Irish Protected Areas are on the path to Sustainable Tourism
Field trip in Wild Nephin National Park. Picture by Esther Bossink for EUROPARC.
The 13th edition of the ECST Network Meeting brought together over 100 people from 19 countries in Westport, Mayo County, Ireland from 29 – 31 October, 2024.
Networking in the Wild West of Ireland
Discover the event in pictures:
One year after the last network meeting, European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) network members, as well as other participants interested in Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, had the chance to enjoy a 3-day exchange in the ‘Wild West of Ireland’. The event focussed on visitor management in Protected Areas and provided participants with the chance to discover the West Coast of Ireland, with visits to the beautiful Connemara and Wild Nephin National Parks.
There was a numerous Irish delegation, issued from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, co-organisers of the event, and other Irish nature conservation entities, interested in learning more about sustainble tourism management in Protected Areas. Ireland is new to the ECST in Protected Areas. The Burren NP is the first Irish Park already registered to become part of the programme in 2025.
Through this event, Ireland took a further, important step towards a more sustainable form of tourism. Learn more on the dedicated page on our website: