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Delivering the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Practice: Local initiatives supporting sustainable tourism across Protected Areas

Protected Areas across the EUROPARC network are continuing to implement the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism through practical local initiatives and strong stakeholder cooperation. Recent case studies highlight how ECST partners are using collaborative governance, education and strategic tools to support sustainable destination management while strengthening links between nature conservation, communities and visitor experiences.

Case Study 1: ECST delivered via LEADER best practice and a 20‑partner community network

Some of the partners in Lahemaa National Park

In Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park, the implementation of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism has been supported through an active cross-sector cooperation model, combined with LEADER funding and a structured sustainable tourism strategy. To support this process, Charter actions have been delivered through LEADER — the EU rural development programme — enabling coordinated initiatives between the protected area authority, municipalities, conservation organisations and tourism businesses.

The experience shows that structured collaboration can provide continuity for the ECST implementation, with the case study noting that LEADER cooperation offers a “replicable best-practice model for ECST delivery.”

Case Study 2: Agrilab, an educational kitchen for food culture, nutrition and agrobiodiversity

Picture credit: Parchi del Ducato

At the Parchi del Ducato – Western Emilia Parks, and more specifically in the River Taro Park in northern Italy, the Agrilab educational kitchen

promotes sustainable tourism by linking environmental awareness with local gastronomy. Through cooking workshops and hands-on activities centred on seasonal products, participants explore the connections between food traditions, biodiversity and responsible consumption.

The initiative encourages visitors “to discover local foods and their stories… and understand our impact on the planet,” helping strengthen relationships between protected areas and surrounding communities. Agrilab shows how experiential learning can enhance visitor engagement while supporting more sustainable lifestyles.

Case Study 3: Development of a toolkit to support Sustainable Tourism in Wallonia

Picture Credit: Thomas Meunier

In Wallonia, Belgium, the Federation of Walloon Natural Parks has led the development of a practical toolkit to strengthen sustainable tourism planning and stakeholder engagement across regional nature parks. Designed to help park authorities and tourism partners communicate sustainability principles more effectively, the initiative provides guidance materials, examples and communication resources to promote responsible visitor behaviour and integrate biodiversity objectives into tourism strategies.

Aligned with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, the initiative supports capacity-building and more coordinated action across protected areas in the region.

Do you have interesting initiatives that you would like to share with us? Or would you like to submit a case study? Please visit our Knowledge Hub! We look forward to hearing more stories from on the ground actions.

We are delighted to welcome National Park Sharri as a new member of EUROPARC. This is a particularly special milestone, as Sharri becomes our first member from Kosovo, strengthening our network across Southeast Europe.

With its exceptional biodiversity, strong community ties, and commitment to sustainable development, National Park Sharri is a valuable addition to the EUROPARC network.

Conservation in National Park Sharri: Protecting Unique Mountain Biodiversity

National Park Sharri is a sanctuary for high-altitude biodiversity and iconic species. The Park’s conservation strategy focuses on:

• Protecting and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity
• Supporting traditional lifestyles in surrounding communities
• Providing access for education, research, and recreation
• Ensuring long-term habitat conservation for future generations

Key Conservation Achievements

The Park team has reached several important milestones:

• Discovery of a new plant species: Achillea mushtishti, a stenoendemic species unique to the Sharri region. This brings the total number of endemic species in the park to 22!
• EU-funded Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) Project approval: Supporting climate change mitigation and cross-border tourism development with partners in North Macedonia.
• Membership in the EUROPARC Federation: Strengthening Sharri’s role in European conservation efforts.

These achievements highlight the Park’s growing scientific and environmental importance.

Supporting Traditional Livestock Farming in the Sharr Mountains

(c) NP Sharri

The Sharr Mountains are known for their long tradition of transhumance and pastoralism. National Park Sharri actively supports these practices, recognizing their role in maintaining ecological balance.

How the Park Supports Local Farmers

• Ongoing cooperation with livestock farmers and their associations
• Reduced pasture taxes to support traditional grazing
• Maintenance of mountain infrastructure
• Donations to improve living conditions and production

A key cultural product is Sharr cheese, a registered product with geographical origin that reflects the region’s heritage and sustainable practices.

Sustainable Tourism in National Park Sharri

As Sharri grows in popularity for hiking and winter sports, managing visitor impact is essential.

Protecting Wildlife Through “Quiet Zones”

Strict protection areas are located in remote, high-altitude zones where visitor numbers are naturally lower. Additional measures include:

• Informational boards outlining the Park’s rules and biodiversity values
• Continuous monitoring by park rangers and control teams
• Environmental education programmes for visitors and local communities

These actions ensure that tourism development does not compromise wildlife protection.

Cross-Border Cooperation for Nature Protection

Collaboration across borders is a key strength of National Park Sharri. The Park works closely with neighboring Protected Areas in North Macedonia, including Sharr Mountain and Mavrovo.

(c) NP Sharri

Joint Initiatives and Future Plans

• Applications for EU-funded cross-border projects
• Exchange of management knowledge and best practices
• Planned joint wildlife monitoring activities
• Development of sustainable tourism across the region

The recently approved IPA project is a major step forward in strengthening this cooperation.

