Inspired by the mission of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) launched by the United Nations, HOLATAM is committed to taking action and finding solutions for more responsible consumption and production patterns in Colombia, Peru, and Switzerland. SDG 12 aims to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, increase resource efficiency and promote sustainable lifestyles. Against the backdrop of unsustainable consumption and production patterns that are at the root of the triple global crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this issue is timely and urgent. We are therefore reaching out to partners who join the mission and support companies in "doing more with less and doing it better."
Why is Responsible Production and Consumption significant?
Our planet offers us a richness of natural resources. However, we are not utilizing them responsibly and currently consume far beyond what our planet can provide. According to SDG 12 documented by the United Nations, we are already using resources 1.75 times faster than we can currently generate. Unless something changes, we will require three Earths to supply our wants and needs by 2050. On top, the Earth's population is rapidly increasing, which means the number of consumers joining the global economy is growing. Simultaneously, waste and pollution grow, and the gap between rich and poor is expanding. These factors add complications to the protection and management of natural resources, eventually causing further disturbing economic and social development. To meet these challenges, the approach to sustainable consumption and production patterns is crucial.
Agriculture and Tourism – Where we can make a great impact
Together, we will focus on responsible actions in two gripping sectors: agriculture and tourism. Why these two sectors? Agriculture is one of the oldest and most fundamental sectors of the world economy, while tourism is a comparatively new but rapidly growing sector.
Enhancing the linkages of these two productive industries represents a potentially important mechanism for stimulating local production, retaining tourism earnings in the region, and improving the distribution of tourism benefits to rural people. In the face of current problems of climate change, rising food prices, poverty, and a global financial crisis, linkages between agriculture and tourism may provide the foundation for new solutions.
Why does this create great opportunities for Colombia, Peru, and Switzerland?
Peru and Colombia represent the world’s mega-biodiverse countries. Did you know that Peruvian agricultural exports increased from $645 million in 2000 to an estimated $9.2 billion in 2021? Of the 120 domesticated crops, Peru has supplied the world mainly with potatoes, rice, and plantains. Colombia on the other hand, is the world's third-largest coffee grower, contributing 13 - 16% of the total world production each year. Peru and Colombia, moreover, have been booming destinations in recent years. A combination of historical sites, natural beauty, culture, authenticity, unique cuisine, and growing hospitality infrastructure has established both Peru and Colombia two of the world’s most unique tourist destinations, promising potential tourism growth in the future.
All these facts and the existing trade relations between Switzerland and the two Latin American countries contribute to the vast potential for opportunities and strategies to address sustainable production and consumption challenges in all three countries. Together with our partners, we can connect and encourage businesses to use their innovative power to develop sustainable business practices in Colombia, Peru, and Switzerland.
Become our partner and you will not only be recognized for your initiative to adopt more environmentally friendly habits, but you will also benefit from other advantages that are valuable for your company.