Green Scilly
If we can reduce the amount of resources that we use on Scilly, re-use the one's we do need, and recycle anything else where we can into something new, we will be able to preserve our outstanding natural environment not just for our visitors to enjoy but also for future island generations.
On Scilly our common philosophy is to treat our home as your home, we feel that visiting with respect earns respect.
Caring for Scilly:
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB's are designated areas indicating the most exceptional and unique parts of the British landscape. It is easy to see how the Isles of Scilly with such rich biodiversity and Marine Park status fits the bill.
The Isles of Scilly AONB work to' safeguard, enhance and promote the distinctive landscape, wildlife, historical and architectural character of the Isles of Scilly whilst fostering the social and economic well-being of its people'
The Isles of Scilly AONB work closely with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust cares for the wildlife sites that make up 60% of the landmass of Scilly and includes all of the uninhabited islands, islets and rocks and most of the coastal fringes on the inhabited islands of St. Mary's, St. Agnes, Bryher and St. Martin's. The Trust is a charity and has an office based on St. Mary's and a visitor centre situated in the quay waiting room. Nature trails at Lower and Higher Moors on St. Mary's have bird hides. You can support their work by becoming a member or making a donation
The Wildlife Trust is committed to manage...Conservation of land and marine wildlife and their habitats; The landscape of the Isles of Scilly; The archaeological and historical remains of the islands.
Both organisations work to help educate and promote awareness of the natural environment on the isles.
Green Tourism?
Green Tourism is a term used to describe best environmental practice within the tourism sector. It covers issues such as business efficiency, environmental management, waste, transport, as well as topics such as social responsibility and biodiversity. This is markedly different from 'ecotourism' which uses the environment as a marketing tool without necessarily taking steps to reduce the businesses environmental impact. Businesses that are 'green' on the other hand, are moving toward reducing their overall environmental impact but may not use nature and the surrounding environment as a marketing tool.
How does Green Tourism accreditation work?
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is a nationally recognised accreditation system, leading the way in responsible and sustainable business. All businesses that are members of the GTBS have been quality graded though a recognised industry standard (e.g AA & RAC standards). To gain a GTBS award, businesses first have an advisory visit where owners and managers are given advise on what areas of their business could be improved to reduce their environmental impact. The business is then graded against 120 measures of best practice, reflecting a balance of environmental, economic and social issues. These cover good management and communication to efficient lighting and heating, as well as things like nature conservation, local crafts and produce, renewable energy and community support and evolvement. Following this, businesses are legible to be accreted with a Gold (excellent in environmental practice), Silver (very good environmental practice) or bronze ( good basic environmental practice) award.
Green Tourism on Scilly
The Green Tourism Business Scheme has been in operation on Scilly since November 2005. Since then, approximately 12 businesses have been signed up to the scheme with a number of awards being given, the most recent of which is Mincarlo B&B who recently received a Gold award. Being such a small island community separated from the mainland, businesses on the islands are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact they have and the contribution they make to the islands problems in such issues of waste, water, food imports etc. The GTBS also provides the island businesses with advice and techniques on how to reduce business costs, allowing businesses to pursue realistic ways to save money as well as reduce their environmental impact. By supporting these businesses, visitors and locals will be helping to encourage and achieve a more sustainable island community. For more information, check out the GTBS website. To find accommodation providers that are members of the GTBS use the search engine on the top righthand side of this page and tick the Green Accreditation box, then click 'search'.
© 2008 Simply Scilly
