Ecotourism

Ecotourism in the Burren

At Doolin2Aran Ferries, we are proud to say that we have been fully fledged members of the Burren Ecotourism Network  since January 2015. These are sustainable tourism businesses who operate in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.  In 2019, we were recognised as the Most Improved Member 2017-2019.

As a ferry company, we acknowledge our responsibilities for protecting and enhancing the delicate environment in which we operate. We accept that our business has an important role to play in safeguarding this beautiful area for future generations and in securing the long-term sustainability of tourism in the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

• Our Environmental Policy

  Our Environmental Policy

  To show that we at Doolin2Aran Ferries are committed to this policy, we undertake to:

  • Operate sound environmental practices across our entire operation, ashore and afloat.
  • Promote the Geopark Code of Practice and Leave No Trace policies to our passengers and suppliers.
  • Produce an annual Environmental Plan setting out our Objectives, Targets and planned Actions
  • Manage and minimise our waste and reduce our water consumption where possible
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle the resources consumed by our business wherever practical
  • Fully comply with all relevant legislation
  • Encourage our customers, suppliers and contractors to participate in our efforts to protect the environment
  • Provide all employees with the necessary training and resources required to meet our objectives
  • Openly communicate our policies and practices to interested parties
  • Monitor and record our environmental impacts on a regular basis and compare our performance with our policies, objectives and targets
  • Continuously promote sustainable transport options through our staff, our website and our booking/tourist office information

   

  Major Targets & Objectives 2022

  ENERGY

  • To reduce our Energy consumption by 2%

  WASTE

  • To introduce better recycling in all offices and boats and to reduce the waste we send to landfill by 5%

  CONSERVATION

  • To work with local agencies to improve the protection of the seabirds at the cliffs and to educate the public about their habitat

  COMMUNITY SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • To engage in a local “Clean Up” at least once a year in conjunction with Doolin Tidy Towns
  • To communicate our performance & achievements through the ferry website, social media and a quarterly ezine
• Burren Ecotourism Network

  Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.)

  Doolin2Aran Ferries joined the Burren Ecotourism Network in 2014 and we have been board members of the network since 2019. Members of B.E.N. are tourism businesses from North Clare, large and small, who are united in their aim to establish the region as a leading, internationally-recognised sustainable tourism destination.
  There is comprehensive and continuous support and training available to members and aspiring members allowing them to achieve independent accreditation and demonstrate ecotourism best practice. We members aim to speak as ‘one voice’ when representing the Burren and inspire positive conservation activity in our region.

  The Burren Ecotourism Network (the B.E.N.) is a membership organisation embedded in a sustainable tourism ethos.  It was formally established in 2011. Its purpose is to: 

  • connect tourism enterprises in the Burren region and enable them to work together to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits, both for themselves and for their communities;
  • provide members with training, networking, marketing, business development and partnership opportunities;
  • enable members to make an active contribution to the conservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

  The B.E.N. mission is to contribute to transforming the Burren region into a truly sustainable destination by being a thought-leader and advocate and by providing learning, development and business opportunities to tourism enterprises.

  B.E.N. is a network of tourism businesses with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. It seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network.

  The Burren Ecotourism Network and the management organisation of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark enjoy a special relationship.  Both organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible tourism that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Having agreed in late 2012 to pool their resources in pursuit of their common objective, they work together to promote ‘The Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark’ as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation and learning,

• Leave No Trace

  Leave No Trace

  To learn more, visit http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/
  Practicing a Leave No Trace ethic is simple. Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit!

  Doolin2Aran Ferries are strong advocates of the Leave No Trace ethos. This is a network of organisations and individuals who value the environment by actively promoting the responsible recreational use of the outdoors. Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage.

  The Leave No Trace Ireland programme encourages all outdoor enthusiasts (e.g. walkers, mountain bikers, canoeists, orienteerers, horse riders) to do their part to maintain those lands used by the public for the benefit of the environment and for future generations.

• Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

  Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

   

  

  A “Geopark” is defined as a region with outstanding geology, culture and heritage where people are working together towards a sustainable future through tourism and education.

  The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark In 2011 the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher gained Global Geopark status, already spectacular neighbours, their coming together formed a destination of natural wonders. Making up over 530 square kilometres the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark offers diversity that is second to none. This rich and alluring
  landscape of staggering sea cliffs, limestone karst terraces, fertile valleys, vibrant villages and welcoming communities offers some truly inspiring experiences.
  The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark not only has outstanding natural and culture heritage but a management organisation that supports its people and organisations to work together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a better-understood heritage, more sustainable tourism, a vibrant community and strengthened livelihoods.

  UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Code of Practice

  Learn all about the Geopark Basics on this Factsheet and for more information visit www.burrengeopark.ie