As part of the celebration of the 17th anniversary of its selection as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has once again received the certification as a “Carbon Neutral Destination.” This achievement places 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, Grupo AJE, 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 Initiative, the leading company in climate certification in the tourism sector, which recognizes the fulfillment of 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.
“At PROMPERÚ, we have the firm intention of contributing to the sustainable and decentralized development of our country,” said Claricia Tirado, Executive President of the Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism of Peru (PROMPERÚ), at the ceremony held in Plaza Manco Cápac in Aguas Calientes, in the district of Machu 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.
Along these lines, four processes were implemented to reuse recyclable waste: the installation of a PET plastic and cardboard compacting plant; a biodiesel plant to process oil waste from restaurants and casinos; an organic waste pyrolysis plant to generate natural carbon; and 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 the treatment of oil.
PROMPERÚ, the Peruvian entity responsible for promoting tourism in Peru, continues to promote and work on responsible and sustainable tourism.