Colombia Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Champions Environmental Initiatives
The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has now become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), reflecting its commitment to sustainable travel practices. Known for its rich cultural diversity and varied landscapes, Colombia is home to everything from sandy beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains. Recognized as one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, Colombia harbors almost 10% of Earth’s biodiversity. It leads globally in the diversity of birds and orchids and is second only in terms of plants, butterflies, freshwater fish, and amphibians (CBD, 2024). Its capital, Bogotá, is a city of contrasts, where the historic charm of the La Candelaria neighborhood with its old churches and cobblestone streets meets the modernity of skyscrapers like the BD Bacatá.
Environmental Initiatives in Colombia
Photograph by Jorge Iván Melo Monroy, titled “Waving over the Mavecure hills,” portrays Colombia’s significant strides in environmental protection, having designated 30% of its land as protected areas by 2022. The country is aggressive in its climate change initiatives, aiming for a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and striving for zero net deforestation in the same timeframe. Colombia’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Colombia’s sustainability framework includes a variety of tools and strategies that promote social justice, environmental preservation, and economic growth. Key initiatives include:
Responsible Investment Task Force: A collaborative platform for public and private stakeholders to share sustainable investment practices.
Green taxonomy: A classification system to guide economic activities and investments toward sustainability goals.
Circular economy strategies: Aimed at promoting the reuse of waste within business models.
Climate action laws and the elimination of single-use plastics: Laws have been enacted to phase out single-use plastics, alongside participation in the Global Plastic Initiative and the implementation of a plan for plastic reduction and substitution.
Sustainable Tourism Policy: This policy aims to align tourism development with the conservation of natural resources.
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Germán Umaña, emphasized: “To Colombia, the country of beauty, it is essential to join efforts in the economic transition and the protection of nature. By joining the GSTC, we hope to strengthen our sustainability management through exchanging experiences with other member countries, as well as to lead transformations with the good practices that Colombia is implementing in developing its Sustainable Tourism Policy”.
Latin American and Caribbean GSTC Summit
The inaugural Latin American and Caribbean GSTC Summit is scheduled to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, from May 27-29, 2024. Hosted by the GSTC in partnership with various national and international organizations, including Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, USAID’s Destination Nature Activity (DNA) Program, the National Tourism Fund of Colombia (Fontur), the Santa Marta City Hall, and Swisscontact, this private summit will focus on advancing sustainability and regeneration in tourism. The event will gather experts, public and private sector representatives, academics, and NGOs from the region and beyond to share insights, form strategic recommendations, and foster regional cooperation in sustainable tourism, focusing on biodiversity conservation, cultural values, and economic sustainability.
GSTC Welcomes The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
“We warmly welcome the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism as a new member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Their commitment to environmental responsibility demonstrates a deep respect for both their community and natural surroundings. We look forward to Colombia’s continued progress and success in their sustainability journey,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
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