Machu Picchu received certification as a carbon neutral tourism destination

In the framework of the celebration of the 17th anniversary of her election as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern Worldthe Historical Sanctuary of Macchu Picchu has received the certificate again as “Carbon Neutral Destination”. This achievement places the Peru at the forefront of environmental sustainability and the fight against the effects of climate change.

This icon and world wonder receives this distinction thanks to the commitment of the public and private sectors, which by joining forces achieved this valuable result. On the one hand, the driving group made up of the Municipality of Machu Picchu, AJE Group, Inkaterra and Tetra Pak, and the allied group made up of PROMPERÚ, World Xchange, Luz del Sur, Bosques Amazónicos (BAM), Latam and CANATUR.

The certification was awarded by Green Initiativethe leading company in climate certification in the tourism sector, which recognizes compliance with its decarbonization goals.

To achieve this recognition, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has adopted effective measures to reduce its carbon footprint and offset remaining emissions, implementing sustainable practices such as solid waste management and promoting a circular economy.

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“In PROMPERUwe have the firm intention of contributing to the sustainable and decentralized development of our country,” said the executive president of the Peru Export and Tourism Promotion Commission (PROMPERÚ), Clarissa Tiradoat the ceremony held in the Plaza Manco Cápac in Aguas Calientes in the district of Macchu Picchu.

“All of us who play a role in the public or private sector have the responsibility to ensure that the economic benefits generated are accompanied by sustainable management,” he added.

It is important to highlight that the certification took as a baseline the carbon emissions results of 2019 and focused on stimulating actions for the reduction, treatment and correct management of the waste generated. It also included raising awareness among residents, businesses and hotels.

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Along these lines, four processes were implemented to reuse recyclable waste:

• the installation of a PET plastic and cardboard compaction plant;
• a biodiesel plant, to process waste oil from restaurants and casinos;
• an organic waste pyrolysis plant, which allows the generation of natural carbon,
• two glass crushing machines to convert bottles into sand for construction and decoration.

This circular economy model allows us to give a new life to recyclable waste such as plastic, cardboard, Tetra Pak packaging and glass, in addition to treating the oil.

From PROMPERU -the Peruvian entity responsible for promoting tourism in Peru- continues to promote and work on responsible and sustainable tourism.