The Catalan destination reaffirms its commitment to a responsible, inclusive tourism model aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Pyrenees and the Lands of Lleida have renewed their commitment to sustainability by revalidating the Biosphere Gold Destination certification, consolidating themselves as one of the leading sustainable tourism destinations in Catalonia and Spain. This recognition reflects not only the continued fulfillment of international sustainability criteria but also the joint effort of institutions, businesses, and local organizations to promote responsible and regenerative tourism.
The renewal of the certification, granted following an audit with satisfactory results, ensures that sustainable policies and practices are being implemented at both the institutional and business levels. The Biosphere Gold label is awarded when, in addition to applying sustainable actions in destination management, there is a strong and growing business commitment to continuous improvement.
Since 2021, the tourism sustainability project for the Pyrenees and the Lands of Lleida has been led by the Tourism Board of the Lleida Provincial Council, which has developed a strategy aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since then, more than 240 tourism companies and organizations in the region have joined this process, enabling deeper collaborative governance—one of the pillars of the Biosphere model—with many of them having achieved the Biosphere Certified label.
Since 2022, the Board has provided companies and organizations in the destination with free access to the Biosphere Sustainable Platform, a digital tool that allows for the creation and management of customized sustainability plans. Through this tool, over 2,600 actions and nearly 5,000 sustainable activities have already been carried out, all aligned with the SDGs, contributing to a real transformation of the tourism model in the region.
The project has also expanded its territorial dimension, incorporating a new workstream to help municipalities develop their own sustainability plans, integrating them into the destination’s global strategy.
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, the destination combines an exceptional natural environment with rich cultural and human heritage. The region is notable for its scenic beauty, with protected areas such as the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, ski resorts, hiking trails, and charming villages that preserve living traditions.
This deep connection with the environment has allowed the Pyrenees and the Lands of Lleida to become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking authentic and responsible experiences. The commitment to social inclusion, local employment, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic growth is an essential part of the destination’s sustainability approach.
The renewal of the Biosphere Gold Destination certification continues the work initiated in 2021 and reinforces the strategic vision outlined in the Strategic Tourism Plan for the Pyrenees and the Lands of Lleida 2023–2026. This plan integrates quality, innovation, shared responsibility, and sustainability as key pillars for tourism development in the region.
At Biosphere, we congratulate the Tourism Board of the Lleida Provincial Council, all participating organizations, and the more than 150 companies already actively working on sustainability plans for their continued commitment and valuable contribution to strengthening a global community of sustainable destinations.