Hostels & Sustainability
Hostelling International, and its Member Associations, commit to intensifying their efforts to achieve a worldwide network of sustainable organisations and hostels. In doing so, we recognize that true sustainability involves the development of clear and measurable objectives in the following areas:Social:
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The social purpose of the HI network, as positioned in the constitution, provides the basis for the continuous development of our social and cultural objectives.
Ecological:
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Exceptional efforts to clearly reduce the carbon footprint of HI hostels worldwide and work towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Economical:
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Development which will ensure financially independent hostels with assured quality and standards worldwide.
The “HI Sustainability Charter” (Our criteria)
Hostelling International is partnership of The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international partnership dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world. We are working together to foster increased understanding of sustainable tourism practices and the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles. The GSTC criteria, adapted to the circumstances of HI and its member associations, will be the basis for minimum standards in all three dimensions of sustainability - society, economy, ecology in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation. HI and his member associations agree to the sustainable development of their organisations and their effects on society, ecology and the economy and will aim to:- Demonstrate effective sustainable management
- Maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community and minimizing negative impacts
- Maximizing benefits to cultural heritage and minimizing negative impacts
- Maximizing benefits to the environment and minimizing negative impacts
- Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes
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