Spain: Valencia - The first city in the world to measure carbon from tourism activities

 Spain: Valencia - The first city in the world to measure carbon from tourism activities

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia - Spain's third largest city since mid-November this year has become the first city in the world to measure and control carbon emissions from visitors' activities. . This is part of the city's new strategy for sustainable tourism.

Valencia has become the first city in the world to measure and control carbon emissions from tourism.

Valencia has been transforming towards a green future for many years. Sustainable development is a pillar of the city's tourism strategy. According to research by the city's tourism board, carbon emissions from tourism are spread out in 10 areas, including water and waste management, transportation to and around the city, and transportation activities. reside.

The study found that carbon emissions from tourism accounted for 1.3 million tons of CO2 in 2019, and 81% of carbon emissions were from transport to the city. Meanwhile, city traffic generates less than 1% of carbon emissions.

According to the study, greenhouse gas emissions from visitor activities are equivalent to one-third of the carbon emitted by the food consumption of city residents.

Emiliano García, Commissioner for Tourism of Valencia City Council, said that in 2015, when Valencia's Strategic Plan 2020 came into force, the city was committed to developing a sustainable tourism model. . This model makes it easier for residents and visitors to access and implement while ensuring economic generation for the city.

Valencia Center for Arts and Sciences.

“Valencia has been involved in environmental projects at the European level and also at the local level to improve the coordination of the city's sustainability with the participation of many local stakeholders. Through this framework, an agreement with Global Omnium was formed. Global Omnium is a water management company in Valencia. The company has pioneering technology that allows us to calculate the carbon emissions generated by travel and then, test them. This project will certainly put Valencia at the forefront of sustainable destination management,” said García.

Old town in the city.

Valencia is striving to become a carbon-free destination by 2025 and become the world's top tourist destination with no environmental impact. Future plans include considering the decision to use electric vehicles for the entire public transport system and planting more trees in city parks to absorb all CO2.

Mr. García said: “Measures will focus on reducing direct consumption of petroleum-based fuels; improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption from non-renewable sources; promote the use of local products, goods and services; strengthening the local economy and circular economy; manage the carbon footprint of each facility and their operations; as well as the measures applied to reduce and compensate, take advantage of natural environmental resources to develop projects that absorb more CO2 emissions”.