Awareness of eco-friendly actions
The Tourist Office provides socio-professionals with a communication kit to raise visitor's awareness of eco-friendly actions during their stay.
Reduce our impact for sustainable tourism
Environmental charter of the Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda Tourist Office
This charter defines the concrete actions and commitments implemented within the Tourist Office and with the socio-professionals in order to limit the impact of our activities on the environment.
What is sustainable development?
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own" a quotation from Gro Harlem Brundtland
Preserving the environment is everyone's responsability. By adopting eco-friendly habits in our daily lives, we contribute to a healthier living environment and reduce our energy consumption.
The Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda Tourist Office is committed to following an environmental charter setting out specific actions to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment.
Good practices at the Tourist Office
These essential practices apply to our workstation, shared spaces, and the overall image of the destination. Their aim is to integrate sustainable development into the Office's day-to-day operations.
During breaks or when i leave my desk at the end of the day
- If I am away for more than 15 minutes, I switch off my computer and screens.
- I switch off the light when I leave my workplace.
- I remember to switch off the coffee machine after use.
- I use a reusable cup or glass and avoid plastic cups.
- I switch off the light when I leave the room.
I print documents
- I only print when necessary.
- I prefer black and white printing and use double-sided printing as much as possible.
- I favour network printing and downloads.
- I check the printing options and layout before printing to avoid wasting paper.
- I keep unnecessary printouts to use as scrap paper, reusing the back side internally.
- I work with certified or eco-labelled printers.
I recycle
- A paper/cardboard recycling bin is available, and I use it.
- A battery recycling box is available at reception for customers and staff. Once full, it is taken to the waste disposal centre.
- Printer cartridges are collected by the supplier, who is responsible for recycling them.
Office supplies and equipment maintenance
- I prefer reusable paper clips to staples.
- For display purposes, I use magnets on magnetic boards rather than adhesive tape, and I prefer electrostatic pockets.
- I take care of the equipment I use in order to extend its lifespan.
Daily basis
- I use a digital communication book instead of paper.
- To get around the resort, I choose to walk, cycle or take the shuttle.
- I do not switch on the light if daylight is sufficient for working comfortably.
- I moderate the heating temperature and air conditioning.
- I turn down the heating on days off.
- I ventilate the office by opening the windows when the heating is turned off.
- I prefer to archive my documents in digital format rather than on paper.
- I regularly delete unnecessary emails; storage space is deliberately limited.
- Emails and email hosting are stored in France.
- I ensure that the website is digitally streamlined (optimised images, compressed files).
Values to share
It is essential to raise awareness among visitors and socio-professionals about sustainable development, particularly in a region where drought and fire risk are major issues. Every action counts: saving water, complying with restrictions in force, avoiding any behaviour that could cause a fire, and favouring environmentally friendly practices.
By adopting a responsible attitude, visitors contribute to the preservation of landscapes, biodiversity and the local environment, so everyone can continue to enjoy the destination safely.
Firefighting
The Tourist Office raises awareness among visitors about fire risk through posters displayed in its office. These posters explain the correct actions and reflexes to adopt. It invite visitors to consult the dedicated website preventionincendie66.com
Sorting waste
Office staff are informed of the location of the sorting bins and can advise visitors on the instructions to follow.
Promotion and development of sustainable transport
The Tourist Office and the municipality encourage more accessible and sustainable modes of transport:
- Lio bus for €2 to travel across most of the county at a low cost
- Urban shuttle, including 100% electric one in the city center
- Electric bike hire offered by the Tourist Office
- Electric vehicle charging stations near the bus station and the Tourist Office
Promoting slow tourism
The Tourist Office promotes slow tourism, favouriting gentle exploration that respects the environment. Set in an exceptional natural environment, the resort offers the ideal terrain for:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Trail
These activities allow you tu fully enjoy the landscapes while minimizing your environment impact. Through its social medias, the Tourist Office promotes these eco-responsible practices and reminds people of the action to take in natural environment.
Reducing editions and recycling documentation
The Tourist Office reduces its editions to the bare minimum in order to limit waste and environmental impact. Printed quantities are analyzed annually to avoid surpluses.
Communication without dates allows certain material to be reused over several seasons. The Office is also developing the use of QR code to access certain information and prefers to send documents by e-mail rather than by post.
These actions ensure more responsible resource management while providing easy access to tourist information.
Sustainable development is everyone's business, whether at work, on holiday or in everyday life. Everyone can take action for the planet through simple gestures which, when added together, make all the difference.
Want to learn more about the territory's commitments to sustainable development? Discover all the actions, projects, and initiatives promoting a more responsible future!
Sustainable development in Haut Vallespir
