—located in Urubamba province, Cusco region— received its third certification as a carbon-neutral tourist destination.
The announcement was highlighted in a ceremony on Wednesday, which recognized the efforts made by public authorities and the private sector toward this achievement.
The local official indicated that this certification was granted due to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This time, the reduction amounts to 18% from the baseline, he explained.
This reflects "a local achievement and a global commitment," the mayor stated.
He added that this allows for affirming that Machu Picchu "is not only an icon of the past, but also of the present."
In this regard, he noted, Machu Picchu continues to cement its status as the first "Wonder of the World" that is a carbon-neutral destination as well.
The mayor highlighted the joint effort made in this regard by this municipality, together with the National Service for Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), Machupicchu district residents, as well as the companies AJE and Inkaterra.
The latter have developed infrastructure and methodologies for proper waste management and reuse.
International recognition
This certification is issued by Green Initiative, an international organization specializing in climate-related matters.
Its representative, Luciana Visnevski, stated that what has happened in Machu Picchu demonstrates that tourism can progress within the sustainable development parameters and climate change effects mitigation.
"Machu Picchu reaffirms its climate leadership in the world,' she emphasized. This aligns with the 2021 Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, promoted by the UN," Visnevski noted.
He highlighted that carbon emissions reducing process has led to significant changes in waste management as well.
Nieto reminded attendees that Machu Picchu is a national protected area. Similarly, he acknowledged the care provided there by park rangers and the local population.
Corporate contribution
AJE Group Communications and Sustainability Director Jorge Lopez-Doriga stated that environmental care and natural resources use in accordance with natural cycles were already evident during the Inca period.
Lopez-Doriga noted that the methodologies and technologies used in this Cusco region locality for waste recycling constitute "an example" for the world, even for developed countries such as the United States.
The ceremony also included remarks by Inkaterra Hotels founder Jose Koechlin, as well as representatives from companies Belmond, Perú Rail, Tetra Pak, and the United Nations.
Before the speeches, performance of a ritual paying tribute to the Apus (sacred mountain spirits) in Machu Picchu and to Pachamama took place.
After the ceremony, participants were taken to the Machu Picchu llaqta to tour its surroundings.