Baltra airport allows passengers to offset CO2 emissions

It is the first terminal of America to incorporate this initiative

Baltra became the first Ecuadorian airport and the first in Latinomerical in offering the possibility that their passengers can compensate for the CO2 emissions they produce during their visit to the islands.

The initiative began to be applied since August 17, after an agreement that the air terminal made with CarbonClick in New Zealand.

It is a program in which environmental travelers can support with an economic contribution to three global programs.

Passengers can support this initiative enteringhttps://gps.carbon.click/And from there they can estimate, based on their flight, the carbon emissions that produced their trip.

Thus, for example, a trip from Guayaquil to Baltra (Galapagos), in a single section, represents 1,228 km, which is a 138 kg carbon emission. Therefore, the traveler could voluntarily contribute with $ 1.84. The transaction can be canceled by credit card.

With its voluntary donation, it can support tribes that protect the African savanna, to the domestic biogas initiative in rural areas of China and the generation of hot water with solar energy.

This program works with internationally audited carbon credits and certified by the United Nations, which also contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the ODS13 Action for the Climate and with the Business Ambition For 1.5 ° C: Our Only Future Business challenge.

Jorge Rosillo, general manager of the Baltra Airport, explains that with this initiative they extend the possibility that passengers join the world objective of reducing carbon emissions.

"We are committed to doing sustainable business and the protection of the islands. We seek that our operation has the least impact on the environment and that is why we have involved the entire airport community," he says.

The Baltra terminal is the main entrance door of tourists to the Galapagos Islands, because being located in the center allows a better displacement.

Dave Rouse, CEO of CarbonClick, says they are pleased to support the Galapagos Ecological Airport to complete its status such as the world's Greatest Airport by adding a carbon compensation program to its set of sustainable practices.

"With approximately half of all travelers flying in airlines that do not have a carbon compensation program, airports can play a fundamental role in capturing the lost opportunity at the point of purchase," says Rouse.

Currently, the Galapagos Ecological Airport continues to work with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, MAE, in order to internationally certify Ecuadorian projects with which the carbon footprint can be paid.