Why is Pangea Bocas Carbon Neutral?

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in developing countries, closely related to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of many countries. Maritime and ocean tourism, as well as coastal tourism are vital economic sectors in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Coastal Least Developed Countries (LDC’s) according to the United Nations.

Sustainability has become a central point in many industries, specifically in the travel industry. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental implications, meeting the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and local communities.". In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want , sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor "to the three dimensions of sustainable development" thanks to its close relation to other sectors and its ability to create jobs and generate trade opportunities. 

From the very beginning, when the idea of Pangea Bocas was first envisioned, one of our core goals has been a deep commitment to the Bocas del Toro community and our precious natural resources. This commitment started internally, with the development of a company culture focused on sustainability. By training our team and implementing eco-friendly policies, we’ve created a positive impact not only within our workplace but also for our collaborators and the broader community. Our aim is to set an example for sustainable practices that can be followed by others.

Why Carbon Neutrality Matters

By 2030 transport-related CO₂ emissions from tourism will grow by 25% in comparison to the 2016 levels (1597 Mt of CO₂ to 1998 Mt of CO₂). This increment represents 5.3% of all man-made emissions in 2030. Taking into account transport-related CO₂ emissions of the tourism industry represent 22% of the total emissions, we can visualize the importance of taking accountability and action towards reducing this number and achieving a balance. 

One of the ways we can contribute to achieving carbon neutrality is the practice of carbon offsetting. The UNFCCC defines carbon offsetting as a way for companies and individuals to “compensate for the emissions they cannot avoid by supporting worthy projects that reduce emissions somewhere else”. This approach is taken to voluntarily decrease, eliminate or prevent the release of CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions

Pangea Bocas’ Carbon Neutral Policy: A Step Towards Sustainability

In order to achieve this objective, we have created a strategy and action plan which encompasses these steps:

1. Annual Emissions Calculation:

   • Each year, we calculate the CO₂ emissions produced by the engines of our boats using recognized standards for fuel consumption and the resulting emissions.

2. Carbon Offset through Reforestation:

   • Based on the annual emissions calculation, we implement a tree-planting program to offset the impact of our operations. This program takes place in designated areas where each tree contributes to CO₂ absorption and strengthens local ecosystems.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation:

   • We conduct ongoing monitoring of the planted trees to ensure their growth and the effectiveness of CO₂ offsetting. Annually, we review and adjust the number of trees required to meet our carbon-neutral goal.

   
   

Long-Term Commitment

Pangea Bocas is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing this carbon-neutral policy over the coming years, aiming to gradually reduce our environmental impact and actively support the sustainability of ecosystems in Bocas del Toro.

Through these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to conservation and our desire to offer tourism activities that respect and protect the natural environment.

The Bigger Picture: The Importance of Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Supporting sustainable tourism is a collective effort, and it’s crucial that both individuals and businesses embrace green practices, adopt carbon-neutral policies, and integrate sustainability into every aspect of their lives and operations. For these efforts to make a meaningful impact, we must all work together toward a shared goal. While contributing to the economic growth of Bocas del Toro, we must remain mindful of both the positive and negative effects of our actions. By fostering a balanced approach, we can develop policies that mitigate environmental impact, protect our natural resources, and educate visitors on the importance of sustainability. Only through this combined effort can we ensure a prosperous future for the region and its ecosystems.