The Biosphere Certification es una certificación que se enfoca en el Present and future of sustainable tourism. As the years go by and new generations enter the productive sectors, it's observed that the tourism sector has increasingly greater concern for their health and for favouring those options that contribute most to the health of the planet, to local development and to the well-being of all people involved.
With the UN's 2030 objectives in sight, and with the intention of developing a Sustainable tourism that takes advantage of natural resources without any risk, conserves and enhances the indigenous cultural identity, and boosts the global economy., the Biosphere Certification has been created.
What is Biosphere Certification?
Biosphere Certification is a voluntary and independent certification system for sustainable tourism..This certification is framed within the principles of sustainability and constant improvement of the Biosphere methodology.
The Biosphere Certification encourages tourism companies to design their products and services based on a non-aggressive tourism model. This ensures a long-term balance between the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of a place, achieving significant benefits for the company, society, and the environment.
The concept of sustainability as handled by Biosphere Certification is seen as an organic path, as a living concept in continuous improvement. Generally, the service of a specialised consultant is favourable for obtaining Biosphere Certification, as they can facilitate and optimise the process of selection and implementation from among the Over 400 sustainable activities and actions proposed by the ITR, which are distributed across 5 evaluation areas: climate change, environment, society, economy, and culture.
¿What is the purpose of Biosphere Certification?
The ultimate aim of Biosphere Certification is to drive the sustainable development of the tourism industry while fostering the social and cultural authenticity of each destination and community. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the Biosphere methodology is inspired by world summits sponsored by the United Nations through the OMT and the UNESCO from 2017.
For the Biosphere methodology, any contribution to the “Horizon 2030” of the UN. Therefore, it is very important the achievement of the objectives set out in“The 17 Sustainable Development Goals”, in the “Global Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20” and in the “Paris Climate Summit Guidelines”.
¿Why is Biosphere Certification important??
Biosphere Certification falls within sustainable tourism, which appears to be a Unstoppable trend heading into the next 3 decades. Through Biosphere Certification, not only is the planet protected, but A product is being developed with a focus on new consumer trends, as around 75% of consumers want eco-friendly and sustainable products.
In addition to this, Studies suggest that the wellness economy could reach 3.4 trillion dollars globally., which represents three times the revenue of the pharmaceutical industry. This fact is based on the idea that tourists will value those companies and establishments that offer healthy options promoting healthy lifestyles.
“90% of travellers would choose a sustainable hotel, and over 80% of travellers prefer hotels that meet environmental criteria. More than 20% of the world’s population wants to buy sustainable tourism products and spends an average of 80% more than a conventional tourist.”
Biosphere Certification was created by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI).
Sólo las certificaciones Biosfera creadas por el Institute for Responsible Tourism The ITR is an independent international organisation that promotes Sustainable actions and plans in destinations and tourism businesses. In turn, the ITR is made up of leading experts in the protection and valuation of tangible and intangible heritage, the environment and nature, social impact, economic benefit, the fight against climate change, and marketing and positioning in tourism.
¿What are the distinctions of the Biosphere Certification?
For Entities:
Biosphere Committed
It is the preamble of the Biosphere Certification where the entity is registered and a personalised Sustainability Plan is established. This distinction is easily achieved by demonstrating initial efforts in improving sustainability.
Biosphere Certification or Biosphere Certified
It is the seal that proves the compliance with at least one action in each of the SDGs. This continuous improvement process includes actions along with evidence, which will be evaluated by an external auditor.
For destinations:
Certification Biosphere Destination
It is the seal awarded to destinations whose public policies or management of a group of companies are based on the Biosphere methodology.
Certification Biosphere Gold Destination
This concerns the structuring of policies and the management of a group of companies within the same destination. Once the implemented measures have been verified, certification is granted.
Certification Biosphere Platinum Destination
This concerns the achievement of policies and management by a number of companies or establishments within the same destination. Following an evaluation, certification is awarded.
“Some destinations with Biosphere Certification include La Palma (World Biosphere Reserve), Barcelona, Lanzarote, Sitges, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Arona. Also we have to add Vilafranca del Penedès, Thomson Okanagan, León, Tossa del Mar, and many others”
¿The Biosphere Certification is aimed at businesses and destinations that are committed to sustainability.?
Biosphere Certification offers different standards for each type of company that wishes to develop under the principles of sustainability in all its dimensions.
- Destinations It is a sustainability certification for local tourism management entities in a destination.
- Accommodations It is a sustainability certification for hotel accommodation, aparthotels, camping and holiday rental establishments.
- Tourist attractions Sustainability certifications for museums, conservation, research, communication and exhibition institutions. Also for palaces, conference halls, auditoriums, exhibition centres, convention centres and other spaces that, due to their characteristics, generate tourist interest and attraction.
- Parks and golf courses Certification for spaces or venues with various leisure attractions and shows, as well as for golf courses.
- Tour operators and transport It is the certification for travel agencies, tourist offices and companies dedicated to the transport of tourists.
- Active and adventure tourism Certification for companies whose services are based on sporting, nature and cultural experiences.
- Shops and restaurants Certification for retail shops and businesses. Also for companies operating with the category of restaurant, bar, café, or other within the hospitality sector.
- Events Certification for mass events such as summits, festivals and conferences.
