melgaço + sustainable
Taking on an increasingly sustainable path for Melgaço is a purpose with enormous impacts on the future of this unique territory and its community. It is in this vision that fits the certification of Melgaço as a sustainable tourism destination by EarthCheck, an accredited entity according to the criteria defined by GSTC.
Strategic SDG’s for Melgaço.
Melgaço is a certified sustainable tourist destination!
We thank our entire local community.
Territory.
Melgaço is located in the North of Portugal, in the district of Viana do Castelo. Its territory of 232 km2 comprises part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only one in Portugal.
Economy.
With a resident population of around eight thousand people, retail trade, manufacturing industries (especially wine companies associated with the production of Alvarinho wine), construction and tourism are the main pillars of its economy.
Heritage.
Melgaço’s natural heritage – watercourses, mountains, fauna and flora – contributed to its affirmation in tourism as a nature destination. Traditions, local stories, gastronomy and wines also allowed Melgaço to differentiate itself even more in terms of tourism.
By caring for and preserving this heritage, assuming a permanent commitment to safeguarding nature and culture and enhancing – in a sustainable way – its unique characteristics, Melgaço is positioned as the “Most radical nature destination in Portugal” that wants to be increasingy sustainable.
Link with the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Melgaço’s touristic development has been based on the 10 articles of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. The campaign to raise awareness among residents about the importance of tourism for the territory, in 2018, for example, was concerned with including the articles of this Code in the various actions.
Get to know the stages of the process.
Melgaço has clearly and continuously invested in the sustainability of the territory and the activities carried out here, preserving and valuing endogenous resources. Also tourism that has been developed in a strategic and coherent way with benefits for residents, investors and visitors, in an approach of cooperation with the private sector.
The certifying entity is EarthCheck and its certification process consists of two phases – Benchmarking and Certification -, divided into six steps.
BENCHMARKING
Constitution of the destination authority(DMO)
02. Policy Definition
03. Benchmarking
CERTIFICATION
04. Legal compliance
05. Planning
06. Engagement, communication and monitoring
What is the Destination Management Organization?
The Melgaço Destination sustainability Management Organization (DMO), created in 2021, is the entity, appointed by the Municipality, with competences to plan, organize, implement, manage and supervise the certification of Melgaço as a Sustainable Tourist Destination, according to the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, on a collaborative basis.
Key Performance Areas.
The certification criteria is organized into 12 Performance Areas (KPA).
Efficiency, conservation and energy management
Emission of greenhouse gases
Air quality protection, noise control and light pollution
Management of drinking water resources
Conservation and management of ecosystems
Planning and development of land use
Wastewater, drainage and stream management
Transport
Solid waste management
Management of substances harmful to the environment
Cultural and Social Management
Economic Management
See all documentation associated with the certification process of Melgaço as a sustainable tourist destination.
The Pillars of Sustainability in Melgaço.
Environment
Nature is a differentiating element of Melgaço. The protection of water courses, mountains, habitats and fauna and flora, as well as the efficient management of energy, waste and water use are essential aspects in the sustainable development of the territory.
Economy
It is important that economic development in Melgaço takes place in an equitable manner, in terms of gender and age, and that it benefits, in the first place, the local community, creating jobs, opportunities and wealth.
Society
The success of tourism depends on the positive relationship between residents and visitors. It also refers to the need to guarantee social protection to all those who need it.
Culture
Melgaço’s priority is to value uses, customs and traditions, through tourist activity, involving the local community in the management of cultural heritage. There is also a commitment to the protection, conservation and enhancement of built natural and cultural heritage sites.
Main goals
2025.
Actions in Melgaço:
55%
Solid waste sent to reuse and recycling
10%
Companies in the tourism value chain integrate the seal “Território Mais Sustentável”
80%
Residents satisfied with tourism activities
-5%
GHG emissions
Best sustainability practices in Melgaço.
Get to know the initiatives that are taking place.
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Package Tour “A Lampreia e as Pesqueiras do rio Minho”
Melgaço presents the tour package " A Lampreia e as Pesqueiras do rio Minho", during the Minho River Fishermen's Festival. The circuit "Lampreia e as Pesqueiras do rio Minho", is an initiative in collaboration with the fishermen, the Captaincy of the
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Pegada Zero – Melgaço Minho Tourism Design Experience
Melgaço promotes another edition of "Pegada Zero - Melgaço Minho Tourism Design Experience". Three days of innovative activities and experiences based on endogenous, authentic, and sustainable resources of the region, involving various agents of the region. The initiative aims to highlight
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Republican National Guard cleans the Laboreiro river in Peneda-Gerês
The National Republican Guard carried out a cleaning action in Laboreiro river in collaboration with other forces and entities, to improve the environmental conditions in the municipality of Melgaço. The action also aimed to raise awareness among the population and
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Melgaço promotes initiative “SER em Melgaço
Serenity, Involvement and Breathing characterize the event "SER em Melgaço". The initiative aims to engage the community with nature, exploring the different ways of interacting in the natural environment through activities to be held in Portas Lamas de Mouro, in
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Melgaço will honor citizens and an institution of the county
Melgaço will honor citizens and an institution of the county which were noted for their personal merits and civic deeds and all their work for the benefit of the community Melgaço. In the initiative, promoted by the City Council of Melgaço,
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Melgaço invites to know the region’s mushrooms
"Castros de leitura - Cogumelos Mágicos" is an action promoted by Melgaço City Hall to make known the different species of mushrooms existing in the region. Guided by a biologist, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the valorisation of
