Costa Rica is more than a vacation destination—it’s a world leader in sustainable travel. At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the nation doubled down on green travel by supporting the Baku Declaration on Climate Action, an ambitious move signed by more than 50 nations. The takeaway? Tourism must be included in the climate solution.
Climate Impact on Tourism Can’t Be Ignored
Tourism powers the economy, employs millions, and exposes people to new cultures and landscapes. But it is also accompanied by a large carbon bill and environmental hazards. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev was not mincing words—tourism propels growth, fuels emissions, and degrades ecosystems.
That’s where the Baku Declaration comes in. It urges governments to mainstream climate action in tourism policy, coordinate efforts with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement, and accelerate National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to shield the industry from climate impacts.
Costa Rica’s Role in Sustainable Tourism
Costa Rica’s approach to sustainable tourism is nothing new—it’s in its blood. During COP29’s Tourism Day, Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, made it clear that Costa Rica is fully committed to decarbonizing tourism, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience.
“Costa Rica is committed to strengthening National Adaptation Plans in the tourism industry, with more resilience against climate change effects,” Tattenbach said.
With its leadership role in the UN Tourism Sustainability Committee, Costa Rica is leading the charge in establishing worldwide standards for ecotourism—not only policy but practice.
Raising the Glasgow Declaration to a New Level
Members of the countries supporting the Baku Declaration further committed to scaling up actions under the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism by:
- Reducing emissions throughout the tourism industry.
- Encouraging low-impact travel modes with minimal environmental impacts.
- Promoting sustainable tourism that is beneficial to nature and the local people.
A Blueprint for Travel in the Future
Costa Rica has long led the way with climate-smart tourism. With its carbon-neutral ambitions, eco-lodges, and conservation-at-the-heart-of-everything policies, it is clear that economic expansion and sustainability are compatible.
The world is shifting in the direction of a more environmentally aware method of traveling, and Costa Rica isn’t only keeping up—it’s out front. By supporting the Baku Declaration, the nation is calling for a future where tourism benefits the world, not only the economy.
This isn’t solely about defending Costa Rica’s rainforests and shores. It’s about establishing the tone for international travel—one that’s smarter, greener, and sustainable.
