Together for a sustainable Arctic destination
Kiruna is a destination worth looking after. Visitors are drawn to the Arctic environment, the mountains and landscapes, Sámi culture, the local communities and the experiences that have been developed around them. Those of us working in the tourism industry have a shared responsibility to ensure that our attractive Arctic way of life is preserved for future generations and that the increase in tourism does not lead to the very things that attract our visitors disappearing or being destroyed. And this is something we must work on together.
That is why Kiruna Lappland has developed the Sustainable Arctic Network, a network for tourism businesses in Kiruna that wish to work systematically on sustainability and continuous improvement. The network is based on a shared framework and a shared process. The businesses assess where they stand today, identify areas for improvement, take action and monitor their progress over time. It is not about being perfect. Sustainability is an ongoing process. It is about knowing where you stand, taking responsibility and continuing to improve.
The Sustainable Arctic Network is not a certification system or a guarantee that a company, product or experience is sustainable in every respect. Being part of the network means that a company is engaged in a structured sustainability process and is working continuously to make improvements. Rather than claiming that we have reached the finish line, we want to be open about the fact that sustainable tourism is an ongoing endeavour. Through the network, we can contribute to a broader effort to develop tourism in a responsible direction.
We are working together for a sustainable Arctic destination.
