Sustainability

Our Commitment

We are committed to building a tourism industry that promotes a sustainable use of natural assets and focuses on improving biodiversity.

Our vision is to support the development of a tourism industry in Northern BC that is committed to the sustainable use of natural assets and to the promotion of biodiversity. We will do this through:

Positioning NBCTA as a champion of sustainability
Pursuing Biosphere Certification and implementing the Biosphere process for communities and businesses
Aspiring and adhering to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Ensuring the implementation of effective policies, procedures and systems that prioritize accessibility and inclusion
Developing a tourism industry that is committed to respecting and upholding the socio-cultural authenticity and traditional values of host communities, and to supporting inter-cultural understanding

News & Events

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NBCTA Signs Letter of Commitment to Pursue Biosphere Certification

Biosphere Certification

Northern BC Tourism Association has signed a letter of commitment to pursue a Responsible Tourism Institute Biosphere certification; an international designation that aligns with 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

The certification allows a region to demonstrate how they take sustainability seriously, but also ensures they are accountable to make necessary and ongoing improvements.

The Responsible Tourism Institute Biosphere certification is based on established standards in areas that include climate change, environment, social, economy and culture – and guarantees compliance and continuous improvement through a private, voluntary and independent certification system – which is evaluated on an annual basis.

NBCTA joins three other regional destination management organizations (Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association and Tourism Vancouver Island) who, together with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), operate under the umbrella of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, officially declaring their application. If successful, they will join TOTA which is among only 34 destination management organizations in the world, and the only one in Canada, to achieve this status.

Full News Release:
Northern BC Tourism Signs Letter of Commitment to Obtain Biosphere Certification
Provincial News Release:
Regional Tourism Associations Mark Earth Day by Taking First Step Towards Sustainability Certification

What is Biosphere?

Biosphere is a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international certification body that maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change.

The Biosphere Commitment Program allows tourism industry stakeholders within Northern BC to be recognized and involved through the Biosphere Certification. The Commitment Program follows a simple process in order to be recognized as a Biosphere Committed Company.

Why Join Biosphere?

Global Responsibility Recognition

Being a responsible and sustainable travel option has increasingly become a differentiator in the minds of today’s consumers. Make your Biosphere commitment your competitive advantage with recognition from the Responsible Tourism Institute, video opportunities, and social media promotion for increased visibility.

Reduce Costs

The Eco-Efficiency assessment and performance report provides recommendations on how to decrease waste, water, and costly energy consumption. The Occupational Health and Safety Program, alongside many free training opportunities and additional resources, will all help to reduce operating costs so that you can improve your bottom line.

Responsible Resilience

The Biosphere Commitment is a dynamic program with the initiatives to support growing industries with value-added resources designed to help you build a resilient, responsible organizational framework for long-term success.

Sustainability Lens Assessment

Northern BC Tourism, in partnership with GreenStep, is pleased to support stakeholders in the region to measure and improve their sustainability performance through the “Sustainable Tourism Lens” assessment.

This online assessment will allow stakeholders to gain rapid insight into how their business or organization is performing based on GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism criteria, which has been recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

After completing the assessment, a summary scorecard will be provided along with a comparison with similar tourism operators and a recommended action plan to improve your business’ sustainability practices.

Northern BC Tourism Association is offering the Sustainability Lens Assessment FREE of charge for one year (valued at $99 plus tax) for the first 20 tourism stakeholders who reach out to us.

Register for your assessment

The 17 Goals of Sustainable Development

01 No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

02 ZERO HUNGER

End hunger, archive food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

03 Good Health and Well-Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

04 Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

05 Gender Equality

Archive gender equality and empower all women and girls.

06 Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

07 Affordable Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

08 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

09 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

10 Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

13 Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate changes and its impacts.*

14 Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

15 Life On Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forest, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effect, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

17 Partnership for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Become a Biosphere Committed Community

Coming Soon

Destination Development Resources & Resources

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If you have any questions about our programs or work, please reach out.

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SUSTAINABILITY

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