Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Newsletter
Good Health And Well-Being
In recent years, health tourism has been attracting more customers. With the increasing awareness in improving health and well-being, more and more people seek a relaxing and appealing destination that has benefits for their body, mind and spirit.
This month we will highlight businesses' featuring work relative to SDG Three: Wellbeing, safety, and health. We will take a look at how they develop, promote and prioritize healthy tourism activities.
Good Health and Well-Being
In recent years, health tourism has been attracting more customers. With the increasing awareness in improving health and well-being, more and more people seek a relaxing and appealing destination that has benefits for their body, mind and spirit.
This month we will highlight businesses' featuring work relative to SDG Three:Wellbeing, safety, and health. We will take a look at how they develop, promote and prioritize healthy tourism activities.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Covert Farm, Oliver
Covert Farm believes in healthy and experiential tourism practices and focuses on improving their ability to identify, prevent and plan for potential emergencies that threaten the farm and surrounding ecosystem. Their operation has adopted regenerative farming practices on 240 acres that will result in sequestering soil carbon which acts as storage for rain and irrigation water. It is estimated that their 30 acres of vineyards may be dry-farmed in 5 years’ time using these farming practices (no-till, growing plants at all times, mixed cover crops, soil cover, and livestock integration). They are also dedicated to “Farm to Table”. With the experience and passion of many hardworking hands, they are able to farm an abundant array of certified organic crops to nourish those who visit.
A View to Remember B&B, West Kelowna
A View To Remember B&B has a strong passion for the chemical-free, toxin-free cleaning system (ENJO) that does not require the purchase of any plastic bottles or cleaners. And with it being chemical-free, there is no chemical residue left on surfaces and no chemicals are being put into the water system. They are also dedicated to educating and selling this product to help people learn about the options for a sustainable cleaning environment for their home and family. In their suites, there are no single-use plastic utensils or dishes. They are also using the Smartklean laundry ball that eliminates the need to buy plastic bottles of laundry soap.
50th Parallel Estate Winery, Lake Country
50th Parallel Estate regularly review international best practices relating to winery and vineyard operations with their staff, to decrease their footprint on the environment. They annually focus more on sustainability in how they manage the vineyard, both through amendment programs, cover crop choices, bio-dynamic integration of beneficial organisms into the vineyard, and an overall commitment to being completely natural in wine making practice and organic vineyard practice in the next 5 years.
Global Biosphere Example
Aparthotel Miami Park, located in the heart of the coastal town of Calella, Spain committed to a more sustainable future by obtaining their Biosphere Commitment in 2017. They are proud to be part of this community and dedicated to their commitment in various ways.
They use special containers on each floor which allows each customer to separate plastics, glass, cardboard, and organic waste
They do not use chlorine in their swimming pool. It is cleaned through electrolysis.
Their outdoor lighting are LED, and they use drip irrigation for their garden which largely reduces the waste.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
There are many things we could do to protect our health and develop a healthy living environment.
1. For travelers - Travel with a basic health kit
A basic travel health kit is important no matter where you travel, as some medications may not always be readily available in some countries. Click here to review a list of medications to be included in your travel health kit.
2. For employers -- Keep your staff healthy
Health and safety are critical to all business practices. By implementing a framework to manage health and safety organizations can effectively prevent injuries and save time and money. Start the go2HR safety basics assessment today.
3. For businesses -- Promote and adopt sustainable practices
Reduce the use of chemicals (i.e cleaning products). Reduce the impact on air, water and soil. The Biosphere Eco-Efficiency program is the perfect first step.
Do you know about
Green Okanagan's Sustainability Social
Green Okanagan is getting together for green conversation this Feb 19th, 2020, at 6:30 pmatTourism Kelowna! This event is a gathering of like-minded individuals sharing a passion for sustainability and green movements in our community. Their Feb event has the theme of "Sustainable Tourism" where you will get to learn from GreenStep's Angela Nagy. Click "Register here" for more details.
Why Measure Sustainability
Measuring business practices, as it pertains to reducing negative impacts, establishes a baseline and framework for the development of programs/projects, such as waste reduction projects, energy-efficient programs and carbon measuring adoption. Measurement is also essential in communicating progress, anticipating new requirements and managing the progress towards the sustainability goals.
