The first international destination to receive a carbon neutral certificate is Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was certified by the Green Initiative, an organization that aims to promote green and environmentally friendly tourism. Machu Picchu was positioned as a global reference for sustainability by the Green Initiative.
In accordance with the certification, the Inca citadel aims to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with the intention of reducing emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
This popular tourist destination used several methods to achieve this certification. Machu Picchu also received certification for installing the only organic waste treatment plant in Peru that converts garbage into natural coal as well as having a plant that turns vegetable oils into biodiesel and glycerin from the waste oil discarded from local restaurants and homes.
In addition, one million trees will be planted in the spot through a reforestation process led by the National Service for Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP).
A second way to compensate for these emissions is to purchase carbon credits, which encourage entities to develop solutions to reduce their emissions, thereby reducing the number of credits purchased over time. According to reports, the UN’s Climate Change model will oversee this mechanism.