Our commitment to a greener future

At GeoCamp Iceland, sustainability is more than a goal; it’s a guiding principle embedded in everything we do. From empowering visitors to preserving Iceland’s unique natural and cultural heritage, we strive to lead the way in sustainable tourism. This strategy outlines how we are reducing our environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting education for a greener future.

Embedding sustainability into our operation

GeoCamp Iceland is committed to adopting more environmentally responsible practices across all aspects of our operations. A significant part of this effort is achieving Travelife Partner Certification, which provides a structured pathway to reducing waste, conserving energy, and ensuring long-term sustainability. While ISO certification is currently beyond our scope as a small organisation, we have invested in training and resources to align with its principles, setting us on the right course for future implementation.

To minimize our environmental footprint, we are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as prioritizing renewable energy, reducing single-use plastics, and encouraging group transportation. These efforts help us preserve Iceland’s pristine environment while setting a positive example for others.

Supporting local communities and green partnerships

Collaboration with local businesses is central to GeoCamp’s mission. We actively partner with family-run enterprises like Friðheimar Greenhouses, Start Hostel, Midgard BaseCamp and Smáratún Farm Hotel, who share our commitment to sustainable and regenerative practices. These collaborations not only support local economies but also foster a network of like-minded businesses tackling similar challenges.

Through this local network, we benefit from shared knowledge, mentorship, and innovative ideas that help us continually improve. By working together, we amplify our impact, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the community while protecting the region’s natural and cultural resources.

Educating visitors and future generations

GeoCamp Iceland believes that education is key to driving meaningful change. Starting in 2024, we introduced educational sessions on sustainable tourism for visiting groups. These sessions explore Iceland’s unique natural resources, the challenges of balancing tourism with conservation, and practical steps visitors can take to minimize their footprint.

By empowering visitors with knowledge, we aim to inspire them to become sustainability ambassadors in their own communities. Our goal is to create an enriching experience that not only deepens visitors’ appreciation for Iceland’s natural beauty but also equips them with the tools to make a positive impact on the world.

Promoting regenerative tourism

Building on the lessons learned from the CE4RT project, GeoCamp Iceland is embracing regenerative tourism—a model that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore and enhance the environment, culture, and communities we engage with. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, we are demonstrating how tourism can benefit local communities while preserving natural resources.

Our regenerative approach encourages visitors to adopt sustainable behaviors, supports initiatives that protect Iceland’s fragile ecosystems, and celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage. By promoting these principles, we are creating a model that showcases how tourism can be a force for good.

Measuring our impact

To ensure accountability, we are committed to regularly monitoring and reporting our progress. This includes tracking energy use, waste management, and carbon footprints while continuously reviewing and refining our sustainability goals. Transparency is key to our strategy, and we will share both our successes and challenges with our stakeholders, visitors, and partners.

Leveraging the Green Advisor Project

The Erasmus+ supported Green Advisor project  coordinated by GeoCamp Iceland, focuses on integrating sustainability into EU-funded project management. By developing tools like the Project Management Footprint Calculator and introducing a Green Open Badge System, the project enables organisations to measure and mitigate their environmental impact effectively. These tools promote “green mainstreaming,” embedding eco-conscious practices throughout project lifecycles.

For GeoCamp Iceland, the project offers invaluable insights into calculating the emissions and carbon footprint of visiting groups. By using the tools developed, we can assess and adapt our operations to reduce environmental impacts even further. For more information please visit: www.greenadvisorproject.com/

Join us on the green journey

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are proud to lead by example. By embedding these principles into our operations, we hope to create a change that actively supports the environment, empowers communities, and inspires others. Whether you’re a visitor, partner, or part of our local community, we invite you to join us in shaping a greener, more regenerative future for Iceland and beyond.