Torre del Codina

Boosting Sustainable Tourism Through Certification

EUROPEAN GOOD PRACTICE COLLECTION 2021

NOMINATION FORM

Please send until 6^th August 2021 to (herbert.hamele@ecotrans.de / cc diego.nunez@ecotrans.de)

NOMINATING CERTIFICATE

Biosphere Certification

Contact Person:

Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada    padiaz@biospheretourism.com

Yolanda Bazán    ybazan@biospheretourism.com

NOMINATED BUSINESS

Torre del Codina

Internet contact

http://www.latorredelcodina.com/es/

Size of business (if known)

Category

Serviced accommodation

Country

Spain

Destination, with related protected area(s)

Name of the destination:

Parque de San Eloy
Museo de Arqueología. Colección Ramon Boleda.

Yacimiento Ibérico de los Estinclells

Contact Person at the nominated business

Jaume Ramon Solé;        latorredelcodina@gmail.com

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS

according to following SDGs on Tourism4SDGs.org:

Please indicate very briefly their exemplary or innovative actions and measurable achievements (including quantified results if known)

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

The tourism sector needs to adopt sustainable consumption and production (SCP) modes, accelerating the shift towards sustainability. Tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for tourism including for energy, water, waste, biodiversity and job creation will result in enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Exemplary or innovative actions:

-The entity has containers for glass, paper, plastic, batteries, organic fraction and other waste.

-They carry out agricultural activities on the farm of the rural house and hold wine tastings and explain the process.

-They promote nearby local businesses with their customers.

-The organisation collaborates with the Deixalleria de cartaes in Tàrrega, which is an authorised waste manager to deposit the waste they generate on a weekly basis.

SDG 13 - Climate Action

Tourism contributes to and is affected by climate change. Tourism stakeholders should play a leading role in the global response to climate change. By reducing its carbon footprint, in the transport and accommodation sector, tourism can benefit from low carbon growth and help tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

- The entity prohibits the building of fires outside the house.

- Smoking is only allowed in the areas set aside for this purpose.

- Reforestation of the 12.5 hectare estate with new crops and plant species of trees and shrubs.

- Rainwater is collected in a pond for fauna and in a tank for irrigation of the vegetation planted around the house. The rainwater from the roofs is also passed through a filter and made drinkable for the house's own consumption.

SDG 14 – Life below Water

Coastal and maritime tourism rely on healthy marine ecosystems. Tourism development must be a part of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in order to help conserve and preserve fragile marine ecosystems and serve as a vehicle to promote a blue economy, contributing to the sustainable use of marine resources.

The organisation has a basic system for recycling waste water by means of a biological treatment plant with sand and stone filters that provides an aquatic environment suitable for life and biodiversity, as long as the origin of the discharges is respectful of the environment. 

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Rich biodiversity and natural heritage are often the main reasons why tourists visit a destination. Tourism can play a major role if sustainably managed in fragile zones, not only in conserving and preserving biodiversity, but also in generating revenue as an alternative livelihood to local communities.

- Since its beginnings in 1988 they have participated with the local entity Grup d'Ecologia i de Medi Ambient that is dedicated to promote the sustainability and conservation of biodiversity in our natural environment.

- They organise and participate in reforestation activities and the planting of trees and bushes every year. The plants and bushes are grown in the facilities of the Torre del Codina.

- During the summer months they reintroduce owls and kestrels into the natural environment and feed them for weeks before releasing them into the natural environment.

SDG 8 - Decent work and Economic Growth

Tourism, as services trade, is one of the top four export earners globally, currently providing one in ten jobs worldwide. Decent work opportunities in tourism, particularly for youth and women, and policies that favour better diversification through tourism value chains can enhance tourism positive socio-economic impacts.

-The organisation takes preventive measures for occupational hazards with our part-time staff.

- The wages of part-time workers are regulated by the Hosteleria i Turisme de Lleida agreement, which provides for an insurance policy to cover occupational hazards.

- They have participated in a Seminar on Innovation and Creativity promoted by the innovative project: "La pedra com un recurs territorial generador d'activitat econòmica i ocupació".

SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals

Due to its cross-sectoral nature, tourism has the ability to strengthen private/public partnerships and engage multiple stakeholders – international, national, regional and local – to work together to achieve the SDGs and other common goals. Public policy and innovative financing are at the core for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

- The entity actively participates in the Leader Ponent project for the promotion of the environment, which is promoted by the local institutions of our counties for the promotion of Ecotourism.

- The organisation is part of the Turisme Urgell working group, which includes different companies from the hotel and catering industry, restaurants, wineries, producers, guides and public institutions, in order to promote and consolidate the reputation of our region.

Link to further information about the nominated business (if available):