Alignment with the SAFA Guidelines
Gandum Village adopts the SAFA Guidelines (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems), developed by the FAO, to structure and assess its sustainable impact. This model provides a holistic approach, divided into fundamental dimensions - environmental, economic, social and governance - guaranteeing a complete integration of sustainability into all operations.
What are the SAFA Guidelines?
The SAFA Guidelines are an internationally recognized framework for assessing sustainability in food, agricultural and business systems. They help translate complex concepts into measurable and applicable practices, providing a holistic sustainability model that can be adapted to different contexts.
Why Follow the SAFA Guidelines?
1. Systemic Approach: Covers all aspects of sustainability, going beyond environmental metrics.
2. Global credibility: Based on widely accepted principles, in line with international practices and certifications.
3. Ease of Evaluation: Provides clear and measurable indicators to monitor progress.
SAFA Dimensions in the Context of Gandum
1. Environmental well-being
This dimension refers to the preservation and regeneration of natural resources, which are essential for ecological balance.
How Gandum applies:
Water Management: Rainwater harvesting, reuse of grey water and protection of the Gandum stream.
Biodiversity: Expansion of agroforestry, creation of habitats for pollinators and preservation of native species.
Soil Quality: Regenerative practices that enrich the soil and combat desertification.
Air and Climate: Reducing emissions with solar energy and reforestation.
2. Economic Integrity
Economic sustainability at Gandum is achieved through ethical practices and long-term financial viability.
How Gandum applies:
Sustainable Value Chain: Partnerships with local suppliers that promote regenerative practices.
Quality and Innovation: Offering differentiated experiences, such as Provenance, with a focus on conscious and local gastronomy.
Financial viability: Diversification of income from accommodation, experiences and events.
Sustainable Investments: Reinvesting in practices that reinforce sustainability and positive impact.
3. Social Welfare
Focus on social equity, working conditions and a positive impact on the local community.
How Gandum applies:
Community Connection: Partnerships with local producers, cultural events and integration with the Montemor-o-Novo community.
Quality of Life: Fair conditions and continuous training for employees.
Inclusion and Equity: Promoting gender equality and diversity in all operations.
Education and Awareness: Organization of workshops on regenerative practices for guests and the community.
4. Governance
Sustainable governance at Gandum ensures transparency, efficiency and ethical commitment in all its operations.
How Gandum applies:
Transparency: Publication of annual reports on sustainable impact and progress in relation to the SDGs.
Participation and Inclusion: Involving stakeholders and guests in the planning and execution of sustainable initiatives.
Ethical Responsibility: Commitment to recognized certifications such as Green Key and B Corp.
Operational Efficiency: Continuous monitoring of resource consumption and internal practices.
Benefits of Using the SAFA Guidelines
1. Clarity and Organization: Clear structure to align Gandum's practices with global goals.
2. Continuous Monitoring: Measurable indicators that help assess progress and correct deviations.
3. Credibility: Reinforces the confidence of guests, partners and certifiers in the authenticity of Gandum's sustainable impact.
Integration with the SDGs
The SAFA Guidelines complement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a practical approach to achieving global targets. At Gandum, this integration ensures that sustainability principles are applied in a holistic and measurable way.
Examples:
SAFA Guideline: Biodiversity → SDG 15 (Terrestrial Life).
SAFA Guideline: Sustainable Value Chain → SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production).
Summary
By aligning itself with the SAFA Guidelines, Gandum Village ensures that its sustainability plan not only complies with global standards, but also demonstrates practical and measurable impact on each of the dimensions of sustainability. This alignment reinforces Gandum's role as a model of regeneration in the hospitality sector.