This month we will highlight businesses' featuring work relative to SDG Thirteen: Urgent adoption of measures against climate change. We will take a look at how they integrate climate change measures into their strategic planning.
Why Measure Sustainability?
Measuring business practices, as it pertains to reducing negative impacts, establishes a baseline and framework for the development of programs/projects, such as waste reduction projects, energy-efficient programs and carbon measuring adoption. Measurement is also essential in communicating progress, anticipating new requirements and managing the progress towards the sustainability goals.
This month we will highlight businesses' featuring work relative to SDG Thirteen: Urgent adoption of measures against climate change. We will take a look at how they integrate climate change measures into their strategic planning
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops continues to elevate its commitment to the Biosphere Adhesion Program by focusing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 17- partnerships for the goals.
Tourism Kamloops strives to strengthen relationships with Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, Thompson Rivers University, and Kamloops Innovation. Understanding the impact of educational opportunities, Tourism Kamloops is committed to providing diverse workshops for the community on accessible and inclusive destination development; digital marketing skills; destination ambassadorship, and more. The team supports the Bee City Program, as well as participates in the Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Forum.
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, Kelowna
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is the first company in North America to use 100% biodegradable containers, Sulapac, while continuing to explore more sustainable solutions. Their Earth Tube system passively controls the temperature by circulating the air between the rooms and the ground outside. This saves up to 78% of energy compared with traditional HVAC systems. They allow one paper checkout bag per purchase and charge a fee for any additional bags. All proceeds are donated to Tree Canada's National Greening Program, specifically for reforesting areas in BC damaged by wildfires and invasive pests.
Sorrento Centre
Since the first 19 solar panels went live in May 2019 The Sorrento Centre has been living up to its commitment to environmental sustainability by generating lots of clean, green and abundant energy from the sun, and sending power back into the BC Hydro grid to share with their neighbours. Even with the shorter and darker days of the fall and winter, the solar array is still generating plenty of energy for the building. The Solar system had seen an immediate positive impact. The BC Hydro bill for May of 2019 showed a 62% decrease in daily average inflow and 386kWh of surplus energy back into the grid. This meant a savings of $226.00 for the month of May!
Plans are underway for another 32 panels. This will boost projected annual production by 9,500 kWh/year and enable the Sorrento Centre to install an EV charging station to power electric vehicles – a first for the community of Sorrento, BC!
Global Biosphere Example
Barcelona, as the first urban destination to obtain the Biosphere Certification is also the first European city to require solar water heaters to be installed in all new buildings and renovations. Education and maintenance are the keys to success. The Barcelona Energy Agency strongly believes that solar panels should be managed like elevators and be inspected on a regular basis. The Energy Agency runs the information center to provide assistance in solar panel installation and maintenance. In 2006, Spain enacted building codes that included solar water heaters. This initiative has helped Barcelona to reduce the carbon intensity of its electricity by about 30% since 2000.
Read more
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
A View to Remember B&B
Covert Farms
The Vibrant Vines Winery Inc
Accent Inns Kelowna
SDG 13: Urgent adoption of measures against climate change
1. Commit to sustainable tourism practices
Follow the guidelines for sustainable tourism based on the Seven Generations Principle. Take the Pledge today!
2. Gather baseline data
What gets measured gets managed! You can start with water, energy, waste, then expand to other consumption. The Eco-efficiency program will get you started with these endeavors.
3. Brainstorm actions to help achieve goals
Finding ways to conserve energy in a more sustainable direction. This would not only make your organization greener but also can save you money immediately. Here are some tips for energy-saving.
4. Engaging all stakeholders
Anything worth knowing is worth sharing. Sustainability education is essential to create a large impact and build a sustainable destination. You can start by educating your staff and guests. For example, does it matter how your staff and your guests arrive? This article may give you some ideas to encourage green travel. Read here.
Do you know about
Green Okanagan's Sustainability Social?
Green Okanagan is getting together for green conversation this Jan 22nd, 2020at 6:30 pm! This event is a gathering of like-minded individuals sharing a passion for sustainability and green movements in our community. Click "Register here" for more details.
