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Sustainability and Resilience Institute Signs the Glasgow Declaration
In a significant move towards combating climate change, the Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand (SRI NZ) has become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This commitment aligns SRI NZ with global efforts to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero emissions before 2050. UNWTO


Background to Glasgow Declation on Climate Action in Tourism
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism was officially launched on November 4, 2021, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK. This declaration serves as a catalyst for increased urgency in accelerating climate action within the tourism sector. The launch event took place in the Blue Zone- Climate Action Room 1 of the conference venue. The declaration aims to unite the travel and tourism industry behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments to reduce emissions. Signatories of the Glasgow Declaration commit to cutting tourism emissions by at least 50% over the next decade and achieving Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. Since its launch, the Glasgow Declaration has gained significant traction within the tourism industry. By April 2022, it had surpassed 500 signatories, and as of the latest available information, over 850 organizations have become signatories, demonstrating the growing commitment to climate action in the tourism sectos.
Glasgow declaration on climate action in tourism
The Glasgow Declaration serves as a unified framework for tourism stakeholders to accelerate climate action. By signing this declaration, SRI NZ commits to developing and implementing a climate action plan within 12 months, focusing on five key pathways: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance.
As a carbon-neutral organization, SRI NZ actively offsets its carbon emdicated conservation and regeneration efforts. Their commitment to the Glasgow Declaration involves developing and implementing a climate action plan within 12 months, focusing on five key pathways: Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance.
Over 850 organizations have become signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism to accelerate climate action.
By becoming signatories, organizations agree to implement the commitments detailed in the Glasgow Declaration, notably:
- Support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
- Deliver climate action plans within 12 months from becoming a signatory (or updating existing plans), and implement them.
- Align plans with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance) to accelerate and co-ordinate climate action in tourism.
- Report publicly on an annual basis on progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken.
- Work in a collaborative spirit, sharing good practices and solutions, and disseminating information to encourage additional organizations to become signatories and supporting one another to reach targets as quickly as possible.
Everyone in the tourism sector has a role to play in accelerating climate action and therefore all tourism stakeholders (legal entities) can become signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. Destinations (national and local governments), businesses (accommodation providers, tour operators, suppliers, etc.) and supporting organizations (NGOs, business associations, academia, etc.) can become signatories of the Initiative.
Sustainability and Resilience Institute
This initiative reflects a transformative shift in the tourism system, empowering stakeholders to transition to holistic regenerative tourism practices. By aligning with the Glasgow Declaration, SRI NZ is poised to contribute significantly to global climate goals, fostering a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry in New Zealand and beyond.
For more information on the Glasgow Declaration and its impact on sustainable tourism, visit the official UNWTO page. UNWTO
To learn more about SRI NZ’s projects and their commitment to sustainability, explore their official website.
By embracing such initiatives, the Sustainability and Resilience Institute New Zealand exemplifies leadership in the global movement towards sustainable tourism, inspiring others to take meaningful action against climate change.
For a deeper understanding of the significance of the Glasgow Declaration and its role in scaling up climate action in tourism, you might find the following video informative: