The Azores exceeded some of the benchmarks required for this recognition, in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, drinking water consumption, habitat conservation and socio-economic benefits.
The Azores have been recognized as an EarthCheck Benchmarked Destination 2024 for their sustainability policy in force, according to a set of indicators in areas related to sustainable development at an environmental, socio-cultural and economic level.
The evaluation and distinction is the responsibility of EarthCheck, the world leader in scientific benchmarking, certification and consultancy for sustainable travel and tourism.
According to the report released by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the region’s performance was assessed in 15 EarthCheck indicators and was at or above the reference level.
Above the reference levels, the segments that led the Azores to be recognized as an EarthCheck 2024 Reference Destination include drinking water consumption, waste sent to landfill, percentage of compliant water analysis, habitat conservation and socio-economic benefits. Compared to 2023, the region now has one more indicator above the reference level – greenhouse gas emissions.
In the best practices, the Azores are distinguished with “the percentage of green areas, water saving and destination safety”, reads the note released by the Azorean executive.
For Berta Cabral, Regional Secretary for Tourism, these results “once again demonstrate a positive evolution, with one more indicator above the reference levels and maintaining the highlights in best practices. This path of continuous improvement is something we are proud of and to which we are firmly and determinedly committed,” she said in a statement.
EarthCheck is accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council whose sustainability certification process is based on science and focuses on people. The aim is to provide the tools needed to measure impact and make business decisions that save money, resources and the planet, always based on the premise of continuous improvement.
She might have chosen to study Meteorology and Oceanography, but ultimately pursued Communication. And that's fine because if they don't get their weather predictions right, she wouldn't be the one to change that. She started by looking for sustainable ideas and projects for the university, and since then, she has never stopped (who stops, really?). She loves to watch tv shows, but she watches few because she is demanding. You don't need much to convince her to embrace new, "greener" habits and challenges.
Related articles
Sustainable Development Goals
This article addresses an action that promotes change towards more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities, helping toreduce the adverse environmental impact of cities.
To discover businesses that are actively working to contribute to this Sustainable Development Goal, click here.
To read news, interviews or tips related to this Goal, click here.
➡️ Want to know more about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? Click here
Esta publicação também está disponível em:
Português (Portuguese (Portugal))