Decent Work And Economic Growth
It is extremely important to pay attention to employees’ safety and well-being. TOTA in partnership with go2HR will be providing occupational health and safety assessments for Biosphere Businesses. Our partnership will provide:
- Occupational Health and Safety Overview Training
- Safety Basics Assessment
- Employer Consultation Meetings
- Foundation of Workplace Safety Training
- And many more added benefits
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Giro Okanagan, Kelowna
Giro Okanagan is a cycling tour provider that offers immersive and authentic experiences based on their deep understanding of the region and their own personal connections. They embrace sustainability by promoting cycling as the ideal way to explore the Okanagan Valley. They work towards achieving their sustainability targets by dramatically reducing single-use plastics and use locally sourced products whenever possible.
For 2020, they will expand their sustainability initiatives to include further training in Biosphere Adhesion targets for their guides and support staff. They will be introducing a Rider's Pledge for guests which will be aligned with Biosphere goals. The website messaging will be revised to stress sustainability initiatives more fully. They will expand the educational initiatives to include new self-guided options for both single day and multi-day tours that will provide guests with a further understanding of the Okanagan's unique cultural heritage.
Osoyoos Golf Club
Osoyoos Golf Club's restaurant and Pro Shop are wheelchair accessible. For the area out on the golf course they allow members with mobility issues to drive their golf carts closer to the tees and greens than is allowed in regulation. They also support local suppliers in sustainable tourism activities and services. For example, they consider seasonality and healthy food options on their menu in their day to day offerings. They also have a large riparian area that they strive to maintain and protect and keep their members informed.
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Tantalus Vineyards
50th Parallel Estate
Seven Stones Winery
SDS 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent employment
It is extremely important to pay attention to employees’ safety and well-being. Unfortunately, as much we talk about workplace safety and well-being in daily life, it is still presents a serious challenge in Canada.
TOTA in partnership with go2HR will be providing occupational health and safety assessments for Biosphere Adhesion Businesses. Our partnership will provide:
- Occupational Health and Safety Overview Training
- Safety Basics Assessment
- Employer Consultation Meetings
- Foundation of Workplace Safety Training
- And many more added benefits
Stay posted for an upcoming release of the full program details!
Do you know SuperHost Service For All Program?
The “one size fits all” concept simply does not apply to the way the tourism sector's set expectations and practices around specific customer groups. It is extremely important for all employees, especially front-line employees to understand multiculturalism and practices around specific customer groups. Take go2HR's SuperHost Service For All Program to learn best practices around customers from various backgrounds and identities.
Sustainable Tourism Destinations And Heritage
Last month (Oct 16th), we held a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) training workshop at The Laurel Packinghouse. We collaborated with Tourism Kelowna and the Kelowna Museums Society to organize the workshop that was open to all Biosphere Adhesion Entities. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (GSTC trainer) providing an overview of tips and resources on how to offset operational impacts.
This is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal eleven Sustainable Tourism Destination and Heritage. This month we are featuring several organizations that are leaders in social, cultural and environmental protection through tourism activities.
Thank You for Joining Us!
Last month (Oct 16th), we held a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) training workshop at The Laurel Packinghouse. We collaborated with Tourism Kelowna and the Kelowna Museums Society to organize the workshop that was open to all Biosphere Adhesion Entities. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (GSTC trainer) providing an overview of tips and resources on how to offset operational impacts. We will be hosting another GSTC workshop in Kamloops in the coming months, with the exact date to be determined.
This is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal eleven Sustainable Tourism Destination and Heritage. This month we are featuring several organizations that are leaders in social, cultural and environmental protection through tourism activities.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Moccasin Trails
Moccasin Trails aims to provide people with an authentic experience of Indigenous culture. They share Indigenous culture through tourism and believe through sharing and storytelling the whole culture is revitalized, preserved and promoted. They want to bring people from around the world to experience learning and reliving the indigenous culture. As the main organizer of the Okanagan Cultural Getaway, they have planned a three-day trip (Nov 15th-17th) which includes museum tours, food tastings, walks on ancestral paths and a Canoe excursion where people can touch, smell, see, hear and feel the Indigenous culture.
