UN Secretary-General opens EUROPARC Conference with a special video-message!

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, welcomed EUROPARC Conference participants with a special video-message where he praised the work of ADRIMAG and EUROPARC in organising such an important event.

In his opinion,

the Conference is “an excellent opportunity to debate and highlight the role of Protected Areas in the context of touristic, environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability”,

especially relevant in the context of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The UN Secretary-General acknowledges that Protected Areas play an important role mitigating the effects of climate change and are “fundamental places for the conservation of countless species and fragile habitats”.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism as an important tool for Protected Areas to better implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and work for the benefit of the present and future generations!