Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter - August
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter
August was a challenging month for the Thompson Okanagan. Many communities throughout the region were impacted by wildfires, evacuation orders and alerts, poor air quality and drought conditions. We invite you to voice your concerns so that TOTA can continue to inform government of the evolving situation and its impact on the tourism industry.
We would also like to applaud the amazing work of our wildfire crews, working day in and day out for weeks to battle fires and keep our communities, businesses and residents safe.
Also in August, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth assessment report, indicating that the Earth will probably reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within the next two decades.
Climate change has already impacted every region on the planet and the situation is only intensifying. The message is clear: This is our make-or-break decade for limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C. Whether we prevent the most severe climate impacts depends on actions taken this decade.
While there is a definite need for massive systemic change to achieve the emission reductions required by 2030, we must not forget that our individual climate actions also matter. The recent IPCC report not only warns of the dire situation we find ourselves in but it is also a reminder that the small actions taken by individuals and within companies do add up and inspire our friends, family and visitors to take action.
Manteo at Eldorado Resort joins the Biosphere Commitment Program
Manteo at Eldorado Resort features 102 guest rooms, suites & villas on the shores of Okanagan Lake. They are constantly seeking new ways to enrich their local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with emphasis on diversity and equality. Learn more about Manteo at Eldorado Resort.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Launch
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) hosted an info session on August 12 to introduce the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and how it can help track your organization's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. If you missed the live session, you can access the recording below.
As a reminder, Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies receive a free 1 year subscription for the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform.
If you have not yet claimed your invitation to access the platform, please click the Request Another Invitation button below and TOTA’s Biosphere team will follow up with you.
Reminder: All Biosphere Committed Companies have been nominated to appear on the Sustainable Life App. If you have not already done so, please follow the steps outlined in the email to claim your listing. If you did not receive the nomination email, please contact biosphere@totabc.com.
Refresh Presentations
Over the last month, TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team has been contacting all Biosphere Committed Companies to review updates to the program and answer any questions. The refresh presentations cover the following:
New requirements and updates to the Biosphere Commitment Program
New partnerships & other benefits
New logos, commitment certificates, and additional resources
Eco Efficiency Program & go2HR onboarding process
If you have not yet booked your presentation, we only require 30 minutes over Zoom. Please click below to request a presentation.
Coming in September
Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Training
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is hosting the Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Training, exclusively for Biosphere Committed Companies. The training will take place over 2 sessions and attendance is mandatory for both sessions.
Session One: September 16 - 10:30 am to 12 pm
Session Two: September 23 - 10:30 am to 12 pm
The main contact for each Biosphere Committed Company should have received a calendar invite with the details. Please contact us at biosphere@totabc.com if you did not receive the invite.
2. Globox™ Fundraiser for Wildfire Relief
In partnership with Glohaven Community Hub, TOTA is helping to facilitate a wildfire relief fundraiser. Funds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross Society to directly aid communities in BC affected by wildfires. We will share more details on how to get involved in the coming weeks.
News Highlights
A few Biosphere updates and highlights from this month:
