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Our eco-friendly actions to conserve the environment

Camping la Venise Verte is one of the first sites to have obtained the European Eco-label. It is proof that it is possible to run a tourist establishment and still take account of the environment and the local culture by committing to sustainable tourism in a responsible way.

During the application to obtain the European eco-label, many different courses of action were established with reference to the environment and still remain at the heart of our daily organisation:

carbon offseting water managment energy saving managment recycling rubbish managment of green areas environmental education use of bio products continual improvement eco-friendly commitments

Extracts from an interview with the owner and manager of Camping la Venise Verte with AFNOR,
independent French assessment centre for the European eco-label:

"How did you put your ambitions into concrete action ?"

"Running a campsite has the advantage of being closed to the public for 5 months of the year which gives you time to carry out important things. During the winter 2007/8 the majority of the points concerning the ecolabel were carried through. Dealing with the water and energy consumption was one of the most important tasks, putting water economising devices on the showers and taps, installing photvoltaic panels, solar panels and energy saving light bulbs. Waste recycling had already been set up. The staff was already aware of eco-friendly products, dealing with broken pipes etc.

The work however is dependent on communication with the public in order to raise their awareness of the importance of consumer choice including holidays. And to achieve that, we need you all."

"What inspired you to combine tourism and environmental awareness to get the European eco-label ?"

"It’s a personal ambition and complements the work of the Marais Poitevin regional park who want to protect and conserve the environment. Our ambition has been fulfilled and is applied in all aspects of our daily life.

This has allowed us to receive recognition on the environmental front first of all at community level, then from the department and region, who now share our ideas. A real network has been established among those who wish to take part in the sustainable development week, in the eco-industry workshop, and other eco-festivals. In this way the media interest can be maintained and a new eco-friendly ideas can be exchanged each season.

Today it is up to each individual to be aware of the importance of conserving the environment and the local culture, by supporting sustainable tourism and acting in a responsible way."