Embassy of Peru in China · Diana Pita | Exploitation on the Cultural Value of Natural Mountain Heritages

EDITOR'S NOTE: On May 29 2021, the main activity of the third International Mountain Tourism Day—the World Heritage Famous Mountain (Jinfo Mountain) Summit kicked off in Nanchuan District, Chongqing Municipality, China successfully. Themed with “World Heritage Protection and Green Development of Mountain Tourism”, the Summit got strong support from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), the Internationale Organisation Für Volkskunst (IOV) and the China Association of National Parks and Scenic Sites. The theme forum presented wonderful contents with high-level opinions, frontier observations and dialogues on trends. The speeches will be released in succession to share with industry colleagues.

Diana Pita, Economic and Commercial Counselor at ‎Embassy of Peru in China delivered a speech at the summit:

First of all, I want to thank the sponsors for their contributions to this summit. And I’d also like to thank all the guests present today.

Like China, Peru is also a country with a history of 5,000 years, and it enjoys 12 world heritages certified by UNESCO. In the meantime, Peru houses the largest Chinatown in the entire South America. So, Peru and China share profound histories and similar cultures.

Machu Picchu is different from any place on Earth, because of its beautiful architecture design, its profound spirituality and sense of mystery, as well as its perfect combination with nature. All these make it one of the world’s seven wonders.

Here, you can see birds fly freely among temples and mountains, and above rivers and lakes; alpacas grazing on the meadows, drink pure glacier water, and bask the sunlight.

In such a tourists’ natural paradise, keeping a balance between man and nature is critical. To memorize this great historic heritage, we must seek an alternative to protect the ecological environment. It is also the promise of all Peruvians to our next generations.

In Peru, sustainability has been a part of our development plan, for Peru boasts sound conditions and a solid foundation in environmental and social sustainability.

At present, Peru is facing double challenges from revitalizing tourism and reducing carbon dioxide emission. For that, we have applied comprehensive measures to ease climate change.

Among our sustainable projects, the latest innovative technology is disposing of eight tons of organic wastes through pyrolysis (carbon-free emission).

After pyrolysis, biochar or charcoal is generated as a natural fertilizer to help millions of cinchonas come back to life. Cinchona is a plant of medical usage, preserved in a national reserve of Peru. It can help us restore biodiversity, and prevent natural disasters in Machu Picchu.

This project is achieved by the municipal government of Machu Picchu with entities from other countries.

Similarly, according to the agreements reached with the municipal government of Machu Picchu, we provide tourism services in line with relevant criteria, and offer trainings and technical assistance on code of conduct for tourism service providers.

We are developing an innovative project to make Machu Picchu a “carbon neutral” destination. Therefore, Peru promises to be the first “carbon neutral” certified wonder of the modern world, so as to reduce carbon footprint, and provide tourists with climate-related experience, which is in line with the great challenge that tourism and Earth face together.

This measure helps promote new products and sustainable experience, which are frequently sought by tourists in the post-COVID world.

Peru, as a country of profound biodiversity, has a lot to offer Chinese tourists. Here, you can have unique experience, try exploratory tours, meet the local history and culture, enjoy abundant and delicious food, appreciate natural views, and so many things to do.

Most importantly, Peru and Peruvians are always ready to receive Chinese tourists with warm hospitality.