Sustainability

Reducing Plastics, Protecting the Territory

At Dark Sky® Alqueva, protecting the night sky also means protecting the landscape, ecosystems and natural resources that make this territory unique.

In this context, the Dark Sky® Association is part of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, an international initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism – the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

This initiative brings together tourism destinations, businesses, governments and organisations from around the world with a shared objective: to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy in the tourism sector.

At Dark Sky® Alqueva, we believe that protecting the territory also requires rethinking the way materials are produced, used and managed, promoting solutions that respect the limits of nature.

A Commitment to the Circular Economy

By joining the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, the Dark Sky® Association commits to contributing to a gradual transformation of the tourism sector by reducing the environmental impact of plastics and promoting more responsible practices.

This commitment is based on three key principles:

Eliminate
Remove problematic or unnecessary plastic items and packaging.

Innovate
Promote alternatives that replace single-use plastics with reusable or recyclable materials.

Circulate
Keep materials in circulation within the economy for as long as possible, preventing them from becoming waste in the environment.

Action in the Territory

This commitment translates into concrete actions that involve not only the Dark Sky® Association, but also partners, businesses and visitors.

Key priorities include:

• reducing unnecessary plastic use in activities and events
• encouraging reuse models and alternatives to single-use plastics
• working with partners and suppliers to adopt more sustainable solutions
• promoting packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable
• encouraging the use of recycled materials whenever possible.

These measures are part of a broader vision of responsible tourism and sustainable territorial management.

Tourism and Global Sustainability

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative is part of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, an international platform that promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns in tourism, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme aims to improve the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism by 2030, encouraging efficient use of natural resources, reducing waste and protecting biodiversity.

In a territory such as Dark Sky® Alqueva, where environmental quality is essential for preserving the night sky and the surrounding landscape, these initiatives help strengthen a more balanced and conscious tourism model.

A Global Effort

Organisations participating in the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative commit to a set of international goals, including:

• eliminating problematic or unnecessary plastics
• replacing single-use products with reuse models
• ensuring that plastic packaging can be reused, recycled or composted
• increasing the use of recycled plastic content
• collaborating to improve recycling and waste management systems
• monitoring and publicly reporting progress achieved.

Caring for the Earth, Protecting the Sky

The preservation of the night sky also depends on the health of ecosystems and the environmental quality of the territory.

By integrating this international initiative, the Dark Sky® Association reinforces its commitment to a model of tourism that values nature, protects local resources and promotes responsible practices throughout the entire value chain.

At Dark Sky® Alqueva, caring for the environment is an essential part of the experience.

Because protecting the dark also means protecting the future.

Initiatives and Organisations Involved

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative is the result of an international collaboration between several leading organisations:

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The leading global authority within the United Nations on environmental issues, promoting knowledge, cooperation and action to protect the planet.

UN Tourism – United Nations World Tourism Organization
The UN agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism worldwide.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation
An international organisation dedicated to advancing the circular economy, working with governments, businesses and institutions to transform how resources are used.

One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme
A global platform that promotes sustainable consumption and production practices in tourism, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

New Plastics Economy – Global Commitment
An international initiative bringing together businesses, governments and organisations to eliminate plastic waste and pollution at its source.