THE PORT OF QUÉBEC RENEWS ITS BIOSPHERE CERTIFICATION AND STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Québec City, March 27, 2025 – The Port of Québec is proud to announce that it has once again obtained the Biosphere certification, confirming its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and environmental best practices. In 2024, the Port of Québec became the first port in North America to receive this sustainable tourism certification. The international recognition was renewed this year following a new audit, testifying to the Port’s constant efforts to integrate the principles of social and environmental responsibility into its activities. It was supported through the process by Destination Québec cité, which helps organizations transition to more responsible and sustainable tourism.
A recognition that confirms the Port’s commitment
“Obtaining Biosphere certification again is much more than a seal of approval—it’s concrete proof that our efforts are paying off and we’re moving in the right direction. At the Port of Québec, we firmly believe that port development can go hand in hand with environmental protection and citizen involvement. We are proud to work towards a sustainable and inspiring vision for our community and future generations.”
“The Port of Québec renewing its Biosphere certification demonstrates its concrete and continuing commitment to more responsible tourism. We’re proud to be working with partners whose innovative efforts and leadership are actively contributing to transforming the tourism sector by prioritizing the preservation of our destination and the quality of the visitor experience.”
A rigorous certification process
Biosphere certification is based on a rigorous evaluation process that involves audits carried out each year by independent external experts. The Port of Québec underwent a detailed evaluation of how its practices align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As part of the process, the Port had to provide supporting evidence, including photos and documents, to demonstrate each measure taken. The Biosphere certification plan includes a total of 215 measures, divided into different categories of sustainable commitment. The Port of Québec has achieved 173 of these measures to date, reaching 80% compliance.
Concrete initiatives for a sustainable future
This year, the Port of Québec distinguished itself with a number of innovative initiatives, including:
- Public access to Port land for recreational and tourist activities, including the Port of Québec Discoglace, a new attraction in 2024
- Longer cruise season with the first winter cruises, such as Ponant’s Commandant Charcot, arriving in January and February 2025
- Support for community projects through a citizen initiative fund
- Facilitation of sustainable development projects such as introducing a 100% electric shuttle for cruise passengers
- Creation of the FLOT project, an educational activity for Grade 5 students that highlights biodiversity and the history of the port area
A long-term commitment
The Port of Québec remains committed to continuing its efforts to minimize its environmental impact and working with its partners to promote sustainable economic growth.
About the Port of Québec
The Québec Port Authority, a non-profit organization, manages the Port of Québec which is
strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. This Canadian hub for international trade for both imports and exports is the only port in the province of Québec with a fifteen-metre water depth at low tide and a comprehensive intermodal infrastructure. The Port facilities create 12,000 jobs and generate about two billion dollars in economic activity each year.
With its 2035 Vision, the Port of Québec aims to be recognized by citizens for the responsible management of its territory, respect for the environment and protection of biodiversity while positioning itself as a world leader in establishing sustainable supply chains for a more resilient economy.
About Destination Québec cité
Destination Québec cité has more than 825 members in Québec City, L’Ancienne-Lorette, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Wendake, and the surrounding areas of Portneuf, Jacques-Cartier, Île d’Orléans, and Côte-de-Beaupré. It guides and drives tourism industry growth and contributes to the industry’s prosperity through its marketing and development efforts, welcome services for tourists, and information on the sector.
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Sources and information
Frédéric Lagacé | Port of Québec
Director of Public Affairs and Communications
418-929-5031 | [email protected]
Jessie Deschamps | Destination Québec cité
Communications Consultant
418-641-6654, ext. 8102 | [email protected]