The Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism

Local Businesses Developing Sustainable Ethos and Practices Among Tourism Businesses

Working with our partners the Burren Ecotourism Network, we are looking to raise the standard of sustainable practices among tourism businesses across the entire destination of the Geopark and across all types of businesses. To achieve this we have developed the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism. The purpose of the Code of Practice is to develop a sustainable ethos and practices amongst a critical mass of tourism businesses in a destination.

The Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism

The Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism and its supporting training and mentoring programme is essentially a framework that will allow businesses in a destination to come together to build a sustainable tourism offering, the framework also allows each business that engages in the code to develop an environmental action plan. 

The Geopark believes that the sustainability of the businesses within a destination along with the sustainability of products and experiences they offer are contribute hugely to the sustainability of the destination as a whole. Through a partnership with the Burren Ecotourism Network, we are working to establish the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism destination.

 

How it Began

The partnership of the Geopark and the Burren Ecotourism Network has piloted a number of ecotourism certification programmes since 2008 to strengthen the capability of enterprises in the network in the areas of: use of natural resources, resource efficiency, use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, waster reduction and carbon footprint reduction. The outcome of the pilots lead to the development of a Burren specific code of practice for sustainable tourism which is a common set of core principles that can be adopted by all businesses in the Geopark irrespective of size and activity. What we are seeking to achieve is unique in terms of raising standards across an entire destination and across a full spectrum of providers.

 

What’s Involved

The Code of Practice includes 6 key areas of good practice that must be achieved by each member of the Burren Ecotourism Network and also those businesses looking to join the network. The training programme is highly practical providing enterprises with the tools to establish baseline information and benchmark standards in the areas of energy, water, waste-water and waste management. The Code of Practice training programme also includes modules on interpretation, visitor communication, sustainable transport and conservation. At the end of the training programme each business is equipped with the necessary guidelines, templates and resources to draft an environmental policy that is appropriate to their own business and on reaching the code each businesses will have crafted an environmental action plan.

 

The Principles

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark’s ultimate aim is to spearhead sustainable tourism that develops and promotes the area as a truly special encounter-rich destination, strengthens the local economy and improves the visitor experience. To achieve this goal, we have developed a Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism to work on the following areas:

Principle 1 - Working Together

We collaborate with all stakeholders to collectively develop the Geopark as a sustainable tourism destination.

Volunteers Stephen Hegarty and Richard Jones help repair an old stone wall.

Together is better. This is a simple yet core principle of sustainable tourism. Tourism enterprises working collectively on areas of active conservation, destination marketing, networking and advocacy can become a powerful and influential unit in the sustainable development of their region. Enterprises can share knowledge and solutions, collaborate to improve the visitor experience, and make a tangible and incremental contribution to the conservation of the landscape. Moreover, coming together enables tourism enterprises to better engage with other important stakeholders such as local authorities, regional and national policy makers, training organisations, funders and trade and marketing bodies. Through collaboration, all stakeholders are enabled to move beyond their specific remit, to find progressive solutions that can balance the conservation of the landscape with the needs of visitors and the local economy.

Principle 2 - A Cared-for Landscape

We actively participate in conserving our natural and cultural heritage.

Eva Hegarty of Burren Free Range Pork cutting back Hazel scrub

The particular landscape and natural heritage of an area is a primary attraction for visitors, and is a core element of the overall visitor experience. It is therefore important for the tourism sector to contribute to the protection, conservation and management of local biodiversity and landscapes. Our natural and cultural assets are inherited from those who went before us, and we stand today as custodians of this precious heritage for future generations. In recognition of this, tourism enterprises are encouraged to actively care for the landscape upon which their very livelihoods depend. In keeping with the principle of Working Together, collective actions are encouraged as they may achieve greater reach and impact than a series of discrete actions by individual enterprises.

Principle 3 - A Well-Understood Heritage

We offer quality information and interpretation to communicate our stories and the unique character of our place to guests.

Tony Kirby of Heart of Burren Walks interpreting the landscape for visitors during a guided walk in the Burren

An area’s natural and cultural heritage is a primary factor in attracting visitors to a region, and is a core element of the overall visitor experience.    The interpretation itself makes connections with people by communicating the significance of a particular landscape, archaeological site, historic building or object collection, for example.  This in turn helps to reinforce the cultural identity of that particular area.   Interpretation strongly influences visitor perceptions of the destination – the better the interpretation, the better the visitor experience.  Importantly, interpretation can help visitors to understand how best to behave in the landscape.  Finally, high quality interpretation makes visitors feel at home in the destination, enticing them to return again and also to recommend this place to their friends and family.