¿Los beneficios de la Certificación Biosphere son diversos y cubren aspectos medioambientales, sociales y económicos. A continuación, se detallan algunos de los más importantes: **Beneficios Medioambientales:** * **Reducción de la huella de carbono:** La certificación fomenta prácticas que minimizan la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero, como el uso de energías renovables, la optimización del transporte y la gestión eficiente de residuos. * **Conservación de recursos naturales:** Promueve el uso responsable del agua, la energía y las materias primas, así como la protección de la biodiversidad. * **Minimización de residuos y contaminación:** Implementa estrategias para reducir la generación de residuos, fomentar el reciclaje y la reutilización, y prevenir la contaminación del aire, agua y suelo. * **Promoción de la economía circular:** Fomenta modelos de negocio que priorizan la regeneración de recursos y la eliminación de residuos. * **Mejora de la gestión ambiental:** Establece sistemas de seguimiento y evaluación para asegurar el cumplimiento de normativas y la mejora continua de las prácticas ambientales. **Beneficios Sociales:** * **Mejora de la calidad de vida:** Contribuye a un entorno más saludable y sostenible para empleados, clientes y la comunidad local. * **Fomento de la responsabilidad social corporativa (RSC):** Demuestra un compromiso activo con el bienestar de los empleados, la comunidad y el respeto por los derechos humanos. * **Creación de empleo local y de calidad:** Impulsa la economía local y la generación de oportunidades laborales dignas. * **Preservación del patrimonio cultural:** Apoya la protección y promoción de la cultura y tradiciones locales. * **Involucramiento de la comunidad:** Fomenta la participación activa de la comunidad en el desarrollo sostenible. **Beneficios Económicos:** * **Mejora de la imagen y reputación:** Posiciona a la organización como líder en sostenibilidad, atrayendo a clientes, inversores y talento consciente. * **Diferenciación en el mercado:** Ofrece una ventaja competitiva al destacar frente a otras empresas no certificadas. * **Acceso a nuevos mercados y clientes:** Cumple con las crecientes demandas de consumidores y mercados que valoran la sostenibilidad. * **Reducción de costes operativos:** La eficiencia en el uso de recursos (agua, energía, materiales) se traduce en ahorros económicos. * **Mayor lealtad de clientes:** Los consumidores prefieren cada vez más marcas con un fuerte compromiso ético y ambiental. * **Atracción de inversores:** Cada vez más inversores buscan empresas con criterios ESG (ambientales, sociales y de gobernanza). * **Cumplimiento normativo:** Facilita el cumplimiento de regulaciones ambientales y sociales cada vez más estrictas. * **Innovación y mejora continua:** Impulsa la búsqueda de soluciones más eficientes y sostenibles en todos los procesos y productos. En resumen, la Certificación Biosphere no solo valida el compromiso de una organización con la sostenibilidad, sino que también le proporciona herramientas y beneficios tangibles para su crecimiento y éxito a largo plazo, contribuyendo a la vez a un futuro más resiliente y equitativo.?
- EfficiencyThrough cost reduction and improved medium- and long-term profitability, it is possible to increase efficiency while simultaneously reducing environmental impact.
- Positioning New non-aggressive tourism models are increasingly sought after by new consumers. The Biosphere Certification mark helps to communicate this commitment.
- Support During the Biosphere Certification process, and with the help of a specialised consultant, you will gain access to tools, personalised support, reports, recommendations and evaluations.
- Sustainability Improving strategies and capabilities to ensure a new sustainable tourism model according to the UN agenda.
What sets Biosphere Certification apart from other certifications?
- International recognition: For over 20 years, the Institute for Responsible Tourism has been leading tourism's contribution to Sustainable Development, with the sponsorship of UNESCO, UNWTO, and the UN.
- Multidimensional certification When proposing actions in different fields of activity such as climate change, environment, social, economic, cultural.
- Continuous improvement in the operational phase Since it drives good practices in company management and promotes collaboration between various stakeholders dedicated to sustainability.
- Flexible and personalised Because each entity or destination chooses its sustainable actions and develops a personalised continuous improvement process according to its particular conditions.
- Inclusive Because it applies to any type of tourist destination, regardless of its level of development, regulatory capacity, or integration into another destination.
What other aspects accompany Biosphere Certification?
In addition to Biosphere Certification, the methodology created by the ITR comprises a set of aspects that make up the entire Biosphere universe:
Biosphere Methodology
It is the integral management and positioning system that guides a destination, company or tourist product. It is carried out according to the United Nations sustainability criteria and the valuation by citizens and tourists.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle
It is the virtual platform where the process of compliance with sustainable actions and the delivery of the entity's evidence is followed.
Biosphere Destination Community
It is the meeting point for those destinations that are in the process of continuous improvement. It is also the place where potential clients are captured and interested by the commitment that the entities have made.
What is the role of the advisor in Biosphere Certification?
Biosphere Certification is created in such a way that once the sustainability process is undertaken through its platform, a Flexible, supported, and continuously developing path. Although these aspects are very positive, The Biosphere certification allows you to choose from a set of 400 actions, making it a somewhat complex certification. Therefore, these processes can be facilitated and optimised with the assistance from a company specialising in obtaining health and sustainability certifications, such as Evalore..
Evalore Services
- The establishment of the most optimal Sustainability Plan for the entity.
- The Proposals for specific measures for the entity that allow the Plan's objectives to be met.
- The establishment of indicators to quantify and measure the improvements achieved.
- The Advice on the selection of equipment more efficient (appliances, taps, light fittings, renewable energy generator system).
- The Evidence development and management.
- The Communication and promotion of success in the field of sustainability and the improvement achieved in specialised events and for the general public.
In addition to serving as a specialist advisor for Biosphere Certification, We also help to identify overlaps and synergies that allow international certifications to be met. like the WELL Certification, Passivhaus, WELL Health-Safety Rating, LEED, Airfirst, among others.
In Spaces Evaluate We are pioneers in the development of personalised sustainable measures and have extensive experience in obtaining various certifications. If you are interested in learning more details about Biosphere Certification, such as costs, timelines, and personalised processes, or in making your company a sustainable enterprise, do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact us.
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