Ordino is a village located in the northwest of the Principality of Andorra, the Country of the Pyrenees.
Designated as a Biosphere Reserve since October 2020, Ordino, situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, serves as an exemplary model of contemporary society’s integration into a natural environment while preserving its rural traditions and customs. It also adapts to new generations and technologies with state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality tourism offerings designed for the entire family.
The four seasons of the year are distinctly marked by significant changes in meteorological variables, especially in temperatures and precipitation, which influence agricultural, livestock, and tourism activities. All of these elements contribute to the identity of Ordino.
Ordino offers authentic tourist experiences, cultural routes, and guided excursions based on its cultural and natural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a means to recover and preserve this heritage.
Ordino and its residents reclaim and celebrate festivals and traditions to convey the values and identity of Ordino, reinforcing tourism’s commitment to the values of the Biosphere Reserve. Examples of this include the Falles during the Feast of Sant Pere and the popular representation L’última ossa d’Ordino, both recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Ordino values its landscape thanks to the efforts of farmers and livestock breeders who preserve fields and forests, cultivate vegetables and tobacco, and raise animals such as cows, sheep, chickens, horses, and foals. Their commitment to society and the biosphere reserve allows them to apply sustainable techniques and continuous improvement while always respecting the environment.
Their relationship with tourism is increasingly fascinating, with mutually beneficial partnerships emerging. This includes events like the “Fira del Bestiar” (cattle fair), guided tours to show tourists how livestock farmers bring salt to the mountains for their animals, and gastronomic events featuring locally sourced products (“km 0”).
HIGHLIGHTS
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La Casa de la Montaña: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
The participatory innovation project “La Casa de la Montaña,” conceived in 2018 and launched in 2020, has established itself as a living laboratory in the mountains that promotes multidisciplinary research and collaboration between public and private stakeholders. This project, promoted by the Comú de Ordino and Andorra Recerca + Innovació, aims to bring together knowledge, expertise, and talent to drive experimentation and technological innovation in sports, tourism, research, and mountain culture. These initiatives, combined with the support of Andorra Business and Actúa Empresa, contribute to strengthening the local economy through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, around 1,000 children are educated each year at Casa de la Montanya, providing them with knowledge about the mountains and their conservation.
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Parl'App: Enhancing Inclusive Tourism in Ordino for All
In order to promote inclusive tourism and enhance the experience of individuals with functional disabilities in Ordino, Parl’App has been implemented since 2020. This mobile application is specially designed and adapted to meet the accessibility needs of this vulnerable group of tourists. This initiative aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can fully enjoy the tourist and cultural attractions of Ordino. By providing a digital tool with an inclusive focus, Parl’App becomes a reliable and valuable guide for individuals with functional disabilities to explore and enjoy everything that Ordino has to offer.
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Sustainable Certification Program in Ordino's Biosphere Reserve: Recognizing Environmental Commitment
In 2023, Ordino’s designation as a Biosphere Reserve has led to the introduction of a certification program designed to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of businesses contributing to the preservation and conservation of this unique natural area. These certifications are granted to both tourism and livestock enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental protection, the promotion of sustainable practices, and the safeguarding of natural resources within the Ordino Biosphere Reserve.
The Biosphere Reserve certification is accessible to all individuals, entities, or companies conducting activities in Ordino and collaborating with the Biosphere Reserve. By committing to effective territorial management and actively promoting sustainable development in Ordino, they strive to harmonize economic growth with a reduction in environmental impact.
The Agricultural and Artisanal Products of the Ordino Biosphere Reserve certification applies to agricultural and livestock operations registered in the Ordino Registry, encompassing apiculture and artisanal businesses engaged in food or non-food production. Those who seek this certification and meet specific minimal requirements can select from the available certification options.
Furthermore, the Commitment to the Ordino Biosphere Reserve certification is extended to all businesses within the tourism, accommodation, restaurant, and service sectors. These businesses collaborate with the Biosphere Reserve, showcasing their dedication to effective territorial management, sustainable development, and minimizing their environmental footprint.
