Scena goes green: a sustainable future in the heart of South Tyrol

Ph. © Associazione Turistica Scena – Dietmar Denger

In the heart of South Tyrol, overlooking the Merano basin and surrounded by vineyards, orchards and scenic trails, Scena has chosen to look ahead. With the project Scena goes green project, the town has transformed sustainability into a concrete and measurable path that, since 2026, has been officially certified as a top-level sustainable destination (South Tyrol Standard level 3).

This is not just a slogan, but a structured commitment involving institutions, tour operators, businesses and citizens. The goal is clear: to create a harmonious balance between nature, the local community and visitors, ensuring quality of life today and tomorrow.

A common goal: sustainability as a shared responsibility

For Scena, sustainability means taking responsibility for the environment and the local community. This involves not only protecting nature, but also promoting social justice and economic stability.

The well-being of residents is just as important as that of visitors. Truly sustainable tourism must be accepted, shared and experienced as an added value by those who live in the area. This is why Scena has chosen a participatory approach, based on continuous dialogue with the local population and economic actors.

Ph. © Associazione Turistica Scena – Dietmar Denger

The path to international certification

In 2024, Scena, together with IDM South Tyrol, launched a structured process to obtain sustainable destination certification according to the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an internationally recognised standard.

The GSTC criteria cover four fundamental areas:

-Ecology and environmental protection
-Social responsibility
-Cultural enhancement
-Economic sustainability

A Green Strategy Team and a Green Operations Team have been set up to coordinate the project, comprising representatives from the Tourist Association, the local council and professionals from fields not strictly related to tourism.
This commitment has already yielded concrete results: the Scena Tourist Association, led by director Stefan Kaserbacher, achieved the highest level of the Südtirol Standard, the local sustainability standard based on GSTC criteria, on its first attempt.
Only the highest level is recognised by the GSTC and allows official entry into the international Green Destinations network.
With this certification, Scena joins the 140 Green Destinations in 25 countries around the world, confirming its status as a virtuous example of sustainable tourism management.

Ph. © Associazione Turistica Scena – Dietmar Denger

Measurable parameters, not greenwashing

Scena’s approach is based on objective and measurable criteria. The GSTC, which is internationally recognised by the United Nations and the World Tourism Organisation, sets strict standards for responsible tourism development.

On this basis, IDM South Tyrol has developed concrete parameters divided into four areas: sustainability management, socio-economic impact, cultural aspects and environmental impact. Certification is not a definitive achievement: it must be renewed every three years, monitoring progress and innovations. It is therefore the beginning of a continuous journey, not a point of arrival.

Ph. © IDM Südtirol-AltoAdige – Tobias Kaser Photography

Environmental protection: safeguarding a unique heritage

The landscape of Scena is a mosaic of scenic trails, crystal-clear streams, orchards and vineyards that provide a valuable habitat for flora and fauna. Preserving this heritage is one of the cornerstones of the project.

Among the actions undertaken:

-Promotion of sustainable agriculture with a reduction in chemical substances
-Encouragement of renewable energy
-Improvement of energy efficiency in buildings
-Raising awareness of responsible behaviour during stays

Scena is also considered a pioneer of the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) lifestyle, having promoted development “tailored to future generations” for years. Public fountains, drip irrigation systems in orchards and low-emission bus connections in operation since 1994 are concrete examples of this commitment.

Great attention is also paid to sustainable mobility. Thanks to the South Tyrol Guest Pass, guests can use buses and trains throughout the region, while services such as electric car sharing and e-bike rental allow them to explore the area in an environmentally friendly way.

Ph. © Associazione Turistica Scena – Dietmar Denger

Social responsibility and cultural promotion

For Scena, sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about people and the identity of the area. The Scena Goes Green initiative focuses on the local community, involving residents, associations and operators through opportunities for discussion and dialogue, so that tourism development is shared and respectful of quality of life.

Great attention is paid to preserving traditions, popular festivals and local culture, elements that represent the authentic soul of Scena. Supporting local producers, artisans and businesses means strengthening the sense of belonging and offering guests authentic experiences.

As director Stefan Kaserbacher points out, the award is not an end in itself, but a tool to continue developing Scena so that future generations can also experience it and choose it as a holiday destination.

Scene 2035: a strategic vision for the future

The Scena 2035 strategy document is the compass for change. It sets out concrete measures, responsibilities, timelines and long-term goals.
From protecting the natural environment to conscious resource management and strengthening the regional economy, the plan outlines a future-oriented, liveable and resilient community.

Scena goes green is not an abstract promise, but a concrete path that combines the environment, community and economy in a sustainable balance. With the active involvement of residents, institutions and businesses, Scena is set to become a virtuous model of responsible Alpine tourism.

A place where natural beauty meets awareness, and where tourism becomes a driver of shared well-being – today and for future generations.