What is the Biosphere System?

Biosphere Sustainable was created 25 years ago by the Responsible Tourism Institute. It is a sustainability management system and internationally recognized certification for destinations and tourism businesses. Biosphere is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a common language and framework from which to advance sustainable development across the tourism industry. Presently, 44 global destinations are Biosphere certified, with 11 working towards certification. Click here to view an introductory video.

Vancouver Island Biosphere Commitment Program

The Biosphere Commitment Program is a collaborative industry initiative that supports tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices as an extension of Vancouver Island’s Biosphere destination certification. Using the 17 SDGs as the guiding framework, this program aims to empower tourism stakeholders to take action across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

Program Inclusion and Benefits

• Free Access to Biosphere Sustainability Management Platform: create dynamic sustainability action plans that are easy to navigate and manage online; engage team members along the journey.
• Complimentary Value-Added Sustainability Programming: Access to three (3) educational videos, three (3) hours of one-on-one coaching with a sustainability expert, eco-efficiency assessments for eligible businesses, and $250 bursary / business towards additional sustainability support programs.
• Global Recognition (Biosphere): Be listed and promoted as a “Biosphere Committed” or “Biosphere Certified” business to the global community on Biosphere Sustainable.
• Promotions (4VI): All Biosphere members will be spotlighted on 4VI’s LinkedIn account and featured on 4VI’s website (Biosphere business page will be launched mid 2023)
• Join a Movement: Join a growing network of tourism businesses using tourism as a force for good.

Program Requirements

Tourism operators must design and implement a sustainability action plan for their organization.

• The initial action plan must address at least 3 of the SDGs and be created within 3 months of joining
• Operators are required to provide evidence of project implementation
• Action plans are to be updated annually or with the termination of each project

How to Get Involved

Step 1: CONFIRM your participation by emailing Kyla Egan, Director, Sustainability at [email protected]
Step 2: SIGN the Biosphere membership agreement and fill out onboarding questionnaire
Step 3: CREATE a Biosphere account for your organization and link to Vancouver Island
Step 4: BOOK a Biosphere Sustainable platform tutorial and program briefing with Kyla
Step 5: LEARN by participating in the coaching sessions and watching the educational videos
Step 6: BUILD your company’s personalized Sustainability Action Plan, working towards commitment
Step 7: COLLABORATE to fulfil the actions and activities for each SDG, working towards certification