Baku, Azerbaijan – The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), on behalf of its member countries, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to addressing climate change, recognizing the critical need to safeguard the Pacific way of life, natural and cultural heritage, and the future of its communities.
Speaking at the First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism during UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker shared that tourism was more than an economic pillar for the Blue Pacific Continent—it is a lifeline, yet it stands on the frontlines of climate change impacts.
“Our ecosystems, coastlines, and cultural assets are increasingly vulnerable to climate change,” said Chris Cocker, CEO of SPTO. “As Pacific leaders, we have a shared responsibility to ensure tourism is a force for environmental protection, cultural preservation, and resilience. The IPCC’s latest findings underline the escalating risks posed by sea level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.”
Mr Cocker further mentioned that SPTO’s integrated approach envisions a tourism sector that not only recovers from the pandemic but leads to creating a low-emission, sustainable future. This commitment aligns with the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
OUR COMMITMENT:
- Mobilize Sustainable Financing- SPTO calls for innovative funding structures to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adapt, innovate, and invest in green tourism practices across Pacific islands.
- Enhance Knowledge and Capacity Building- Through initiatives like the Climate Champions Training, delivered in partnership with The Travel Foundation and Expedia Group, SPTO supports the development of Climate Action Plans for eight Pacific Island countries, fostering regional resilience and facilitating participation in the Glasgow Declaration Initiative.
- Promote High-Quality, Low-Impact Tourism-SPTO is dedicated to cultivating authentic, environmentally responsible tourism experiences that celebrate the Pacific’s unique identity and heritage while safeguarding ecosystems and cultural treasures.
- Support Inclusive Tourism- Tourism must empower Pacific communities, particularly women and youth, by embedding equitable, sustainable practices that ensure benefits flow to those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Cocker reaffirms SPTOs call on the international community, especially developed nations and major emitters, to commit to increased financial support through the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, ensuring grants-based, additional resources for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Reform funding pathways to prioritize SMEs, community-based tourism, and cooperatives in SIDS. And establish a dedicated climate adaptation and mitigation fund with simplified processes tailored to Pacific contexts, ensuring swift and direct access for tourism stakeholders. Partnerships are to be highlighted as key to any action to happen.
“We pledge to act with urgency and dedication, creating a thriving, resilient Pacific for generations to come,” added Cocker.
This post was originally published on here