Principle 4 - Vibrant Communities

We work to ensure that tourism makes a positive social contribution so that it benefits our community as well as our guests.  We aim to make our services available to the widest possible audience.

A strong social pillar is critical to destination sustainability.  In welcoming visitors into their communities, local people enrich the visitor experience.  While they may benefit from tourism development, communities will also be aware of the potential undesirable impacts of tourism in their area.  Local support for tourism development and promotion is essential and it is important that the tourism sector takes into account the views and aspirations of the local community. Supporting local community groups or contributing to projects that promote community well-being is a concrete way for tourism enterprises to acknowledge the important role of community in the tourism economy. By making tangible contributions, tourism enterprises can build relationships and channels of communication with local people. In support of the principle of universal access, tourism enterprises are encouraged to make their products, services and communications usable to as many people as possible.

Principle 5 - Strengthened Livelihoods

We contribute to the local economy by maintaining and supporting local employment, by sourcing services and produce locally wherever possible, and by engaging with other businesses in promoting our region as a sustainable tourism destination.

Celebrating local food at the annual Burren Food Fayre

There are many ways in which a tourism enterprise can support the economic pillar within a sustainable destination.   Choices that an enterprise makes with regard to employment, sourcing, and purchasing have a direct and significant impact on the overall economic sustainability of a region.   Working collectively, tourism enterprises can collaborate to create a strong unique selling point for the destination.   Such an approach significantly enhances the ability of the area to achieve cut-through in the regional, national or international market place.  Moreover, high quality visitor experiences that communicate the unique character of a place encourage visitors to explore further, resulting in a longer length of stay and a higher spend.

By working together, a strong and vibrant economy can be created and protected, one where individuals, families and communities thrive.

Principle 6a - Sustainable Environmental Management (Uses of Resources)

We are guided by our Environmental Policy and we work to an Environmental Action Plan, which includes actions and targets for improvement that are reviewed annually.

John Harrison of the Boghill Centre using his wood chip boiler

As a region develops its tourism industry, it produces significant impact on natural resources, consumption patterns and pollution.  The response to this is that the community as a whole and the tourism sector in particular needs to re-focus and adapt. A balance has to be found between limits and usage so that environmental concerns can be addressed through policies, practices and initiatives with others.  While policy-makers are very influential in this regard, there is much that can be achieved at the level of the individual tourism operator.  Enterprises that implement a structured environmental management system which monitors their usage and consumption patterns can gain true visibility on their impacts over time. Based on sound knowledge and data, the enterprise can identify priority action areas and develop a phased management plan for ensuring continuous improvement.

Principle 6b - Sustainable Environmental Management (Policy & Planning)

We have effective systems for monitoring and adequately managing our waste, water, wastewater, energy, travel impact and purchases.

Monitoring energy usage at the Boghill Centre

As a region develops its tourism industry, there can be significant impact on natural resources, consumption patterns and pollution.  The response to this is that the community as a whole, and the tourism sector in particular, need to re-focus and adapt.  A balance has to be found between limits and usage so that environmental concerns can be addressed.  While policy-makers and regulators are highly influential in this regard, there is much that can be achieved at the level of the individual tourism operator. Enterprises that implement a structured environmental management system which monitors their usage and consumption patterns can gain true visibility on their impacts. Based on sound knowledge and data, the enterprise can identify priority action areas and develop a phased management plan for ensuring continuous improvement.

 

The Emerald Awards

Leading the way as ‘Exemplary sustainable tourism operators’ are a number of businesses who have scored 91% or higher in the Geopark Code of Practice. Find out who these leaders in sustainability are here.

 

The Burren Ecotourism Network

The Geopark has partnered with the Burren Ecotourism Network to develop the region as a sustainable tourism destination. The Burren Ecotourism Network is a network of tourism businesses who share the vision of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region, ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage.

The Burren Ecotourism Network has set the Geopark Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism as a minimum level of training and accreditation that each business wishing to join the network must achieve. The Code of Practice includes 6 key points of environmental good practice which include waste, water and energy and waste-water management as well as conservation, interpretation and visitor communication.

Benefits for local businesses who join the Network and work with the Geopark

  • UNESCO strategic destination branding and marketing
  • Enhanced relationships with state bodies
  • Higher quality and standards for businesses
  • More co-operation, collaboration and networking
  • Training and skills enhancement
  • Data and measurement support
  • Cost and energy savings
  • Global connections and international networks
  • Membership to a local marketing group who share ideas, techniques and benefit from professional media services.

 

Examples of Burren Ecotourism Network Marketing for local businesses