Introduction
At Bukovel Ski Resort, we are committed to becoming a leader in sustainable tourism in Ukraine. As we welcome guests to experience the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, we take responsibility for protecting the natural environment, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable development.
Our mission is to consistently implement the principles of sustainable development in our activities, based on a balance between respect for the environment, care for social justice, inclusivity, and ensuring economic growth.
We share responsibility for the current and future economic, social, and environmental development of the region, taking into account the interests of tourists, entrepreneurs, local communities, and environmental protection.
Our sustainability policy is developed in line with national laws and international standards to ensure our commitment to sustainability meets the highest benchmarks.
Relevant laws and standards include:
- Land Code of Ukraine: regulates the use of land resources.
- Water Code of Ukraine: defines the legal principles of the use of water resources.
- Forest Code of Ukraine: regulates relations in the field of forestry.
- Law of Ukraine "On Environmental Protection": the main law that defines the legal principles of environmental protection.
- Law of Ukraine "On Environmental Impact Assessment": regulates the procedure for assessing the impact of planned activities on the environment.
- Law of Ukraine "On Wildlife": regulates the protection of wildlife.
This policy outlines how we integrate sustainability into our operations, development, and collaborations.
1. Environmental Stewardship
We recognize the importance of protecting the natural environment as the foundation of our resort’s success. Through proactive measures, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint and preserve the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains for future generations.
Energy management
To minimize and optimize energy consumption, we actively monitor our energy usage and invest in energy-efficient technologies for heating, cooling, and lighting across all properties. We have installed renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and plan to increase their role in the future. Regular energy audits are conducted to identify and implement improvement opportunities, ensuring that we continue to advance in energy efficiency.
Waste Management
Our waste management practices comply with national legislation, ensuring that all waste, including hazardous waste, is responsibly disposed of. We are in the process of transitioning to a comprehensive waste separation and recycling program, enabling us to further reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.
Water Management
Water conservation is integral to our operations, as we strive to protect local water sources by managing runoff and ensuring wastewater is treated before discharge. We install water-saving technologies in guest facilities and operational areas and continuously monitor water usage to minimize consumption. Regular maintenance of infrastructure helps us achieve these goals efficiently.
Protecting Biodiversity
In all our activities, whether maintaining ski slopes or organizing excursions, we take measures to minimize disruptions to native flora and fauna. We collaborate with universities to analyze the impact of tourism on the local environment and use these insights to improve our practices. Our tours also educate guests about local fauna and flora, promoting responsible codes of conduct to protect biodiversity.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
To reduce CO2 emissions, we offer a free bus service within the resort, enabling guests to move around without relying on personal vehicles. Additionally, we have banned jeep tours in nature areas due to their negative environmental impact, prioritizing the preservation of the region's natural beauty.
Green Buildings
When planning new construction projects, we carefully analyze their environmental impact and adhere to green building standards, such as LEED certification. By following these principles, we ensure that our facilities are built to high environmental standards, reducing their long-term ecological footprint.
2. Community Engagement
Our resort thrives as part of the vibrant Carpathian community. By engaging with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders, we strive to foster shared prosperity while preserving the cultural and social heritage of the region.
Supporting Local Communities
We actively support local entrepreneurs and promote locally made products. Collaborating with local businesses and artisans allows us to showcase Carpathian culture and create economic opportunities within the region. We organize excursions to nearby villages, helping to distribute the economic benefits of tourism and support micro-businesses in the area. Additionally, we invest in infrastructure projects, such as roads and healthcare, that benefit surrounding communities and enhance their quality of life.
Cultural Preservation
To preserve and celebrate the rich traditions of the Hutsul people, we organize excursions and cultural events that highlight their traditions. Partnering with local cultural institutions, we ensure the region's heritage is preserved and shared with visitors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture.
Accessibility
We are committed to improving the accessibility of our resort for people with special needs. Through employee training on inclusiveness and systematic improvements to our infrastructure, we are working step by step to ensure that our facilities meet accessibility standards and provide an inclusive experience for all guests.
3. Sustainability Management
Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy, ensuring long-term benefits for the environment, community, and economy. By integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations, we aim to lead by example and inspire others to do the same.
Compliance with National and International Laws
We ensure that all operations comply with regional, national and international regulations, including those related to business licensing, health and safety, labor conditions, human rights, child protection, and environmental standards. We actively monitor and adapt to changes in local legislation and international standards. Additionally, we prioritize the well-being of our employees by providing good working conditions and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Raising awareness
We actively raise awareness about sustainability among employees, partners, and stakeholders through comprehensive training programs and workshops. Additionally, we encourage our suppliers and contractors to adopt sustainable practices, fostering a culture of environmental and social responsibility throughout our supply chain.
Seasonality Management
To address the challenges of seasonality, we diversify tourism offerings to attract visitors year-round. The development of offers for summer and mid-season includes hiking and cultural experiences that appeal to a broad audience. Our marketing strategies specifically target off-season tourists, ensuring steady economic activity throughout the year.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. By aligning with shared goals for sustainable development, we ensure our initiatives benefit not only Bukovel but also the broader community and environment.
