The EU Life Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism has signed up its first 70 tourism businesses in Ireland.
The Burren Ecotourism Network in County Clare reports that the 70 local companies signed up to the code are actively monitoring and adapting their environmental performance, implementing measures such as sustainable farming practices, renewable energy sources, and support for local communities.
The Code, funded by EU LIFE and verified by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, is the only sustainable initiative of its kind in Ireland and aims to promote sustainable practices among tourism businesses.
Examples of businesses implementing sustainable practices include Hotel Doolin’s “30-mile menu” sourcing ingredients locally, Burren Smokehouse’s investment in solar power, and St. Tola Irish Goat Cheese’s sustainable farming and production methods.
Initiatives such as the Cliffs of Moher Experience’s promotion of local artists and producers and the Michael Cusack Centre’s ash tree planting to combat disease have also contributed to sustainable tourism in the Burren region.
Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network said “The growing network of businesses signing up to the Code reflects Clare’s efforts to establish itself as a sustainable destination and supports the County’s aim to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Certification”
“Successes that the Burren Ecotourism Network has achieved through collaboration such as the Lonely Planet Award, the launch of the Burren Dinners Book and the establishment of long running events like the Burren Food Fayre here in the destination, along with the collective adoption of sustainable products such as Solar power, have strengthened the overall belief that working together is the best way forward for businesses here in the Burren. The Code of Practice has been a huge help in giving network members a means of recording their contribution to environmental protection and conservation”
