Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, requiring concrete and immediate action to preserve the health of the global ecosystem. In this context, environmental protection is emerging as a crucial priority to ensure a sustainable future for present and future generations. A series of global initiatives and events are key to raising awareness and promoting positive action in favour of the environment.

As part of the "Our Positive Impact on Society and the Planet" initiative, Living Tours is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the environment in March. We chose the motto "Embracing the Environment" to highlight our initiatives in favour of a more sustainable planet.

Living Tours' commitment is recognised and attested to by distinctions such as the Biosphere Certificate. Renewed for this year, the Biosphere Sustainability label underlines our commitment to sustainable tourism practices that strive to defend our planet from increasingly intense climate change. In addition, Living Tours has been awarded the Sustainability Engaged distinction by Turismo de Portugal, which reinforces our mission to reduce the environmental impact of our day-to-day activities.

Climate Action

Climate change represents one of the greatest threats to the environmental and socio-economic stability of our planet. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and the accelerated melting of the polar ice caps are alarming signs of the impacts of human activities on the climate. It is imperative that governments, companies and individuals adopt measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energies and promote sustainable production and consumption practices.

To call for climate action, Earth Hour, held annually on the last Saturday in March, is a global event that invites millions of people around the world to switch off their lights for an hour as a symbolic gesture in support of protecting the planet. This initiative emphasises the importance of collective action in the fight against climate change and in promoting environmental sustainability.

Also explore the commemoration of World Earth Day.

At Living Tours, we are increasing our range of walking tours, promoting sustainable, non-polluting experiences in close connection with local life and culture. This is yet another way in which we are gearing our operations towards the sustainability of our environment. We are also investing more and more in our electric fleet, so that we can gradually reduce the emission of gases into the atmosphere, reducing the company's carbon footprint.

World Water Day

Water is an essential resource for life and for the health of terrestrial ecosystems. However, water pollution, scarcity and waste pose serious challenges to global water security. World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of water resources, as well as to promote equal access to drinking water and basic sanitation for all communities.

At Living Tours, we have implemented water saving in our car washes. By replacing the hose with a jet of water, we save hundreds of litres of water, and every day only the interiors, windows and windscreens are washed with water. What's more, through our beach clean-ups, we've managed to protect the sea from concentrating the rubbish that gets trapped in the sand.

Explore 7 practices to celebrate World Oceans Day.

World Forest Day

Forests play a fundamental role in regulating the climate, conserving biodiversity and providing essential resources for human life, such as clean air and water. World Forest Day on 21 March celebrates the importance of these vital ecosystems and highlights the need to protect them from deforestation, illegal exploitation and other threats.

Discover 8 reasons why we should preserve and protect our forests.

Native trees and shrubs play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and protecting natural ecosystems. Preserving these native species is essential for restoring degraded habitats, promoting natural regeneration and mitigating the effects of climate change. Reforestation initiatives, protection of natural areas and environmental education are key to ensuring the conservation of these precious resources.

At Living Tours, we also have the Zero Carbon Footprint project. In January, we took the first step towards 16 hectares, with the planting of the Living Tours Forest in Pinhal de Leiria, of the first 3000 trees, which will allow us to become the first national tour company with a zero carbon footprint.

Energy Saving

Energy efficiency is a fundamental measure for reducing the environmental impact of human activities. Implementing efficient technologies, investing in sustainable infrastructure and adopting conscious consumption habits can make a significant contribution to conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Our fleet of 100 per cent electric Tuk Tuks reduces daily carbon emissions in the city of Porto and promotes sustainable tourism. In addition, as part of our ongoing commitment, as mentioned above, we are increasingly investing in electric vehicles for our complete fleet.

Protecting the environment is therefore a moral imperative and a shared responsibility for all the inhabitants of our planet. Through concrete actions, global awareness-raising events and practical conservation measures, we can work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Living Tours incorporates these sustainability practices into its day-to-day activities in order to protect our planet. That's why in March we're stepping up our efforts to defend the environment!