Read more
Grizzli Winery, Kelowna
Grizzli Winery is located in the beautiful West Kelowna’s wine trail. They are proud to celebrate local authentic culture and create tourism activities and products based on local cultural heritage. They organize various events throughout the year that promote local artists and artisans. Their Arts in the Park event successfully combines food, wine, and art. Locally inspired creations such as stone, glass, wood and fiber arts are displayed with the backdrop of the vineyards.
Monte Creek Ranch Winery
Monte Creek Ranch Winery is on the South Thompson River east of Kamloops. They promote a sustainable community by supporting various community organizations with donations and sponsorship. An example is their efforts to support the Canadian Red Cross with their wildfire relief fund. They did this in partnership with the Kamloops Wine Trail, Sips for Support. They are also bio diverse in various daily practices. They use manure from their cattle to fertilize the vineyard and have a honey bee colony onsite to promote wildflower health and the health of their Haskap grove.
Global Biosphere Example
The Historic Centre of Évora the capital of the Alentejo Province in Portugal, one of the biosphere adhesion certified destinations, shows its remarkable success in culture and heritage preservation. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Évora’s overall integrity has been preserved through strict regulation and conservation measures. The rural landscape to the north has remained largely unchanged. In 2013, Évora has concluded their joint project as part of the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program on capacity-building for tourism management.
Read more
SDG 11: Sustainable Tourism Destinations and Heritage
Cultural tourism as one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets is increasingly being developed to promote sustainable destinations and enhance authenticity. The development of cultural experiences includes the preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage.
1. Discover and understand the Okanagan Heritage
2. Review successful examples of heritage integrations
Want to join Green Okanagan for a Vermi-Composting workshop?
Green Okanagan is hosting an all-inclusive vermi-composting workshop!
Composting your organic and food waste helps to reduce your environmental impact. Instead of creating methane in a landfill, it will turn your organic waste into nutrient-rich soil! How cool is that?
Join this hands-on evening where you will be learning all about this form of composting whilst making your own apparatus to take home with you.
Reduce Your Carbon Emissions
Canada is moving towards its objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. It is easy to think that one person's choice has no effect on the climate, but with 37 million people living in Canada, our collective impact can add up. In order to fight against climate change, our consumption habits need to change personally, domestically and globally. This month, we will highlight businesses featuring work relative to SDG Seven: Affordable and Clean Energy. We also listed resources to calculate your carbon footprint and offset your impact.
Reduce Your Carbon Emissions
Canada is moving towards its objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. It is easy to think that one person's choice has no effect on the climate, but with 37 million people living in Canada, our collective impact can add up. In order to fight against climate change, our consumption habits need to change personally, domestically and globally. This month, we will highlight businesses featuring work relative to SDG Seven: Affordable and Clean Energy. We also listed resources to calculate your carbon footprint and offset your impact.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Best Western Plus Kamloops
The Best Western Plus Kamloops is committed to the use of sustainable energy, their Geothermal Heating/cooling system collects low-grade thermal energy from the earth and concentrates it inside the hotel to provide heating/cooling in all public areas during the year. The well-designed geothermal system provides heating for all public areas including the pool, lobby and breakfast room. In the summer, the process is reversed and the geothermal system inputs cool air into the hotel and removes the heat to be stored. The heat removed from the building can be used to efficiently heat swimming pools, hot water tanks, or other parts of the building that require heat during the evenings.
Poplar Grove Winery, Penticton
Poplar Grove Winery utilizes many sustainable practices in the vineyards, especially in reducing their carbon footprint. Solar arrays power all the winery facilities, while they also carry five electric vehicle charging stations available to staff and guests that are powered by the solar arrays. Their wines are all watered by drip line rather than overhead irrigation, which allows for a less wasteful targeted application that is applied only as needed.
