Ilha dos Arvoredos Becomes the First Tourist Attraction in the Americas to Receive Green Key Certification

15 de fevereiro de 2024

Ilha dos Arvoredos now boasts the Green Key seal, the primary global award for excellence in social responsibility and sustainability in the tourism sector, making it the first and only tourist attraction in the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere to achieve this international environmental certification. Granted to the Fernando Lee Foundation, the island serves as the backdrop for scientific research conducted in partnership between the Foundation and Unaerp, and it presents to the public, through the Sustainable World project (a partnership between the Foundation and the Nova Maré Institute), the key concepts of sustainability and environmental respect through collaborative visits.

The Green Key seal symbolizes a commitment to eco-conscious practices across tourist facilities worldwide. Since 1994, it has been one of the leading programs for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourism industry. The Green Key Program is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Denmark, and represented in Brazil by the Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).

Over 4,000 establishments in 60 countries have received certification, including lodging facilities, campsites, event centers, restaurants, and tourist attractions such as museums, visitor centers, and theme parks. By demanding high environmental standards, the Green Key seal offers visitors the option to choose establishments that effectively contribute to a more sustainable planet.

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The Ilha dos Arvoredos website now features the exciting news of achieving the Green Key seal (www.ilhadosarvoredos.com.br).

The Island stands as the sole certified tourist attraction in the Americas and Brazil - Among the over 4,000 Green Key seals worldwide, only 67 are tourist attractions such as museums, visitor centers, and theme parks. Ilha dos Arvoredos now becomes the only attraction located in the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, with the rest concentrated in Europe and Asia.

Designed in the 1950s and 1960s by engineer Fernando Eduardo Lee for educational, scientific, and ecotourism purposes, Ilha dos Arvoredos serves as an open-air laboratory, showcasing sustainable resources and technologies to emphasize the importance of a harmonious relationship with the environment. Its management system is guided by Green Key criteria. Through a technical-scientific partnership with the Fernando Eduardo Lee Foundation, holder of the island's concession, Unaerp operates a study center on-site, engaging numerous researchers over decades, exploring its history, sustainable functionalities, and innovating through scientific knowledge.

Through the Sustainable World Project, a collaboration between the Fernando Eduardo Lee Foundation (FFEL) and the Nova Maré Institute (INMAR), the island has been open to collaborative ecotourism since 2021, showcasing best practices for sustainable tourism attractions, a commitment now underscored by the seal's achievement.

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The collaborative visits of the Sustainable World Project enable the public to experience key sustainability concepts and learn more about the history and scientific research conducted on the island

Recognition - To achieve certification, Ilha dos Arvoredos underwent a thorough evaluation of documentation and its management system, along with an external audit conducted on December 23, 2023, following stringent criteria. After approval, the levels of excellence must be maintained as they will be continuously assessed through regular inspections to uphold the seal.

For researcher and advisor to the Fernando Eduardo Lee Foundation and General Director of Unaerp Guarujá, Professor Dr. Priscilla Bonini Ribeiro, "the achievement of the seal is the realization of the desire to present the island as a major environmental reference. We feel extremely honored. It is a source of pride not only for us, researchers, but for all collaborators, partners, and, above all, a prestige and reference for the community, so they recognize and contribute to the actions of preserving our planet for future generations," emphasizes Priscilla, who developed the Environmental Education model that underpins the visitation program in her doctoral thesis.

It was a focused effort over months to prepare the documentation and maintain the established criteria within a standard of excellence that allowed for the seal's achievement. For Bruno Tacon Cardoso, environmental engineer, president of the Nova Maré Institute (INMAR), and responsible for leading the process to obtain the seal, "the title of the first Sustainable Tourist Attraction in the Southern Hemisphere and the Americas with the Green Key validates the legacy that Fernando Lee left us. Brazil was already a protagonist in sustainability in the past; we can regain that vision and position Ilha dos Arvoredos as a major symbol that a sustainable world is possible. We have shown that it is possible, and now we hope to encourage other green points on the world map of Sustainable Tourism."

Leana Bernardi, national coordinator of the Green Key program in Brazil, expresses her satisfaction: "It is with immense joy that we share this significant achievement for the Green Key Program in Brazil. In addition to being an indicator of commitment to sustainability, Green Key responds proactively to the growing demand for more conscious tourism integrated with current themes. The Green Key program offers alternatives for tourists seeking travel and entertainment options with environmental, social, and responsible values."

Global Movement for Sustainability - The objectives of Green Key worldwide are to encourage the increased use of environmentally friendly and sustainable operational methods and technologies in tourism industry enterprises overall. Ilha dos Arvoredos solidifies itself as a pioneering example in Sustainability on the planet based on its traditional mission of scientific and educational nature linked to its essence.

As a testament to Brazil's dedication to sustainability, Ilha dos Arvoredos sets a precedent for other destinations to embrace eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism. The Green Key program offers tourists worldwide the opportunity to support environmentally conscious establishments.

For more information about the Green Key Seal: