essential steps. The organization’s advocacy underscores that the Caribbean’s climate vulnerabilities require urgent global attention and collaborative action.
The Caribbean region, predominantly consisting of small island developing states (SIDS), faces significant risks due to climate change. These islands are notably vulnerable to ecological disasters, driven by climate phenomena such as rising sea levels and increasingly severe hurricanes. Tourism plays a foundational role in the Caribbean’s economy, supporting millions of residents but also exposing them to climate-related vulnerabilities. The COP29 conference serves as a platform for Caribbean leaders, represented by the CTO, to urge the global community for coordinated climate action and funding directed towards resilience initiatives.
In summary, the CTO’s efforts at COP29 reflect a critical push for acknowledging and addressing the unique climate challenges faced by the Caribbean. By advocating for climate-resilient tourism and increased funding, the CTO aims to secure not only the future of local economies dependent on tourism but also to highlight the Caribbean’s role in the broader narrative of global climate action. It is imperative that the international community responds to these urgent calls to safeguard the Caribbean’s cultural and economic frameworks amid ongoing climatic adversities.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
