Sustainability Policy

As a small family business on Kerry’s majestic Skellig Coast, we view sustainability as a legacy we are building for future generations. By integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our tours, we ensure that every adventure is both thrilling and respectful to the environment. Our commitment extends beyond our tours; it’s a comprehensive approach that involves our family, our community, and every guest we welcome aboard.

 

Vision Statement

Our vision is to lead the way in sustainable marine tourism, combining our passion for adventure with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. We strive to educate and inspire both locals and visitors alike about the importance of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast, ensuring these treasures are protected for future generations to discover and enjoy.

 

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

  • We introduced Ireland’s first eco-designed boat, reducing our carbon footprint and setting new standards in environmental responsibility in maritime tourism.
  • Aqua Terra Boat Tours is dedicated to boosting the local economy by sourcing goods and services locally and employing residents of the surrounding areas.
  • We are committed to preserving the natural landscapes and marine environments that make Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way unique.
  • Our tours emphasise the rich cultural heritage of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast, ensuring that visitors leave with a deep appreciation of the area’s history and traditions.
  • We actively encourage our clients to engage with and support local suppliers, thereby enhancing the economic and social well-being of our community.

 

Culture:

Employee Education: We conduct regular training sessions to ensure our team is knowledgeable about the latest sustainability practices and safety protocols. This includes detailed briefings on environmental impact, energy conservation, and waste management. We will actively engage our crew in the implementation of this policy, fostering a deep sense of commitment and enhancing performance. By empowering our staff to take ownership of these initiatives, we ensure that the drive for excellence in sustainability is a collective effort within our company.

Guest Awareness: Our tours are designed not just to entertain but to educate. We provide informational materials and interactive discussions on the ecological significance of the areas we explore, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of environmental conservation among our guests. Our initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on responsible consumption, marine life protection, and educational partnerships.

 

Reporting:

Annually, at a minimum, we will generate reports to track our progress and development across various sustainability initiatives. These reports will leverage direct data usage to define our future action plans. All team members will have access to these reports, ensuring transparency and clarity on subsequent steps. Additionally, our sustainability policy will be updated annually, or as needed, to reflect the insights gained from these data-driven evaluations

 

Strategic Partnerships:

Kerry Convention Bureau: Our partnership underscores a mutual commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices across the region. Together, we’re setting benchmarks for eco-friendly events and conferences, making green choices easier and more accessible for everyone involved.

Great Lighthouses of Ireland: By incorporating these iconic beacons into our narratives, we not only preserve and promote our maritime heritage but also emphasize the importance of maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of our coastal areas.

 

Collaborative Initiatives:

Local Tourism: Our active participation in local tourism strategies such as Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland enhances our operational sustainability and aligns with broader environmental goals. These partnerships help us stay at the forefront of sustainable tourism, continually adapting and innovating our practices.

I-Stars Program: This initiative is crucial as it allows us to implement the latest sustainable practices specifically designed for island tourism, which is vital given our unique geographical and ecological context.

 

Innovative Practices and Operational Efficiency:

Eco-Friendly Vessels: We are proud to lead the way with vessels designed to minimise environmental impact, setting a precedent in Ireland for sustainable maritime tourism.

Digital and Operational Innovations: Our commitment to reducing our ecological footprint is demonstrated through initiatives like our paperless ticketing system and the use of sustainable propulsion technologies in our custom-built boats.

 

Community Engagement and Environmental Impact:

Educational Outreach: We actively engage our guests in learning about marine conservation, linking every tour to broader environmental themes and goals.

Supporting Local Economies: By sourcing locally and advocating for eco-friendly tourism, we boost the local economy and encourage a sustainable community ethos. We are dedicated to purchasing products and services that minimise social and environmental harm. To support this commitment, we will take proactive steps, including:

    • Minimising packaging to reduce waste,
    • Reusing and recycling wherever feasible,
    • Purchasing in bulk to curtail excess waste.

 

Culture:

Employee Education: We conduct regular training sessions to ensure our team is knowledgeable about the latest sustainability practices and safety protocols. This includes detailed briefings on environmental impact, energy conservation, and waste management.

Guest Awareness: Our tours are designed not just to entertain but to educate. We provide informational materials and interactive discussions on the ecological significance of the areas we explore, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of environmental conservation among our guests.

 

Future Goals:

Enhanced Sustainability Measures: We are committed to further reducing our carbon footprint and are actively pursuing additional certifications that recognise our environmental efforts.

Broadening Training Programs: Plans are in place to expand our training programs to include more comprehensive coverage of global sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that our team remains on the cutting edge of industry standards.

Suppliers & Partners: Transparently communicating our environmental policy to partners, and collaborating with the community to mitigate the impacts of our activities.

 

Our dedication to sustainability is at the heart of Aqua Terra Boat Tours. As a small boat tour operator, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy the natural wonders of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast responsibly. Our ongoing efforts ensure that we not only comply with current environmental standards but also lead by example, inspiring others in the industry to join us in this crucial endeavour.