Our environmental commitments
Situated in the heart of a bird sanctuary, between rivers and mountains, L'Hippocampe is fortunate to benefit from beautiful natural surroundings. Convinced that every little ecological gesture has an impact on the environment, we are committed to sustainable tourism that respects nature. Our commitment has paid off, as we are one of the few campsites to be awarded the Green Key label. This award is above all a gift to nature. Together, we must continue our efforts.
Clef Verte / Green Key certification since 2010
The environmental label Clef Verte / Green Key is present on five continents and is the main international sustainable tourism label for tourist accommodation and restaurants. Tourist establishments commit to a high-performance, eco-friendly approach, with the aim of enabling the development of sustainable, ecologically and socially responsible tourism in France, thanks to the implementation of practices recommended by the Green Key eco-label. To certify the seriousness of the approach, a labelling process provides for regular audits and evidence collection.
Towards sustainable tourism
Our actions to promote more responsible consumption
Responsible purchasing:
- Use of Ecocert-certified ecological cleaning products
- Purchase of products from local producers and suppliers for the restaurant and grocery shop
Waste management:
- Composting station
- Separated waste collection area
Ecological equipment for professional use:
- Changing the bar's cold rooms and fridges so that they no longer use highly polluting gas
- New professional washing machines that use less water
- Floor washing machines (terraces and sanitary facilities) that use no cleaning products and limited water consumption
- Regular maintenance of the mobile home's equipment to ensure a longer lifespan
Our actions relating to transport and soft mobility
Transport is the second biggest source of pollution in the world, accounting for 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Our actions to limit its impact:
- Installation of a charging station for electric vehicles in 2020
- Setting up a Drive relay service so that customers can have their shopping delivered to the campsite, thereby limiting the amount of transport they need to make.
- Use of electric carts and bicycles for staff
- A one-stop shop for holidaymakers (activities, restaurant, etc.) to limit the use of cars during their stay.
- Promotion of local tourism, with a mainly European clientele, in order to limit the most polluting mode of transport: air travel.
- Encourage the French to travel within their own country rather than to the other side of the world, by highlighting exceptional natural sites in the surrounding area.
Our actions linked to our natural resources
Green spaces:
- No pesticides or weedkillers
- Use of organic fertilisers, organic potting soil and compost
- Drip irrigation
- Nesting boxes in the campsite trees
Water management:
- All taps in mobile homes and sanitary facilities are fitted with aerators to reduce water consumption.
- Push buttons with timers are installed in the sanitary facilities.
Energy savings:
- Purchase of a heat pump in 2021 to replace gas for heating the swimming pools
- Mobile homes and lampposts at the campsite fitted with LED bulbs
- New districts (Mésange/River Lodge) equipped with solar terminals
Planet Earth is currently the only oasis of life that we know of in the midst of an immense cosmic desert. Taking care of it, respecting its physical and biological integrity, drawing on its resources in moderation, establishing peace and solidarity between humans, respecting all forms of life, is the most realistic and magnificent project there is.
Pierre Rabhi
10 best practices for nature-friendly holidays
Each of us has a role to play in protecting nature.
Here are a few good practices to help you make your own contribution to more sustainable tourism during your stay:
1. Limit the temperature in your accommodation: 26° for air conditioning, 19° for heating;
2. Sort your rubbish in the selective sorting area at the entrance to the campsite, near the car park;
3. Remember to turn off the air conditioning when you are away;
4. Do not leave windows open when the air conditioning is on;
5. Turn off all taps and showers after use;
6. Remember to turn off lights when you are away;
7. Limit the temperature of your fridge. We recommend leaving the fridge temperature at 3;
8. Report any water leaks to reception;
9. Use your salad bowls and dishes in the mobile home to collect your orders from the snack bar in order to reduce the use of disposable products;
10. Use reusable bags for shopping and bread...
Don't hesitate to teach your children about these 10 good practices.
L'Hippocampe is committed to respecting biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
"Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. We humans belong to a species that is one of the threads in this fabric."
biodiversite.gouv
The Sunêlia l’Hippocampe campsite is at the very centre of the l’Escale reservoir, a 200-hectare artificial lake. This artificial wetland has created a real reservoir of diversity for both flora and fauna. This reservoir is known as the "Haute Provence ornithological reserve". Today, the reserve is home to 140 species of birds. Beavers have also joined this fragile ecosystem.
L'Hippocampe supports the work of two local environmental protection associations, La Cistude and the LPO (Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux).
The Sunêlia l'Hippocampe campsite is part of an ecotourism approach, encouraging the emergence of environmentally-friendly tourism and improving the quality of life of the local population and tourists.