Current Taxi, Kelowna
Current taxi doesn't see sustainability as solely environmental, they also view it from an economic and personal lens. They utilize 100% biodegradable cleaning products for inside the vehicles to promote earth and occupant well being. They offer amazing services that take customers to organic wineries, local restaurants or coffee shops, all without burning a drop of gas. Responsible use of energy is directly promoted through Current Taxi as a cornerstone of the company values. As the first all-electric taxi fleet in British Columbia, Current Taxi utilizes 100% electric vehicles in their fleet, providing the community emissions-free transportation.
Read more
Global Biosphere Example
Spain is a leader in investing in renewable energy. Spain has managed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 4.3% in 2018. As the leader in the Biosphere Adhesion Program, more than 13 regions in Spain are certified as a Biosphere Destination. The decreasing cost of clean technologies, optimal geographical locations and climatic conditions as well as Spain's sustainable commitment as a whole, drives their commitment to clean energy. León as a Biosphere Certified Destination is generating more electricity from renewables than the total electricity demand within the region.
Read more
SDG 7: Ensuring access to sustainable energy
Do you want to take some action on fighting against climate change and your organization's carbon footprint?
1. Take part in the Biosphere Adhesion Initiative
Participants of the Biosphere Adhesion Initiative will receive personalized Energy Assessments through the Eco-efficiency program. More information to come soon!
Biosphere Committed Businesses will also be provided with Carbon Footprint Measurement software.
2. Bookdifferent.com
You can search and book an Eco-friendly hotel or sustainable accommodations through bookdifferent.com. To eliminate green-washing, they assess each hotel's green credentials as part of their staygreencheck.
Bookdifferent today in sustainable destination Kelowna
BC Residents! Researchers from KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems are conducting a survey about local food in restaurants and want to hear from you.
Take the 10 minute online survey and be entered to win one of five $100 gift certificates to local restaurants! Survey closes Oct. 31st, midnight. Please click the link to begin!
Biosphere Training Workshops
Having quality, inclusive training that is adapted to the real needs of the destination is an essential part of tourism sustainability. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (certified GSTC trainer) to provide tips on how to offset your organization’s impact. This is inline with several United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal four (Quality Education), goal eleven (Sustainable Cities and Communities), goal seventeen (Partnership for the Goals), and others. This month we are featuring several organizations who are offering or promoting quality education and training to their customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Biosphere Training Workshops
We are pleased to be hosting another Global Sustainable Tourism Council training workshop this fall in the Central Okanagan. The half-day workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 16th, exact venue TBD.
Having quality, inclusive training that is adapted to the real needs of the destination is an essential part of tourism sustainability. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (certified GSTC trainer) to provide tips on how to offset your organization’s impact. This is in line with several United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal four (Quality Education), goal eleven (Sustainable Cities and Communities), goal seventeen (Partnership for the Goals), and others. This month we are featuring several organizations who are offering or promoting quality education and training to their customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Kelowna Museum Society
The Kelowna Museum Society develops educational activities that engage visitors, stimulating their curiosity around tourism and sustainable development. They work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure their perspectives and priorities are well represented in the museum displays and programs. In addition, their "Ride to the Museum" social media campaign encourages visitors to walk, cycle or use transit to visit them, a relatively modest yet powerful gesture to encourage sustainable transportation.
Read More
Planet Bee Honey Farm, Vernon
Every year Planet Bee Honey Farm presents to thousands of customers about the importance of honeybees to our ecosystems in the educational center. They teach about the plight of the honeybee and give customers advice on what they can do to help. An outdoor learning area is added with informational signage detailing bee-friendly plants, local pollinators, and the plight of the honeybee. All staff are well versed in the necessary information to assist customers in their experience of these areas. They educate their customers by offering ‘bee friendly tips’ in their online monthly newsletter.
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, Kelowna
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm teach their visitors about sustainable farming and how they adapted in the agricultural industry to stay current and economically viable. They developed tours for both children (Pollinator tour) and adults (Sustainable farming practices) to teach them about the importance of preserving and respecting the natural environment. They also teach new staff about sustainable initiatives such as reusable water bottles, coffee cups and on-site composting. They also encourage all of their staff to help in the garden as time allows, which enables them to be outside in the fresh air doing physical activity!
