What started out as natural (our personal interests and concerns) became strategic for the company. That’s why, in all areas of activity at Casa Cerro da Correia, whether in the accommodations or experiences, we work towards the sustainability of our actions, not only in the environment, but also in the community we are part of and in the management of the company.
The products used in the experiences or picnics we provide are of local origin or purchased in establishments in the region.
We are a company certified by Biosphere in sustainable tourism since June 2019. These are the most important areas we work in to become more sustainable:
- Community:
We are part of a territory with a lot to offer and we want those who visit us to discover its flavors and stories and to be part of the unique way of life of Serra da Estrela.
Giving visibility and, thus, valuing the knowledge and experience of the region’s inhabitants is only possible if our activities are genuine. Our customers participate in the daily life of a shepherd, a beekeeper or a cheesemaker. During these experiences occurs an exchange that enriches not only the tourist, but also the community.
- Management:
We believe that sustainable tourism is possible, which is why we work in a personalized way, for small groups. We have a responsibility towards the region in which we operate, and we are aware of the negative impact of mass tourism on a natural park such as Serra da Estrela with a rich and very pure ecosystem.
Ethical and transparent management (from accounts to relationships with workers and partners) allows us to establish healthy commercial ties, in which everyone wins, namely our partners, stores, restaurants and local producers. It also allows us to give back to the community at least a part of all that it gives us.
- Environment:
Casa Cerro da Correia maintains a close relationship with nature. It was built in the middle of a forest of pine, oak and chestnut trees, it has a garden with native plants and a vegetable garden for growing fruits and vegetables typical of mountain agriculture, where chemical synthesis products are not used. We’ve decided from the outset (even before the renovation work on the accommodation and the creation of tourist entertainment activities) to implement various measures in accordance with this spirit, such as the use of solar energy whenever possible, reducing consumption and waste.
- Reduce the risk of fire:
The decision to cut down the pine forest at Casa Cerro da Correia, to reduce the risk of fire, paved the way for the creation of a new forest with only native species. This project, started in 2018, is slow (it advances at the pace of trees and not of man), but rewarding. We planted black oak, holm oaks, strawberry trees, yew trees, walnut trees, rowan trees and laurel trees. In this way, we exchanged resinous trees for deciduous trees. In parallel, we protect the sprouts that grow spontaneously on our land.
We are creating a new forest only with native species to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
- Reduction in consumption and waste:
Instead of buying new furniture to decorate the accommodation, we decided to look for furniture that belonged to our family (that had already been part of the house’s decoration or was from the same period). We also try not to waste food and encourage our guests to do the same. The remains of fruits and vegetables are placed in a special container, a composter, for the worms to transform them into compost that will be used as fertilizer in the garden. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel…) offered to guests are now available in dispensers. By no longer using miniature bottles, product waste and the number of packages is reduced.
- Gardens with native species:
Our goal is to create a balanced ecosystem, refuse the use of invasive species, reduce water consumption and provide food for insects, birds and other animals in the region. To achieve this, when we started designing the garden, we kept the varieties that were already there, such as rosemary, yellow broom, sargassum and other wild plants. All the plants or trees that were placed there are species that exist in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, such as strawberry trees, juniper, holly, lavender, rowan or milk thistle.
- Optimize energy consumption:
One of the interventions to achieve this objective was the installation of solar energy at Casa Cerro da Correia. We also use energy-saving light bulbs and rechargeable batteries in all electrical appliances. We bought as many low-energy appliances as possible and installed outdoor lighting points with solar charging.
After we cut down the pine forest, the mushrooms began to decompose the trunks and roots that remained in the soil.
