In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation hosted the inaugural Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum (ATCAF) from November 24th to 26th, 2023, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti. Abigail Olagbaye, the Board Chair of Sayari Dunia, warmly welcomed stakeholders in the tourism, trade, and sustainability sectors to participate in this significant event.
ATCAF aimed to address the challenges posed by climate change to the tourism industry, providing a platform to examine its impacts and explore adaptive solutions. The event also marked the 4th Africa Tourism Day, celebrating the value, beauty, and significance of Africa’s tourism. The theme, “Decarbonization and the Green Industrialization of Tourism and Trade in Africa,” set the tone for discussions.
The distinguished lineup of speakers included Mr. Onung Nkereuwem, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Alain St. Ange, Former Minister of Tourism Seychelles, Amb. Wale Ojo Lanre, Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, and others.
Key outcomes and recommendations emerged from the conference, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in tourism operations, waste management, water usage, clean energy sources, and more. The event also witnessed the launch of the Reforest Africa Initiative, a climate mitigation program targeting the planting of 10 trillion trees in Africa over the next decade.
In collaboration with Cyclecare, Sayari Dunia presented the Africa Netzero Climate Cycling Championship (ANCCC), promoting climate awareness and sustainable transportation. The Women’s Forum, another highlight, featured the launch of Women in Tourism, Trade and Sustainability Africa (WITTSA), empowering women with green jobs and fostering resilience.
The conference concluded with insights from Dr. Olumide Aina, Vice President of the Association of Facilities Management Practitioners of Nigeria, highlighting the role of green technologies in the industrialization of tourism and trade.
ATCAF 2023 not only underscored the urgency of climate action in the tourism sector but also provided a roadmap for stakeholders to embrace sustainability and contribute to Africa’s green transition.
The recommendations stemming from the Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum (ATCAF) 2023 emphasize the imperative inclusion of tourism in Nationally Determined Contributions, the decarbonization of operations through sustainable sourcing, and the adoption of environmentally sustainable waste management practices.
The conference advocates for minimal and sustainable water use, incorporating rainwater capture, and encourages the embrace of renewable energy sources for off-grid power. Furthermore, it promotes eco-friendly modes of transport for sustainable tourism, the measurement of carbon footprints for tourism operations, and active engagement in carbon offsetting projects to mitigate associated footprints.
The recommendations extend to the use of sustainable materials in construction, proactive sustainable tourism destination management and planning, and the promotion of green trade with sustainable value chains. The event underscores the importance of developing sustainable cities, green buildings, and facilities, along with the implementation of a sustainable transportation and integrated modal transport system.
It also advocates for the adoption of green finance and investment for tourism economy and infrastructure development, increased conservation areas, and environmental protection policies. Additionally, it proposes the adoption of carbon markets and emissions trading, the inclusion and active participation of youth and women in climate action, and the encouragement of green entrepreneurship within the tourism industry.
Finally, the recommendations stress community-level inclusion, training, and advocacy for climate action, culminating in the call for collaboration for sustainable tourism and trade at the ecosystem level.
ATCAF 2023 proved to be a pivotal event, aligning stakeholders toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Africa’s tourism industry.