The European Parliament in Brussels hosted the prestigious ECST & STAR Awards 2024 Ceremony, celebrating Protected Areas and businesses championing sustainability in tourism.
The event was kindly hosted by the Honourable MEP Giuseppe Antoci, a representative of the Left Group and former president of the Nebrodi Regional Park.
In his opening address, Mr. Antoci emphasized the urgent environmental and climate challenges we face and underscored the vital role Protected Areas can play in addressing them.
MEP Antonio Decaro, chairman of the ENVI Committee, also attended and highlighted the importance of ensuring robust economic resources to support the success of Protected Areas.
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The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas
Overall, 19 parks were awarded the ECST. This includes two new awardees and 17 that have successfully re-applied to the ECST.
Get to know the two new awardees!
Parco del Beigua – UNESCO Global Geopark
Riserva Naturale Regionale Monte Genzana Alto Gizio
17 Parks renewed their commitment to the ECST
CROATIA
- Medvednica Natural Park
FRANCE
- Parc National de la Guadeloupe
ITALY
- Aree Protette dell’Ossola
- Parco Regionale della Maremma
- Parco Nazionale Appennino tosco emiliano
- Parco Nazionale D’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
- Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere – Tuscan Mining UNESCO Global Geopark
- Parco Nazionale del Pollino
- Parco Nazionale della Sila
- Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane – UNESCO Global Geopark
- Val Grande National Park
PORTUGAL
- Parque Natural da Ilha de São Miguel – Terras do Priolo, Açores
- Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
SPAIN
- Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser
- Parque Natural & Geoparque Sierras Subbéticas
- Parque Nacional, Parque Natural y Reserva de la Biosfera de Sierra Nevada
UK
- Shropshire Hills National Landscape
Inspiring presentations
The ceremony featured insightful talks by experts in sustainable tourism, sharing best practices and lessons from their pioneering efforts:
- Alonso Miguel – Discussed “Collaboration Between Environmental Authorities and Tourism Authorities in Terras do Priolo, Açores”, highlighting synergies between conservation and tourism.
- Andrea Kostelić – Presented “Pick One, Leave None” from Medvednica Nature Park, an initiative promoting waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
- Xavier Grivé Isern – Addressed “Regulation of Access to Overcrowded Natural Areas in Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Nature Park”, emphasizing sustainable visitor management in fragile ecosystems.
Photo: Sandra Grego, EUROPARC Federation
Recognizing Excellence! STAR Awards 2024 Winners
Further information here.
The STAR awards celebrated exceptional contributions of businesses to sustainable tourism in four key categories:
Contribution to Conservation
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- El Rei del Mar, from Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter Nature Park, for advancing marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
Photo: Sandra Grego, EUROPARC Federation
The International Jury recognized El Rei del Mar for its extensive collaboration with a diverse range of significant partners. Their dedicated efforts in marine species conservation, training initiatives, and monitoring activities with clear conservation goals were highly commended. They actively participate in the “Adopt a Diving Spot” program, ensuring the care and maintenance of specific underwater areas. Additionally, they contribute to citizen science by reporting fish biomass through photography, conducting sea floor cleanups, and partnering with an NGO to monitor grooper populations.
Building My Community
Descoberta S.L., from Garraf, d’Olèrdola i del Foix Parks, for fostering community engagement and local economic development.
Photo: Sandra Grego, EUROPARC Federation
The International Jury recognized Descoberta for its exceptional collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders in organizing impactful nature conservation activities. These efforts include engaging local communities, hosting participatory events such as youth councils, and facilitating projects that encourage citizens to share their views on local political actions. They also spearhead awareness campaigns in partnership with public administration, focusing on urban waste management, promoting public transportation, and maintaining streets and squares. Additionally, Descoberta collaborates with the Asperger Syndrome Association, organizes activities for refugees, and has developed a comprehensive plan for gender equality.
Reducing Impacts on the Environment
Travel Today, from the Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere – Tuscan Mining UNESCO Global Geopark, for innovative approaches to minimizing tourism’s ecological footprint.
Photo: Sandra Grego, EUROPARC Federation
Travel Today is an active member of the forum and serves as the official tour operator for the Parco Nazionale delle Colline Metallifere. In collaboration with local stakeholders, they have developed a tool to promote sustainable tourism, calculate ecological footprints, market local products, and implement onsite compensation measures. Through their online portal, 3% of the value of each product sold is allocated to compensation projects identified by the forum for sustainable tourism. Additionally, Travel Today organizes eco-driving courses for their employees and offers discounts to clients who travel using public transport.
Communicating the Values of My Park and Business (and Overall STAR Awards Winner)
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- Soomaa.com, by Viis Aastaaega OÜ, from Soomaa National Park, for exceptional efforts in promoting the cultural and natural heritage of the park while inspiring sustainable practices.
Photo: Sandra Grego, EUROPARC Federation
Aivar Ruukel, founder of Soomaa.com, has been a pioneer in promoting sustainable tourism since the 1990s. His efforts played a key role in ending logging in parts of the national park and contributed to the improvement of protected area zoning for conservation of forest ecosystems. One of his most remarkable initiatives is the preservation of the traditional craft of building aspen dugout canoes. This unique cultural practice has been recognized and inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.