Our commitment to sustainability
We have been working for sustainability and the care of nature since the 1970s, when we began to develop environmental education programs. Sustainability is a fundamental feature of our mission and guides all our actions in a cross-cutting manner. Environmental education, as well as the will to minimize the environmental footprint of our facilities and actions, are essential in everything we do.
Environmental education
We have been a reference in environmental education since our beginnings, bringing children, youth and families closer to the natural environment, favoring the connection with nature and its understanding and protection. We promote outdoor experiential activities, observation activities, citizen science, field trips and workshops. We develop environmental education activities in the school environment, during esplais and in camps facilities. We educate by stimulating critical thinking and meaningful learning to help people commit to caring for the environment and moving towards a more sustainable society.
Sustainable facilities
Centro Esplai’s facilities (where we have our offices, a hostel and training classrooms) are built and managed with sustainability and energy efficiency criteria, as well as the camp facilities, which are also certified for environmental quality and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
Environmental quality certifications
We have several certifications and seals that certify our good practices with respect to sustainability. This is very important to us, as they help us make sure we are on the right track. For example, we have the BIOSPHERE sustainable tourism certification for Centro Esplai and several camps facilities, as well as the EMAS seal and the Applus – ISO14001 certification for environmental management.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is firm and transversal, as we contribute to them through all our projects and actions. Our mission and values are focused on achieving a more just, equitable and sustainable world, we want to make a better world through education and social transformation, and therefore, the SDGs are a concretization of our essence. We are part of the National Agreement for the 2030 Agenda to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations and we raise awareness and disseminate the SDGs.
Specialized training in sustainability and environment
We conduct training courses for young people and adults specialized in environmental education, environmental management, sustainability and environment, among other topics. We see training as a tool for change, progress, innovation and personal and social empowerment. Our courses are based on participative, motivating and active methodologies. We train in sustainability and environmental education because we believe in training professionals to work in this field, to care for the environment from different angles and to transmit a passion for nature.