In different parts of El Salvador, a group of micro and small tourism enterprises has begun a process of environmental transformation aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and strengthening the sustainability of the sector.
This progress is part of a project funded by the European Union, which promotes the adoption of eco-efficient practices in activities related to tourism.
Thus, the initiative aims to integrate the environmental variable in destinations of high natural value and growing tourism pressure.
Training and technical assistance for decarbonization
The project Linking SMEs for Decarbonization involves enterprises located in strategic areas such as El Zonte beach and Lake Ilopango.
From there, companies receive training and technical support to redesign production processes and services with environmental criteria.
The main objective is to reduce the use of fossil fuels, optimize water and energy consumption, and improve the comprehensive management of waste.
Sustainable practices that already show results
Among the highlighted experiences, the Palo Verde Hotel implemented a system for separating and recycling materials, along with the composting of organic waste.
In addition, it incorporated solar panels that now provide about 20% of the energy used in the establishment, reducing dependence on conventional sources.
These actions are integrated into the strategic planning of the business and are complemented by the active participation of staff and the local community.
The role of FundeMás in the environmental transition
The technical assistance is led by FundeMás, an organization that trained more than 160 small and medium-sized enterprises in the country.
The workshops address topics such as waste management, regulatory compliance, and monitoring of water and energy consumption.
Additionally, a digital platform was developed to measure progress, generate data, and monitor decarbonization commitments.
Operational challenges and changes in customer perception
Despite the progress, significant challenges persist, such as the environmental education of staff and nearby communities.
Likewise, the lack of infrastructure to recycle certain materials, such as glass, forces them to transport them out of the country, which increases the cost of the process.
However, companies have begun to notice a positive response from customers, especially foreign tourists interested in sustainable proposals.
Environmental, economic, and commercial advantages of the initiative
Among the potential advantages of the project is the direct reduction of emissions and waste in fragile ecosystems.
Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable practices improves the competitiveness of the sector and facilitates compliance with international regulations.
Finally, the model strengthens the image of Salvadoran tourism, boosts local economies, and demonstrates that sustainability can be a driver of long-term development.