Global Biosphere Example
La Cuadra de Antón is a responsible and efficient restaurant in Gijón, Spain. They encourage diversity and offset their impact on the environment. They promote the collaboration with CleanCO2 and the Responsible Tourism Institute (Biosphere Adhesion Destination) to showcase their efforts on calculating their carbon footprint and to offset their emissions in social projects. They also raise awareness for caring for our landscapes and farming by informing their customers on how to adapt to societal changes within the framework of sustainable development.
Read more
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
SDG 4: Quality Education
A great number of community organizations that embody United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals in their daily practices. Below are some successful examples.
1. Show your company history and value, introduce where are the product comes from
2. Showcase your sustainability commitment
For biosphere committed entities, showing your employees and customers that you are Biosphere Certified Entity! You could proudly showcase your biosphere certificate and sustainability commitment on your website and social media
Blog post, Facebook post, brochure, website
Display your Biosphere Certificate proudly!
3. Join TOTA’s upcoming GSTC and Eco-efficiency training!
Are you interested in the upcoming workshops and being part of the Biosphere Adhesion Community?
Yes, I would like to attend the workshops
I am not part of the biosphere adhesion community yet, but I would like to know more!
Accessibility in Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination. The goal is to promote full inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of community and tourism. This includes all experiences, products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region. This work is in line with and inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal ten (Reduced Inequalities) and eleven (Sustainable Cities & Communities), as well as others. This month, we are highlighting the Biosphere Committed Entities that are leaders in accessibility.
Accessibility in Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination. The goal is to promote full inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of community and tourism. This includes all experiences, products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region. This work is in line with and inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal ten (Reduced Inequalities) and eleven (Sustainable Cities & Communities), as well as others. This month, we are highlighting the Biosphere Committed Entities that are leaders in accessibility.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Ogopogo Tours, Tour Operator in Summerland
OGOPOGO TOURS is a thought and action leader for inclusive and accessible tours in the Okanagan. As North America’s first Biosphere Industry, they aim to ensure universal access at all levels of the tourism value chain. This includes a sightseeing and wine tour van with an electric platform lift, high ceilings to allow guests to stand straight, and centre aisle seating for easy boarding and exit. They strive for inclusivity for all. This is reflected in their hiring and training practices, respect for local cultures, and company culture.
The Adam River Salmon Society, Nature preserve in Lee Creek
The Adams River Salmon Society encourages the conservation of the natural and cultural resources of Tsútswecw Provincial Park (formally Roderick Haig-Brown Park). They work closely with BC Parks, promoting the initiatives that integrate the entire population of the destination. As an example, the society helps showcase Shuswap Trailriders’ newest adaptive hiking tool for people with mobility challenges. They encourage embracing indigenous culture by promoting the first story trail that shares the Secwepemctsin language.
Tourism Kelowna, Tourist information center in Kelowna
One of Tourism Kelowna’s sustainability goals is to promote Kelowna as a top tourist destination for people with different and unique abilities, both physical and cognitive. We work with our stakeholders, restaurants, hotels, stores, attractions, and wineries to make sure they are wheelchair accessible, so all visitors can enjoy and experience a fully inclusive and barrier-free vacation.
Some of Tourism Kelowna’s accessible stakeholders that we work with are the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Simplex Sportszone, Axe Monkeys, H20 Adventure & Fitness Centre, Quails Gate Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, and House of Rose Winery. This is by no means an all-inclusive list.
Read more
Global Biosphere Example
The Municipality of Arona, a community in the south island of Tenerife, is a Biosphere Certified Destination that has won various awards for its efforts in making the destination fully inclusive and accessible. Locals and visitors can find various accessible transportation options, such as adapted self-driving cars and wheelchair-accessible taxis. Arona is also renowned for their beautiful and fully inclusive beaches. Playa de las Teresitas has many accessible parking lots, accessible restrooms and showers and access ramps that greet all visitors. Arona has a history of creating accessible spaces dating back to the 1960's and continues to lead global efforts for a fully inclusive experience.
Read more
SDG 10: Reduction of inequalities
There are many community and tourism organizations in the Thompson Okanagan that embody SDG #10 in their everyday practices. Below are some successful examples of accessible practices that businesses can learn and apply in order to influence and create a fully inclusive experience.
