2.4 Dolomiti Paganella & Visit Greenland

Through this case, you will be able to understand how two very different destinations have used certifications methods to aid their path towards more sustainable development.

During this talk, Dolomiti Paganella explains how they have been recognised as a Benefit Corporation and what this means, while Visit Greenland introduce us to EarthCheck's Standards and guide us through what they have done to be certified by them.

During this talk, Dolomiti Paganella explains how they have been recognised as a Benefit Corporation and what this means, while Visit Greenland introduce us to EarthCheck's Standards and guide us through what they have done to be certified by them.

Understanding How Certifications can Aid Our Sustainable Efforts

Through this case, you will be able to understand how two very different destinations have used certifications methods to aid their path towards more sustainable development.

During this talk, Dolomiti Paganella explains how they have been recognised as a Benefit Corporation and what this means, while Visit Greenland introduce us to EarthCheck's Standards and guide us through what they have done to be certified by them.

Main Takeaways from this Case Study

  • When developing a sustainable strategy, your team should be open-minded towards the different certification methods and programmes that exist, choosing the one that best aligns with the organisation's objectives.
  • It's important to understand sustainability within the specific context of your destination in order to develop the most appropriate strategy.

Summary

Dolomiti Paganella

Becoming a Benefit Corporation

Luca talks us through what a Benefit Corporation is and the economical standing that works towards a positive economic impact for society. Dolomiti Paganella is the first DMO in Italy (and Europe) that has been certified as a Benefit Corporation, and this is only one part of the longer view for Luca and his team. For them, being a Benefit Corporation means that they can create a better community through their standing. Luca aims to see the DMO as a steward for balance in tourism, being a community that hosts tourists and cares for the environment.

On 1st January 2016, Italy became the first European state and the second country in the world creating a new legal status for companies, called “Società Benefit” (in the US, Benefit Corporation). A Società Benefit is a company that combines the goal of profit with the purpose of creating a positive impact for society and the environment and which operates in a transparent, responsible and sustainable way.

Visit Greenland

Long-term Destination View

With 100,000 tourists a year, Greenland benefits from being a small tourist destination. Tanny acknowledges this benefit and the responsibility to remain economically sustainable. Currently, there are two large airport projects undergoing and Greenland is really opening up – but they need products to entice those expected travellers.

There's a focus on season expansion and critical mass in order to let tourism be healthier for operators as they expand interest throughout the year. The capital aims to become the first sustainable capital in the world certified by EarthCheck, and considering these aspects and creating a wider field of interest are just the next steps to this goal.

This can be linked to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

In August 2021, Nuuk actually became the first capital city in the world to achieve the Sustainable Destination Certification from EarthCheck. This is a programme that helps destinations measure and monitor their environmental and social impact and prepare and track that performance against their own targets and the performance of other communities.

To achieve certification, Nuuk has met EarthCheck’s rigorous environmental standards across twelve key performance areas spanning greenhouse gas emissions; energy efficiency; air quality; ecosystem conservation; transport; waste management; and cultural and social management.

During this talk, Dolomiti Paganella explains how they have been recognised as a Benefit Corporation and what this means, while Visit Greenland introduce us to EarthCheck's Standards and guide us through what they have done to be certified by them.

Understanding How Certifications can Aid Our Sustainable Efforts

Through this case, you will be able to understand how two very different destinations have used certifications methods to aid their path towards more sustainable development.

During this talk, Dolomiti Paganella explains how they have been recognised as a Benefit Corporation and what this means, while Visit Greenland introduce us to EarthCheck's Standards and guide us through what they have done to be certified by them.

Main Takeaways from this Case Study

  • When developing a sustainable strategy, your team should be open-minded towards the different certification methods and programmes that exist, choosing the one that best aligns with the organisation's objectives.
  • It's important to understand sustainability within the specific context of your destination in order to develop the most appropriate strategy.

Summary

Dolomiti Paganella

Becoming a Benefit Corporation

Luca talks us through what a Benefit Corporation is and the economical standing that works towards a positive economic impact for society. Dolomiti Paganella is the first DMO in Italy (and Europe) that has been certified as a Benefit Corporation, and this is only one part of the longer view for Luca and his team. For them, being a Benefit Corporation means that they can create a better community through their standing. Luca aims to see the DMO as a steward for balance in tourism, being a community that hosts tourists and cares for the environment.

On 1st January 2016, Italy became the first European state and the second country in the world creating a new legal status for companies, called “Società Benefit” (in the US, Benefit Corporation). A Società Benefit is a company that combines the goal of profit with the purpose of creating a positive impact for society and the environment and which operates in a transparent, responsible and sustainable way.

Visit Greenland

Long-term Destination View

With 100,000 tourists a year, Greenland benefits from being a small tourist destination. Tanny acknowledges this benefit and the responsibility to remain economically sustainable. Currently, there are two large airport projects undergoing and Greenland is really opening up – but they need products to entice those expected travellers.

There's a focus on season expansion and critical mass in order to let tourism be healthier for operators as they expand interest throughout the year. The capital aims to become the first sustainable capital in the world certified by EarthCheck, and considering these aspects and creating a wider field of interest are just the next steps to this goal.

This can be linked to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

In August 2021, Nuuk actually became the first capital city in the world to achieve the Sustainable Destination Certification from EarthCheck. This is a programme that helps destinations measure and monitor their environmental and social impact and prepare and track that performance against their own targets and the performance of other communities.

To achieve certification, Nuuk has met EarthCheck’s rigorous environmental standards across twelve key performance areas spanning greenhouse gas emissions; energy efficiency; air quality; ecosystem conservation; transport; waste management; and cultural and social management.