Press Room

• Castellet Castle, headquarters of the Abertis Foundation and the UNESCO Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, has been awarded certification under the international Biosphere Responsible Tourism programme, which recognises tourist establishments with a sustainable business management model.
• This certification is a reward for the Abertis Foundation’s commitment to improving the environmental management of its facilities and at the same time publicises internationally the work it does to promote environmental awareness.

Barcelona, 8 septembre de 2015

Castellet Castle, headquarters of the Abertis Foundation and the UNESCO International Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, has achieved Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification in the “Biosphere Discover” category of this international programme which recognises tourism establishments with a sustainable business management model. This accolade is granted by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) with the backing of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the sole global accreditation body for sustainable tourism under the umbrella of the United Nations.

Aspects evaluated by the Responsible Tourism Institute include the work carried out at the headquarters of the Abertis Foundation in the area of sustainable management, social and economic development, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and measures to foster visitor engagement at the centre.

Also taken into consideration were the progress made by the Abertis Foundation in offsetting CO2emissions, its active work as a member of the Foix Natural Park Consortium and, in particular, its success in exploiting the potential of a cultural asset as historically significant as Castellet Castle.

This certification, which is valid for three years through to July 2018 (subject to annual reviews) is reward for the Foundation’s commitment to improving the environmental management of its facilities and raising international awareness of the environmental initiatives with which it is involved. A clear example is the creation of the International Network of Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, a project involving more than 14 countries and over 65 Biosphere Reserves on the two coastlines of the Mediterranean.

Sergi Loughney, Director of the Abertis Foundation and of Institutional Relations and CSR at Abertis, emphasised the significance of the award of Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification: “We are very proud to have been awarded this accolade, which undoubtedly adds further lustre to the Abertis Group’s image as a business staunchly committed to the territories where it operates.”
Castellet Castle already boasts ISO 14001 certification for the effective environmental management of its activities.

The Abertis Foundation and the Environment

Since 1999 the Abertis Foundation has been involved in a wide range of environment-related research in partnership with leading universities. It has also organised numerous conferences and seminars and edited various scientific publications. In 2013 all these efforts received their reward when Castellet Castle, headquarters of the Abertis Foundation, was designated as the UNESCO International Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Also pivotal to this decision were Castellet Castle’s location in the unique setting of the Foix Natural Park, with its rich biodiversity, and the certification of its activities in accordance with ISO 14001, which means they have a minimal impact on the environment. Its collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization unlocks fresh synergies and heightens the impact of the environmental awareness-raising work to which the Foundation has always been committed.

Abertis’ environmental policies are centred on the progressive establishment of a system of environmental management in the group’s areas of activity, in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001, with the objective of minimising the environmental impact of the group’s operations.

Abertis is thus working to reduce the carbon footprint of its economic activity, optimise its waste management and conserve the biodiversity of the natural environments where infrastructure managed by the group is located. Abertis is also carrying out environmental awareness-raising campaigns to include its partners, customers and suppliers in its commitment to the environment.
The UNESCO Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves offers the public guided tours every second weekend of the month from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

History of Castellet Castle

The first known documented reference to the Castle dates from the year 977. The fortress had great strategic importance until the 16th century. In the intervening centuries, control of the castle alternated between several houses of feudal lords, the counts of Barcelona (in the 11th century) and the Crown of Catalonia-Aragon (in the 15th century). Thereafter, the castle experienced successive periods of decline until it fell into ruin. Between 1928 and 1930 the castle underwent partial restoration, covering the structures of the central and western parts. The Abertis Foundation completely restored the building, which today serves as its headquarters.

The archaeological work carried out in recent years reveals that there has been a human presence on the hill where the castle stands since the time of the Iberians, 2,500 years ago, and that the spot has always been linked to the monitoring of transport routes: the river Foix and the Via Herculia, later renamed the Via Augusta, which is now the AP-7 motorway.

Abertis Foundation

The Abertis Foundation is active in three key spheres (social, cultural and environmental), and works to mitigate the impact of the Abertis Group’s activity in the countries in which it operates. Its commitment to society is highlighted by an extensive road safety programme primarily targeting the most vulnerable drivers and pedestrians. The Abertis Foundation’s activities in the area of culture involve partnerships with leading cultural institutions around the world. Regarding environmental protection, its Castellet Castle headquarters are a UNESCO Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.

The Foundation also channels some of Abertis’ sponsorships and plays a coordinating role with regard to the corporate social responsibility activities of the group’s businesses.