How about taking a look at the present and future of tourism? On November 20, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), we at Raízes Desenvolvimento Sustentável officially signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This step represents much more than a symbol; it is the embodiment of our values and our conviction that tourism, social justice, and environmental conservation must go hand in hand.
Signing the Declaration reinforces the way we view tourism: as a tool for regeneration and care for territories, communities, and ecosystems. A purpose that has guided our work for almost two decades.
What is the Glasgow Declaration, and why is it important globally?
During COP26, which took place in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021, various global initiatives were named the “Glasgow Declaration,” covering topics such as forests, land use, and clean energy. All of them point to urgent ways to tackle the climate crisis.
In our case, we are talking about the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism—a commitment that calls on the sector to take responsibility for reducing emissions, regenerating ecosystems, and building tourism that respects planetary boundaries and empowers people and their territories. It is this integrated approach, which connects climate, communities, and conservation, that resonates so deeply with the work we do.
Created by UNWTO in partnership with international organizations, the Declaration invites companies, institutions, and tourist destinations to present a clear climate plan within 12 months. This plan should consider five courses of action: measuring emissions, decarbonizing operations, regenerating ecosystems, collaborating with other actors, and enabling responsible investments.
More than a letter of intent, the Declaration serves as a global framework to guide tourism toward a low-carbon future. It reinforces the collective responsibility of the sector and provides practical guidelines for ensuring that the transformation takes place in a consistent and transparent manner.
How the signature interacts with Raízes’ trajectory
Since our founding, Raízes has worked with the conviction that tourism is only sustainable when it benefits those who live in the territory, respects nature, and expands opportunities for communities. Our work in territorial development projects, community tourism, and strengthening local entrepreneurs has always been based on this principle.
For almost two decades, we have contributed to initiatives that value cultures, protect socio-biodiversity, and generate income in a fair manner.
Signing the Glasgow Declaration means officially aligning this trajectory with an international commitment. It means transforming what we already practice into an even more structured institutional agenda: measuring impacts, expanding climate actions, strengthening partnerships, and integrating environmental goals across all our fronts.
We are excited to build this future together!