1. Ensure everyone feels welcomed and supported
Provide adaptive equipment for people with mobility challenges
Ensure wheelchair accessible washroom facilities are available, parking spaces, campsites, access to trails & natural areas, etc.
2. Don't assume, ASK & LISTEN
Collect feedback from ALL consumers to understand what is important to them
Encourage dialogue and don't be afraid to ask questions
A friendly positive attitude goes a long way
3. Educate employees and all stakeholders
Employee training: SuperHost Service for All training
Promote accessible activities in your region: Tourism Kamloops and Accessible Adventures & Tourism Kelowna's Accessible Kelowna
4. Contact your regional Accessibility Specialist for support
Request an accessibility site visit
Do you have any story related to Accessibility?
We would like to hear about your experience with accessibility in Thompson Okanagan.
Do you know any organizations that are paying special attention to increasing their accessibility?
Does your organization promote/participate in accessibility-related activities?
Please click on the link below to share your accessibility story with us.
Welcome to Biosphere Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to our first monthly newsletter for the Biosphere Program! This newsletter will feature highlights of committed Biosphere entities, examples of Biosphere leaders from around the world, and helpful hints and tips to inform sustainable business practices. This month, we will highlight businesses featuring work relative to SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production. There are many sustainable activities large and small you could take action on.
Welcome to Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to our first monthly newsletter for the Biosphere Commitment Program! This newsletter will feature highlights of committed Biosphere entities, examples of Biosphere leaders from around the world, and helpful hints and tips to inform sustainable business practices.
Each newsletter we will feature a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) area, and subsequent businesses that are providing leadership in these goals. If your business is engaging in programs that align with featured goal areas, please contact us, as we are looking to feature unique stories from around the region.
In the Global Example section, we will introduce an international Biosphere Entity, with the intent to share best practices from around the world and foster opportunities for international collaboration.
This month, we will highlight businesses featuring work relative to SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production. Each month we will post the newsletter at TOTA News Centre. We want to make this newsletter valuable to you so please share your feedback and suggestions to help us improve!
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Commitment Program
Cedar Heaven Resort, Clearwater
Cedar Heaven Resort is a family operated retreat in Clearwater, committed to the use of local and organic products and committed to recycling activities. They participate in Rocky Mountain Soap’s hotel program utilizing refillable containers rather than disposable. They also do recycling in each unit and sort everything before bringing it to the Eco Centre weekly.
They especially support locally made sourdough bread (Daily Grain Bread) and locally produced honey - both sourced at the local farmers market.
Note: RSVP is not required. Click the button above to join anytime during the sessions. Stay for as long as you can or need during the one-hour session.
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre, Kamloops
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre is committed to the “Refreshingly Green” program: They provide optional housekeeping, use digital newspapers and magazines to reduce the use of paper, and are highly committed to recycling, composting, and the use of biodegradable cleaning supplies.
Read more
Meadow Vista Honey Wines, Kelowna
Meadow Vista Honey Wines encourages the consumption of local, sustainable products. They believe bees are a critical part of our ecosystem, and they strive to increase the awareness of bees and local beekeepers. A unique bee tour is designed to educate visitors about the farm, the bees and the Mead making process. They encourage visitors to purchase local honey-either from your local market, grocery store or direct from the beekeeper.
Read more
Global Biosphere Example
Abadal is a Winery and Vineyard located in Barcelona, Spain that successfully connects wine, tourism, biodiversity and heritage. They are paying special attention to maintaining a living soil by applying active microbiology, minimizing compaction and enhancing root structure. They are making continued efforts in lowering the ecological impact and sustaining a healthy ecosystem. They offer a special agri-tourism experience with a farmer’s breakfast paired with Abadal wines, where they educate the visitor on their roots within the wine culture and their sustainable practices.
Read more
SDG 12: Responsible production and consumption
There are many sustainable activities large and small you could take action on. Below are some tips for you to improve responsible production and consumption.
1. Prioritize the consumption of local and sustainable products/services
2. Maximize the recycling of waste
Reusable products
3. Educate employees and customers
Create a section on your business website showcasing your sustainable practices
Create signage or shareable information to educate customers & employees