The official publication of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), AM News, highlighted the sustainability journey of the Municipality of Melgaço in its September edition. The report, featured on page 14, emphasizes the process that led to the Gold level award of the prestigious international EarthCheck Sustainable Destination certification.
AM News, with a global audience of over 500 entities and tourism sector experts, projects Melgaço's sustainable development model in countries such as the United States, China, Spain, Sweden, and India. This projection validates the municipality's environmental strategy, according to the President of the Melgaço Municipal Chamber, José Albano Domingues.
“"To see Melgaço's name projected on a global scale, through the World Tourism Organization, is a source of immense pride for all Melgacenses and confirms that the path we have outlined for our municipality is the right one. Sustainability is not a static goal, but rather a daily commitment to preserving our natural heritage, ensuring the well-being of our population, and securing the future of our territory."
The UNWTO article highlights the close collaboration between the municipality and local partners, driven by the Municipal “Green Team,” in monitoring environmental goals. The certification was supported by technical consultancy from IPDT and management by the Destination Management Organization (DMO).
Among the key indicators supporting the Gold level distinction are a Negative Carbon Footprint (1.05 tons of CO2 per capita annually), energy production that exceeds the municipality's total consumption by 15 times, and a recycling rate of 57% with a structural reduction in waste sent to landfills. The website "Melgaço + Sustentável" provides data on environmental projects and sustainability indicators.
Achieving the Gold level of the EarthCheck sustainable destination certification, renewed through independent on-site audits, strengthens Melgaço's reputation in international markets as a destination of excellence, where tourism growth is promoted in balance with the preservation of natural heritage and the quality of life for the local community.
