For the first time in the history of the UN Climate Change Conference, Tourism was officially recognised with its own thematic day at COP29. Marking this historic moment, Professor Nazia Habib delivered the keynote address during the high-level session, “Slow Food, Low Impact: Advancing Sustainable Tourism with Local Agroproducts,” held in the Green Zone of the COP29 venue in Baku.
Nazia Habib, a globally recognized expert in sustainability and co-creation methodologies, opened the session by highlighting the powerful role tourism can play in accelerating climate action. Her keynote underscored the importance of reimagining the sector—not only as an economic driver but also as a transformative force for environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and local resilience.
“Tourism is not just about movement—it’s about meaning. When we place sustainability at its core—through local agroproducts, circular economies, and inclusive governance—the global tourism sector has the power to help destinations thrive in harmony with nature,” said Professor Habib during her speech.
The session brought together ministers, tourism experts, industry leaders, and representatives from civil society, focusing on how local food systems and responsible tourism can reduce the sector’s carbon footprint while uplifting communities. It aligns with the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, which calls on all stakeholders to embed tourism within national climate plans and adopt sustainable policies.
Nazia’s keynote was a clarion call to action: invest in regenerative models, champion indigenous knowledge, and build systems that prioritize long-term planetary and people-centered well-being.
Her address and the session’s outcomes mark a turning point for the tourism industry at global climate negotiations—a commitment to move from pledges to practical, localized action.
Full COP29 Green Zone Session Recap: https://cop29.az/en/media-hub/news/session-on-advancing-sustainable-tourism-held-at-cop29-green-zone
Download the COP29 Declaration on Tourism: https://cop29.az/storage/1159/Declarations-and-Pledges-Letters_signed.pdf
For more information: crsd@landecon.cam.ac.uk
Tourism is not just about movement—it’s about meaning. When we place sustainability at its core—through local agroproducts, circular economies, and inclusive governance—the global tourism sector has the power to help destinations thrive in harmony with nature.
Tourism is not just about movement—it’s about meaning. When we place sustainability at its core—through local agroproducts, circular economies, and inclusive governance—the global tourism sector has the power to help destinations thrive in harmony with nature.
