The Camino de Santiago celebrates its meeting on sustainability with tourism experts, SDGs and pilgrim hostels

a nNew day of the Camino Siglo XXI project in Cantabriawhich is celebrated in the Camargo stained glass windowhas addressed the sustainability of the Camino de Santiagofocusing on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on the Camino, which seeks a transition of shelters towards responsible management aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The president of the Northern Group and coordinator of the guide, Laureano Garcíaopened the meeting by highlighting that the guide is not only a technical tool, but also a source of inspiration for hostel managers on the Camino. Also taking part in the event was Alberto Quintanilla, representative of the Spanish Network for Sustainable Development (REDS)who explained the keys to the guide, aimed at conserve the natural and cultural environment of the Camino.

In fact, he has stressed the importance of align the management of shelters with the principles of Traditional Jacobean Welcome (ATJ)characterized by its altruistic, simple and supportive hospitality, in coherence with the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. “Through this guide, we structure these practices in a sustainable management model, promoting resource efficiency and support for the local economy ”, declared Quintanilla.

A DECALOGUE OF THE HOSTEL OFFERS PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

This guide incorporates a Hostel Decalogue, which offers practical recommendations such as the adaptation of spaces for people with reduced mobility, energy efficiency measures and environmental sustainability protocols. In addition, it provides tools for the creation of Sustainable Action Plans, essential to identify areas of improvement and maintain commitment to long-term sustainability. Quintanilla concluded his intervention by inviting managers to take a leadership role in this transition towards a more sustainable and accessible Camino de Santiago.

For its part, the institutional representative of REDS, Silvia Abascalmaintained that This alliance between your organization and the World Heritage Trails was a clear example of collaborative work models that your institution promotes with universities and other social actors with the aim of supporting the transformation towards sustainability.