// Overview //
Sigma International & Partners Launch South Africa’s Tourism & Travel Green Lung
Sigma International, together with key ecosystem partners (Anglo American, Vergelegen, SATSA, ASATA, TBCSA, City Lodge Hotels, Europcar, Tourvest, Bidtravel and others), proudly launched South Africa’s Tourism & Travel Green Lung at Vergelegen Wine Estate on 3 February 2026.
// Green Lung Context & Background //
What is the Tourism & Travel Green Lung?
The Green Lung is a collaborative national drive designed to support tourism and travel sector businesses — including SMMEs — to become climate-resilient, while embedding ESG practices into day-to-day operations.
Strengthen Businesses
Build resilience, embed ESG, and support carbon-conscious tourism value chains.
Protect Ecosystems
Create jobs while protecting natural assets and making impact visible and lasting.
Inclusive Participation
Enable SMMEs to participate in sustainability-linked value chains and market access opportunities.
National Movement
Link sustainability, tourism growth, and economic inclusion into a scalable national model.
This initiative transforms carbon reduction from a reporting exercise into a visible, living impact model that strengthens sector resilience and creates long-term legacy value.
// Why This Matters //
For Tourism, South Africa and the World
Tourism is one of the sectors most exposed to climate risk — but also one of the sectors best positioned to lead climate solutions. Recent environmental shocks, including flooding events impacting key tourism regions, reinforce the urgency for action.
- Creates a credible carbon reduction “home” for tourism businesses and travellers
- Supports sustainability commitments increasingly expected by global travellers
- Strengthens South Africa’s reputation as a responsible tourism destination
// Launch Site //
Why the Launch at Vergelegen Matters
Launching at Vergelegen symbolises the powerful connection between heritage and sustainability, tourism and environmental stewardship, economic growth and ecosystem protection — and ESD meeting ESG in a visible, measurable way. Anglo American Zimele remains a key existing partner of Sigma International.
With approximately 10 hectares committed, the site will evolve into:
// Powered by Partnerships //
ESD Experience, Now Integrated with ESG Delivery
This initiative reflects the evolution of over 22 years of ESD implementation experience — now fully integrated with ESG delivery. Together with partners including industry bodies, corporates and ecosystem leaders, the model demonstrates how ESD can deliver measurable environmental impact and how partnerships can create legacy assets beyond programme cycles.
// Visible Impact //
Starting Now
As part of the 2025 tourism ESD legacy, tourism SMME carbon footprints were assessed and 250 trees are being planted — representing a 10% carbon reduction legacy linked to supported SMMEs. The site will scale over time to support thousands of trees annually and expand impact across the sector.
// What Happens Next //
Scaling the Model Nationally
- Expanding SMME participation across tourism value chains
- Partnering with corporates (and their tourists) to co-fund impact programmes and plant trees here and other green lungs
- Linking Green Lung outcomes to carbon, climate and ESG reporting frameworks
- Scaling the model nationally through industry and ecosystem partnerships
// Our Commitment //
Sovereign Impact • Sustainable Growth • Shared Value Creation
The Tourism & Travel Green Lung reflects Sigma International’s long-term commitment to building resilient sectors, strengthening small businesses, and protecting the natural assets that make South Africa globally competitive.
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