Tourism doesn’t have to be at odds with environmentalism, and the Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an example of that.
The resort was recently granted the Silver Certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, a company that assesses tourism businesses for their environmental impact.
“We are immensely proud to receive the Silver Certification from GreenStep Sustainable Tourism. This recognition reinforces our steadfast commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Klahoose Territory through sustainable tourism,” said Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC) board chair Ron Buchhorn. “As a business that is 100% Indigenous owned by the Klahoose First Nation, we are committed to protecting the environment and its people while welcoming visitors to the territory. We are grateful to our team members and partners whose hard work and dedication have made this achievement possible. We will continue our journey towards even greater sustainability as we demonstrate continued improvements in our sustainable performance to support and improve our grading. We look forward to welcoming guests seeking an eco-conscious and authentic Indigenous experience at Klahoose Wilderness Resort.”
The assessment is a reflection of Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s commitment to sustainability, conservation and responsible tourism practices on the lands of the toq qaymɩxw (Klahoose) People.
“The certification represents a major milestone in the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute positively to the surrounding environment and local community,” a press release from Klahoose Wilderness Resort says.
To receive Silver Certification, Klahoose Wilderness Resort had to meet specific standards after a one-on-one assessment was completed by a GreenStep assessor. The process compared the resorts’ practices against a set of criteria that are Global Sustainable Tourism Council-Recognized and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Some of the key sustainable initiatives at Klahoose Wilderness Resort that contributed to the Silver Certification include producing its own power, comprehensive recycling programs, partnering with local wilderness guides to establish industry standards, as well as contributions to the local economy for sustainable goods, food and art.
In 2022 the resort redesigned and improved the water intake, Pelton wheel (hydro-wheel) and storage capacity. This new hydroelectric grid relies on state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to harness the stream run-off water more efficiently, triple our energy generation and to store energy (otherwise lost) so critical during peak consumption periods. The micro-hydroelectric project will cut diesel fuel generators at the off-grid resort, removing up to 38 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
“GreenStep offers our congratulations to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for achieving GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certification,” said Jennifer Burling, Director of Sustainable Tourism. “Klahoose has successfully measured the sustainability performance of their operations against 87 globally recognized criteria, and had their results verified by a GreenStep assessor. The process resulted in team building, knowledge sharing, and a detailed action plan towards continuous improvement in support of the sustainable development of the resort in the coming years. We look forward to following along on their journey as Klahoose Wilderness Resort progresses and demonstrates leadership in sustainable tourism.”
“Guests visiting the resort can now have peace of mind knowing that they are contributing to a more sustainable and responsible form of tourism,” the release says.
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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
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