Circular Tourism

Albania

Biolandhof von Agris

SECTION 1: BASIC INFORMATION

SECTION 2: PRACTICE OVERVIEW

  • Short Description of the Practice

Biolandhof von Agris is a certified organic farm that integrates sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy. The farm raises Galloway cattle and Bentheimer-Duroc pigs, and produces eggs, milk, and fruit, which are sold directly to visitors or processed into juices and baked goods. The farm operates photovoltaic panels covering 70% of its energy needs, uses heat pumps for all accommodation, and treats wastewater through an on-site biological plant. Drinking water is conserved by using well water for toilets. Holiday apartments and farm stays provide visitors hands-on experience with organic farming, animal care, and sustainability practices. Orchard meadows with bees, locally grown feed, and careful soil management further demonstrate circular economy practices. The initiative combines tourism, education, and sustainability to model a low-impact rural business.

  • Implementation Period: ongoing
  • Status:

[  ] Planned [  ] Pilot phase [  ] Fully implemented [X] Ongoing and evolving

  • Thematic Areas Addressed:

[X] Farm to Fork / Sustainable Food Systems
[X] Waste Management
[X] Resource Efficiency
[   ] Other: ___________

  • Describe how the practice aligns with the selected Thematic Areas.

Biolandhof von Agris is aligned with sustainable food systems, resource efficiency, and waste management. The farm produces food organically and sells it through direct sales, shortening the supply chain and reducing packaging and transport emissions. All livestock feed is grown locally, minimising external inputs. Wastewater is treated on-site, water is conserved through the use of well water for toilets, and the farm manages soil carefully with low-impact machinery and wildlife protection practices. Streuobstwiesen with bee colonies support biodiversity, while harvested fruits are processed locally or used in cooking. The farm uses renewable energy through photovoltaic panels, supplying 70% of energy needs, including heating through heat pumps. Charging stations for electric vehicles encourage sustainable mobility. By combining agriculture with tourism and education, visitors learn about organic farming, circular economy principles, energy and water efficiency, and responsible land management. Seasonal events, farm stays, and workshops create immersive experiences, demonstrating how rural businesses can integrate sustainability, education, and economic viability.

  • Explain how this activity fits within the tourism sector

The farm operates as farm tourism: it provides accommodation, educational experiences, and farm-to- table consumption. Tourists participate in animal care, seasonal events, and farm activities, bridging leisure, education, and sustainable consumption. This model supports rural tourism development and creates value-added services for the region.

  • What learning value for VET training, curriculum development or capacity-building of professionals does the practice offer?

The practice offers practical experience in organic agriculture and farm management, together with an understanding of short supply chains and sustainable food production. It also brings exposure to tourism operations in rural settings and generates skills in customer engagement, environmental education, and circular economy practices. Visiting agritourism businesses with a focus on sustainability can support tourism professionals in envisioning sustainable practices in a different context that applies to their daily practice.

SECTION 3: CHALLENGES AND ALIGNMENT WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES

  • What challenges or barriers were addressed (based on the report findings)?

[   ] Waste management and disposal
[X] Energy/resource use
[   ] Infrastructure limitations
[   ] Seasonality
[   ] Skills and capacity gaps
[X] Low awareness of CE
[X] Behavioural resistance
[X] Financial or funding constraints
[   ] Other : ________________________________

  • How were these challenges overcome?

These challenges were overcome by implementing renewable energy systems and efficient heat pumps, then treating wastewater onsite with a biological plant. Energy is generated by their own PV systems, covering 70% of their energy requirements, and then all residential units are heated with modern heat pumps. The farm also uses well water for toilets to reduce potable water consumption and practices organic agriculture with locally grown feed and pesticide-free methods. Next, low-impact, soil-friendly machinery and tyre philosophy are utilised, and their fields are flown over by a drone and thermal imaging camera to rescue wildlife before mowing. Lastly, visitors and students are educated through farm stays, workshops, and seasonal events, which diversify income and overcome reliance on single revenue streams.

  • Which circular economy strategies does this practice address?

[X] Waste reduction / reuse / recycling
[X] Renewable energy / energy efficiency
[X] Water conservation
[   ] Circular product/service design
[X] Sustainable food systems / short food chains
[X] Eco-certifications or green standards
[X] Repair, refurbishment, or reuse of infrastructure/furnishings
[   ] Digital tools for circularity or sustainability

  • Describe why this practice can be considered as a ‘best practice’ and how it contributes to one or more circular economy principles:

Biolandhof von Agris exemplifies sustainable rural tourism integrated with circular economy principles. The farm produces organic food, manages energy and water efficiently, and educates visitors about sustainable practices. Photovoltaic panels supply 70% of energy needs, heat pumps provide low- impact heating, and wastewater is treated on-site. Water conservation, soil protection, and wildlife management demonstrate responsible stewardship. Holiday apartments and interactive workshops allow visitors to learn about organic farming, biodiversity, and local food systems. Products are sold locally or processed into juices and baked goods, promoting a closed-loop food system. This supports local producers and saves funding on transport or further emissions, also contributing to the local economy. By integrating tourism, education, and sustainability, the farm demonstrates a replicable model for rural areas seeking to combine economic viability with environmental stewardship. Describe why this practice can be considered as innovative.

  • What new, creative or underused approach brings added value to circular tourism development?

The innovation lies in combining multiple sustainability measures, such as renewable energy, water management, organic farming, and biodiversity protection, with immersive tourism and educational experiences. Guests actively participate in farming and learn about energy, water, and waste efficiency. The farm also integrates modern mobility solutions (EV charging) and circular management of resources, creating a holistic sustainability model rarely implemented at this scale.

SECTION 4: COLLABORATION

  • Describe any collaboration that were involved in the development of this practice? Did this practice involve local authorities or other groups?

The main collaboration presented by the farm is with the Bioland association, which gave it the certification and guidance for organic farming. Next, through its educational visits and workshops, the Biolandhof von Agris involves families and school groups. Lastly, local suppliers or processors collaborate with the farm to transform farm produce into juice, baked goods, or value-added products.

SECTION 5: RESULTS AND REPLICABILITY

  • What measurable results or outcomes were achieved?
  • 70% of energy demand covered by solar PV
  • Wastewater treated on-site, potable water conserved
  • Production of organic food sold directly or processed locally
  • Biodiversity is maintained via bee colonies and wildlife protection
  • Visitor education in sustainability and circular economy practices
  • Why is this practice relevant to the Albanian tourism context?

Albania can adopt this model to integrate sustainable agriculture, wildlife protection, and local food education, enhancing rural tourism and providing income diversification. Practices like renewable energy, water management, and circular food systems are particularly relevant for resource-constrained rural areas.

  • What is the practice’s potential for further expansion? How can it be applied or adapted to other Albanian tourism destinations or businesses?

The potential for further expansion here is the replication in other rural farms with accommodation or agritourism offers and the creation of networks of agritourism businesses. Followed by the integration of educational workshops for schools and tourist groups, and the development of local processing or value-added products for sale. Lastly, promote renewable energy and circular resource management in agritourism.

  • What advice would you give others looking to implement a similar initiative?

Start with small-scale farm-to-table initiatives and simple accommodation, then partner with local tourism boards and schools. Focus on educational experiences for guests, while maintaining organic or sustainable standards to ensure credibility and attract eco-conscious visitors. Therefore, implement renewable energy, water, and waste efficiency measures from the start to ensure credibility.