Animal Welfare Criteria in Finland
Finland is taking leading action towards responsible tourism by developing animal welfare criteria included in the Green Activities certificate for sled dogs and reindeer. Dog sledding and reindeer sleigh tours are attractive to both Finnish and international travelers visiting Lapland. The criteria sets clear guidelines and structure of the animal welfare for the companies to follow and commit to, which are verified by an external party. This enables tourism companies offering sled rides to take better account of animal welfare and makes the good work of companies visible to tourists as well, says Heidi Heinonen, Green Activities Program Director at Going Green Oy. When it comes to responsible tourism, considering the wellbeing of each counterpart plays an essential part – including the animals.
Animal Wellbeing Comes First
The wellbeing of the animals is the first thing to consider when booking excursions in Lapland, and MTI’s experts have been advocating this aspect into the development and implementation of responsible tourism services for years already. A significant part of the work has been accomplished through the Eläimet ja vastuullinen matkailu (Animals and Responsible Tourism) project that was funded by Business Finland. The criteria for sled dogs are part of the Finnish Green Activities ecolabel created together by tourism companies and NGOs. The criteria created for reindeer is in cooperation between the Multidimensional Tourism Institute (MTI) of the University of Lapland, Going Green Oy, and Porotilamatkailu ry. To date, around 10 animal-based companies in Lapland have been certified, which you can recognize from the Green Activities logo in their websites.
The Criteria for Welfare in the Green Activities Certificate
The criteria for certificates includes keeping the animals active and healthy throughout the year by using proper gear, limiting the daily workload, and prioritizing rest and nutrition, as well as retiring the animals at an appropriate age and vitality. Additionally, the wellbeing of the employees is considered in the process. All of this requires systematic monitoring from the tourism animal farms, as well as annual reporting and regular ascertaining that the criteria are truly met.
Taking concrete measures to promote the responsible and ethical treatment of animals in tourism remains an important issue, and the creation and development of the animal welfare criteria demonstrates successful cooperation between tourism researchers and companies. According to José-Carlos García-Rosell, a senior lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Lapland, Finland is becoming a forerunner in advancing the well-being of animals in the Nordic countries. This sets an example and concrete requirements for the rest of the world on how reindeer and dogs working in the tourism business should be treated and cared for.
Applying for the Green Activities Ecolabel
Companies that meet the criteria can apply for the Green Activities ecolabel, which is a third party verified label, awarded based on an application and on-site audits. The Green Activities ecolabel, which is developed and administrated by Going Green Oy, is based on the international Green Key environmental program. Going Green Oy is the organization responsible for administering both the Green Activities and Green Key ecolabels.
⇐ By Erika Katainen / Visit Lapland ⇒
