First ever sustainable business awarded in Sweden!
The Hotel and Restaurant Kullagårdens Wärdshus, in Mölle, was the first company in Sweden to become a certified sustainable partner of Kullaberg on February the 12th, 2021, through the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism by the EUROPARC Federation.
EUROPARC’s European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
National parks, nature reserves and other Protected Areas are often the main attractions for visitors in regions with magnificent nature. Through various programs and certifications, EUROPARC seeks to encourage and support the efforts made by nature reserves to become sustainable tourism destinations and to cooperate with companies and tour operators in the definition of sustainable tourism. The purpose is for all parties to work sustainably in a long-term perspective and to support the protection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
EUROPARC has certified 160 protected areas in 20 countries across Europe. Most are located in southern Europe where mass tourism has become a fact. Kullaberg Nature Reserve was the first protected area in Sweden that in 2017 received the certification as a sustainable tourism destination.
During the Corona Pandemic, we see a large increase in demand from domestic tourism, which is very centered during the summer, which means that we must ensure that animals, nature and cultural finds in the landscape are protected during the high season and that the nature experience is maintained despite increased pressure on nature,
says Elena Bazhenova responsible for the certification of companies within EUROPARC’s work at Kullaberg Nature Reserve at the County Administrative Board of Scania.
Anna Nilsson, business manager in Höganäs municipality, Peter and Malin Sandström from Kullagårdens Wärdshus and Jimena Castillo, coordinator for EUROPARC at the County Administrative Board. Photo: Josefine Marklund
Kullagårdens Wärdshus
The certification of Kullagårdens Wärdshus is based on those who operate hotel and restaurant facilities investing in sustainability work in a long-term concrete activity plan. Malin and Petter Sandström, who have run Kullagårdens Wärdshus since 2019, together with their staff, have created well-specified and measurable goals in both environmental, social, and economic sustainability for the next three years. The overall goal is to contribute to protecting the rich flora and fauna of Kullaberg through close cooperation with the County Administrative Board and increase accessibility for visiting guests all year round to get a more even distribution of the increasing domestic demand that has occurred after the Corona pandemic.
“We are both happy and proud of this fine award, as sustainability is the foundation of our work and the most important of our seven values,” says Malin.
To be part of and contribute to a sustainable environment is essential for us who are in the middle of one of Sweden’s most beautiful nature reserves.
EUROPARC is happy to welcome Kullagårdens Wärdshus into the Charter Network and hopes more business will follow in their footsteps!
To know more about EUROPARC’s Charter and Sustainable Tourism Programs and Projects:
