President of the Federation of Tourism Associations in Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, join the growing global call for sustainable tourism and green economy practice. He also called for de-carbonisation and promotion of green industrialization by operators in the tourism and trade sectors on the continent.

Onung was speaking at the opening ceremony of the of the 1st Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum (ATCAF), organized by the Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation of Mrs. Abigail Olagbaye, held at the Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, recently, the FTAN President emphasized on the need for operators to invest in renewable energy sources to power accommodation and transportation systems.

According to Onung, this will involve the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or the use of bio fuels for vehicles and planes.

The FTAN President, who was represented by FTAN coordinator, Ekiti State  Dr. Abioye Adedipe, appealed to operators to work together to prioritize decarbonization and green industrialization in tourism and trade, ‘and show the world that Africa is leading the way in sustainable development.’

“Additionally, by promoting sustainable travel practices among tourists, such as encouraging the use of public transportation, supporting local businesses, and reducing waste, can help minimize the industry’s environmental footprint.

“Embracing green technologies and sustainable practices in the tourism and trade industries will not only mitigating the impacts of climate change but also creating new opportunities for growth and development.

“This will require collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to ensure that we can build a resilient and sustainable future for Africa.

“By doing so together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, create new jobs, and protect our precious natural resources for future generations.

“Let us work together to prioritize de-carbonization and green industrialization in tourism and trade, and show the world that Africa is leading the way in sustainable development,” Onung said.

The inaugural edition of the ATCAF in Ekiti State held under the theme of: ‘Decarbonisation and Green Industrialization of Tourism and Trade in Africa.’ The opening ceremony of the forum attracted notable dignitaries from the state, as well as, from the country, including; the Conservator-General of Nigeria, Dr Ibrahim Goni, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Ntuyang; state Commissioner for Environment, Ekiti, Tosin Aluko, represented by Mr. Tunde.

Others are: Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Matthew Famuagun; Senior Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Green Economy on Climate Change, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha; Director General, state’s Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, Wale Ojo–Lanre, among others.