Sustainability has become a buzzword over the last few years, with an increasing number of individuals and organizations recognizing the importance of protecting our planet.
The Santo Amaro Recreational Dock, located in Lisbon, is one of the organizations that has made sustainability a top priority.
The marina recently received a renewed award from the Blue Flag Programme, an international eco-label that recognizes organizations for “excellent quality and added value to their users, while ensuring their satisfaction and environmental preservation”.
This is not the first time the marina has been recognized by the program, having first received the award in 2015. The award is a testament to the marina’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Presentation of Santo Amaro Dock and the Blue Flag Program
The Santo Amaro Recreational Dock is a popular destination for tourists visiting the city by boat.
This dock has the capacity to accommodate up to 178 boats, with spaces that allow vessels of 20 meters in length. In addition, it offers a privileged location, with access to many of Lisbon’s main tourist attractions, such as the Cordoaria Nacional, MAAT or the Lx Factory.
Santo Amaro Dock has several services such as: floating walkways, reception desk, water and electricity on the walkways, watering on the quay, garbage and oil disposal, security systems, communication systems, changing rooms and weather forecast.
The Blue Flag Programme is an international eco-label that recognizes beaches, marinas, recreational and ecotourism vessels that meet strict sustainability criteria. The program is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organization.
This program was created in 1987 and currently operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. The program’s goal is to encourage continuous improvement of environmental practices at participating beaches, marinas and vessels.
Benefits of sustainable tourism for business and the environment
Sustainable tourism can bring significant benefits to both business and the environment. Some benefits include:
– Reduced environmental impact: Sustainable tourism can help reduce the environmental impact of tourism by promoting sustainable waste management practices, water conservation and renewable energy.
– Improved company image: Companies that adopt sustainable practices can improve their image and reputation among consumers and the community.
– Increased awareness: Sustainable tourism can help raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
What does this award mean?
The renewed Blue Flag Programme award is an indication of Santo Amaro Dock’s ongoing dedication to sustainability. In this sense, this recognition is granted to marinas that meet strict sustainability criteria, including waste management, water conservation and renewable energy. Therefore, it is a testament to the marina’s commitment to sustainability and an incentive for other businesses to follow suit.
Sustainable tourism is the future
Tourism is one of the sectors of the Portuguese economy that has grown the most in recent decades. This, in turn, brings new social, economic and environmental challenges for local communities.
Sustainable tourism is a growing trend worldwide, with a notable number of organizations and consumers recognizing the importance of protecting our planet.
Santo Amaro Dock is an example of how organizations can lead on sustainability issues by adopting sustainable practices and promoting awareness about environmental issues. With this mindset, a greener and more sustainable future is created for everyone.