Management and Monitoring
We continuously improve our sustainability management and monitoring processes in line with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for destinations and the European Tourism System of Indicators for Sustainable Management at Destination Level (ETIS). By establishing measurable sustainability indicators—such as energy and water consumption, waste diversion rates, and local economic impact—we track our progress and set goals for continuous improvement. To promote transparency, we communicate our initiatives and achievements through online channels and events, engaging our stakeholders and the public.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We understand that sustainability is an ongoing journey. We commit to regularly reviewing and updating this policy to address new challenges, adopt best practices, and incorporate stakeholder feedback. Together, we ensure that our resort thrives in harmony with the environment and community for generations to come.
Tour Center Bukovel's Sustainable Development Policy
The mission of Tour Center Bukovel (LTD " Sportyvni Karpaty") is to provide high-quality tours in and around Bukovel, in the heart of the Carpathians.
We aim to offer enriching outdoor recreation experiences while minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible tourism practices.
Objectives of Tour Center Bukovel (LTD "Sportyvni Karpaty")
- Enhance the economic and social well-being of the region by developing its tourism potential and increasing its appeal.
- Promote the preservation and popularization of the historical and cultural heritage, traditions, and customs of local communities.
- Protect the biodiversity of the Carpathian region by minimizing human impact and supporting environmental conservation efforts.
- Implement effective tourism management by fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and strengthening the institutional capacity of the organization.
Recognizing the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, we strive to minimize negative effects through sustainable policies and responsible business practices.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
1. Management Principles and Adherence to Sustainable Development
- Ensure strict compliance with national and international laws, regulations, and ethical business practices.
- Provide employees with the freedom to choose their work and ensure decent working conditions. Adhere to national labor laws and strictly prohibit child labor exploitation.
- Guarantee equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and promotion. Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, or other factors is strictly prohibited.
- Prioritize health and safety by developing emergency response plans, ensuring first-aid kits are available, and conducting regular safety briefings for employees and guests.
- Maintain honest and transparent relationships with suppliers, giving preference to those committed to sustainable development principles.
- Uphold ethical and transparent marketing practices, ensuring customers receive accurate information about products and services, including sustainability initiatives.
- Actively participate in sustainable tourism forums and collaborate with stakeholders to promote responsible tourism practices.
- Inform tourists about environmentally friendly accommodation, excursion, and transportation options.
- Encourage tourists to support local artisans and businesses by purchasing locally produced goods and services.
2. Ways to Adhere to Sustainable Office Practices
- Reduce paper consumption by digitizing documents, using double-sided printing, and minimizing the printing of promotional materials.
- Eliminate single-use plastic by opting for reusable water dispensers, eco-friendly tableware, and sustainable office supplies.
- Prioritize locally sourced products with minimal packaging and choose eco-certified goods whenever possible.
- Improve waste management through proper sorting and responsible disposal of recyclable materials.
- Decrease energy consumption by turning off unused equipment and using energy-efficient appliances.
3. Sustainability Principles for Tours and Outdoor Activities
- Avoid tours and activities that negatively impact the environment, wildlife, or local communities.
- Strictly adhere to ethical wildlife management standards, ensuring all interactions with animals comply with legal norms and sustainable development principles.
- Prohibit the collection, consumption, display, or sale of wild plants and animals.
- Educate tourists on responsible behavior in nature, emphasizing waste disposal, wildfire prevention, and respect for wildlife habitats. Ensure that all wildlife interactions follow established ethical guidelines, minimizing disruption to ecosystems.
- Advocate for the preservation of cultural and religious sites by educating tourists on appropriate behavior and ensuring adherence to dress codes when visiting such locations.
By integrating these principles into its operation, Tour Center Bukovel is committed to fostering sustainable tourism while protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathian region.
4. Supporting Local Communities
- Promote socially responsible tourism that respects local traditions and customs while benefiting the community.
- Prioritize hotels and restaurants owned and operated by local residents to support the regional economy.
- Involving local guides with in-depth knowledge of the region to provide authentic and informative experiences for tourists.
- Encourage tourists to visit local villages, such as Kvasy and Vorokhta, to experience local culture, cuisine, and entrepreneurship.
- Offer guests handmade products from local artisans, supporting cultural preservation and economic growth.
- Organize visits to schools and orphanages to help prevent child exploitation in tourism-related sectors.
- Strictly prohibit the purchase and trade of illegal historical artifacts, endangered wildlife products, and culturally inappropriate souvenirs.
- Participate in local conservation initiatives, including reforestation projects and environmental cleanup efforts, to contribute to the region’s ecological sustainability.
5. Policy Implementation and Monitoring
- This Sustainability Policy takes effect in February 2025 and is reviewed annually to ensure relevance and compliance with evolving sustainability standards.
- The Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for implementing and monitoring the policy in cooperation with management.
- Policy updates are made in response to new legislation, environmental research, and stakeholder feedback.
Tour Center Bukovel (LTD "Sportyvni Karpaty") remains committed to continuous improvement in the field of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. By adhering to this policy, we strive to preserve the Carpathians as a thriving destination for locals and visitors, ensuring responsible and impactful tourism practices.
Contact Us
For more information about our sustainability initiatives or to provide feedback, please contact us at bohdan.krasavtsev@bukovel.com.