A Warm Welcome to National Park Sharri

We are proud to welcome National Park Sharri to our network and celebrate them as our first member from Kosovo.

Their dedication to biodiversity conservation, support for traditional communities, and commitment to international cooperation make them an inspiring partner. We look forward to working together to promote sustainable tourism and protect natural heritage for future generations.

EUROPARC Director Alberto Arroyo Schnell, EUROPARC Vice-President Marta Múgica and Andrea Gennai from Federparchi EUROPARC Italia joined the Consejo Regional of RedParques in Colombia. This visit followed the signing of the Declaration of Commitment between EUROPARC and REDPARQUES at the EUROPARC Conference last year, and is a further step towards closer cooperation.

About REDPARQUES

Marta Múgica, Alberto Arroyo Schnell and Andrea Gennai in Colombia

REDPARQUES is a Latin American network of Protected Areas that champions their vital role as natural solutions to climate change by helping to stabilise greenhouse gas levels. Its Regional Council fosters dialogue, experience sharing, and strategic coordination among 23 member countries.

In 2014, REDPARQUES adopted the Latin American Declaration on Protected Areas and Climate Change at COP 21. This declaration calls for stronger management of Protected Areas and the integration of biodiversity conservation with climate policies, emphasising how forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems sequester carbon and protect local communities.

Launching Cooperation Across Oceans

In October 2025, during the EUROPARC Conference, EUROPARC and REDPARQUES signed a Declaration of Commitment to connect Protected Areas across oceans. This marked the first step towards formalising collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting shared objectives in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and capacity building.

Strengthening the partnership

In March 2026, the EUROPARC delegation travelled to Colombia to:

• Sign the commitment towards the Memorandum of Understanding between REDPARQUES and EUROPARC
• Establish contacts with key Protected Area umbrella organisations across Latin America
• Explore opportunities for collaboration

The EUROPARC delegation included Director Alberto Arroyo Schnell; EUROPARC Vice-President and Director of EUROPARC Spain, Marta Múgica; and Andrea Gennai, representing Federparchi (EUROPARC Italian Section) as Chair of the Council of Italian Park Directors.

This exchange mission brought together REDPARQUES, the EUROPARC Federation, Federparchi/EUROPARC Italia, AICS Bogotá (South America office), and the European Union. The group engaged in fruitful discussions on governance, ecotourism, and international cooperation, aimed at reinforcing the role of Protected Areas.

The mission facilitated the sharing of experiences and strategic programmes, opening new avenues for cooperation in management, sustainable ecotourism, and governance.

Alberto Arroyo Schnell meets Ecuatorian Vice Minister of Environment Alicia Jaramillo

Formalising the alliance

The Memorandum of Understanding between EUROPARC Federation and REDPARQUES signed on March 17, 2026, during the REDPARQUES Regional Council launch in Bogotá, Colombia

The commitment towards the Memorandum of Understanding between EUROPARC Federation and REDPARQUES was signed on March 17, 2026, during the REDPARQUES Regional Council launch in Bogotá, Colombia. It was signed by Hilda Angel, REDPARQUES Regional Coordinator, and Alberto Arroyo Schnell, EUROPARC Director. Four honorary witnesses also supported the agreement: Edith Bastidas Calderón, Colombia’s Deputy Minister of the Environment; Luis Olmedo Martínez, General Director of Colombia’s National Parks; Agustín Zimmerman, FAO Representative in Colombia; and François Roudié, EU Ambassador to Colombia.

Expanding cooperation through AMAZONIA+

In the context of this trip, organised under the AMAZONIA+ programme coordinated by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS) and Federparchi/EUROPARC Italia, several important meetings took place. A strong willingness to work together in the future was the common theme, and many opportunities for collaboration emerged.

Andrea Gennai and Alberto Arroyo Schnell meet Italian Ambassador in Ecuador Giovanni Davoli

The EUROPARC & Federparchi/EUROPARC Italia delegation met in Bogotá (Colombia) with Sandra Valenzuela, Director of WWF Colombia; Luisz Olmedo Martínez, General Director of Colombia’s National Natural Parks; and François Roudié, EU Ambassador to Colombia. In Quito (Ecuador), they met with Giovanni Davoli, Italian Ambassador to Ecuador; Pedro Ponce, from the EU Embassy in Ecuador; Gabriel Quijandria, Regional Director of the IUCN South America Regional Office; and Tarsicio Granizo, Director of WWF Ecuador.

Finally, a meeting with Alicia Jaramillo, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of the Republic of Ecuador, together with Byron Adrian Lagla Chimba, Director of Protected Areas at the Ministry, again demonstrated the strong interest of national authorities in strengthening ties with EUROPARC.

Alberto, Marta and Andrea meet EU Ambassador in Colombia, François Roudié

Looking Ahead

This strategic partnership underlines EUROPARC’s core belief that nature is best managed across borders. We look forward to intensifying cooperation with REDPARQUES to address biodiversity loss and climate challenges through our Parks and Protected Areas, working together for a sustainable future. The next steps include the upcoming Amazon Week in Europe and next year’s World Parks Congress, where EUROPARC and REDPARQUES will be present together.