The training to turn guests into “neutralized tourists” continues in the hotels and inns that take part in the Neutral Carbon Tourism Program. These facilities will be able to offer to their guests an unprecedented environmental service in Brazil. This is the neutralization of CO2 emissions generated by the transport of the tourist coming in and out the cities of Itacaré or Serra Grande.

 

The simplicity of the procedure allows the tourists themselves, along with the receptionist at the hostel, check and calculate the level of CO2 emissions generated by the transport in and out (airplane, bus or car). He/She also learns how  many trees will have to be planted “to offset their carbon footprints.”

 

Since this is an unheard practice in Brazil, built through a partnership between certified entrepreneurs and traditional farmers participating in the program, the whole process is still under construction. Until the tourism high-season, it will be accompanied by the Patrons for Life Movement team in order to fulfill the demands that will certainly arise and to adapt them to comply with the environmental service.

 

The value of the contribution goes to the Social Carbon Fund. Part of the funds pays for the activities and actions of the program in the field – with the families of traditional farmers – and the other part goes to logistics. Tree seedlings to offset these emissions are being produced, planted and managed by the farmers’ families. We hope that in the near future we will be also able to account for the “tourist’s green inheritance”, registering the number of trees planted in the Itacaré/Serra Grande area and following the contribution of these funds for the improvement in the quality of life and self-esteem of these families.

 

If you work in a certified hotel or inn but haven’t received training yet, just wait, we will soon be getting there. For those certified which are already providing this environmental service for your guests, thanks for your partnership! That’s the way we are gradually building a Carbon Free Destination and making room for another participant in this partnership : “The Tourist”.

 

If your facility does not participate in the Neutral Carbon Tourism Program, CLICK HERE to know how you can join this local network of neutralization!

*