Abuja, 9/11/2023 – The maiden Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum (ATCAF) 2023, organized by Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SDSTF), is set to hold on the 24th- 26th of November, 2023 in partnership with the Ekiti state government. The event billed to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the tourism and trade sectors with a central focus on decarbonization and green industrialization, will address critical issues facing the African tourism industry. It is set to hold at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ikogosi Ekiti, Ekiti state.
Africa, known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, has seen tourism growth, but it has also faced challenges related to climate change and socio-economic inequality.
Climate Change Mitigation, Adaption, and Sustainability
ATCAF 2023 will tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation as one of its primary focuses. The tourism industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions as well as undergoes climate impacts, and discussions during the conference will revolve around strategies for reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. In addition, strategies to building resilience and sustainable tourism practices will be promoted to preserve Africa’s unique ecosystems and diverse cultural heritage.
Key Objectives and Goals
The forum aims to promote knowledge exchange among industry experts and policymakers, target climate solutions for a low-carbon tourism economy, formulate policies that support sustainability, encourage private sector engagement in eco-friendly practices, involve local communities in tourism activities, and facilitate networking, partnerships and impact investments amongst others.
ATCAF 2023 with the theme: Decarbonisation and Green Industrialisation of Tourism and Trade in Africa intends to advance decarbonization by exploring strategies for reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, embracing green industrialization for economic growth, and facilitating climate finance discussions and partnerships. The event seeks to create linkages between the tourism ecosystem and regional and international trade to enhance green tourism industrialization.
Event Schedule and Expected Impact
The three-day forum will include a Youth Conference, Women’s Forum, discussions on green industrialization, and a focus on climate finance and investments. The event will establish a strategic pathway and action plan for sustainable tourism development, creating opportunities for various stakeholders, and culminating in the “Ikogosi Declaration for Tourism, Trade, and Climate.” Additionally, the conference will propose the declaration of 2024 as the ” Year of the Woman” to empower women and underpin the role of women in climate action and tourism. The event will round off on the 26th of November, 2023 with the celebration of the 4th combined Africa Tourism Day.
Africa Tourism Day is an annual event initiated in 2020 by the founder, Mrs. Abigail Olagbaye, to set aside an annual continental day, every November 26th to showcase Africa’s tourism, demonstrate its unparalled beauty and celebrate its contribution to economies mapping development pathways for its growth.
ATCAF 2023 is a significant step towards addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting sustainable tourism in Africa. It is expected to chart a path for the sustainable growth of the tourism sector, benefiting communities, youth, women, and inclusive groups.
For more information, please contact:
Visit: www.sayaridunia.org
About Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SDSTF):
Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation is a climate action and sustainable tourism foundation operating at the intersection of tourism, trade, and sustainability. It focuses on empowering youth, women, MSMEs, destinations, communities, and cities in the tourism sector.