Sustainability news February n.4
February 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
From the Maiella to the Alta Murgia. Nature, greenery and historic mines. A Guide to the Geoparks of Central and Southern Italy
The geoparks of Central and Southern Italy, recognised by UNESCO, offer a unique opportunity for sustainable tourism showcasing geological and cultural heritage. These parks promote a slow, respectful approach, through hiking, cycling and exploring authentic villages, keeping local communities alive.
Green Travel Award 2026 for sustainable tourism in Campania
Pollica and San Mauro Cilento have received the Green Travel Award 2026 for the ‘Lands of the Mediterranean Diet’ project, fostering sustainable tourism by promoting the Mediterranean diet, sustainable agriculture and landscape protection. The initiative is based on a network of cooperation between administrations, businesses and associations, focusing on slow and authentic tourism.
Here in the Bolognese Apennines, the route itself is a work of art
The Bologna Montana Art Trail is a 100-kilometre route combining nature, art and local communities, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. With 25 works of land art, the project aims to showcase the local area and strengthen its economy through an immersive cultural experience.
Safeguarding historical clocks: a new bridge between Italy and Croatia
The Timeless Adriatic project, led by the Municipality of Grottammare, promotes the rediscovery of tower clocks as tools for sustainable tourism. This cross-border initiative, supported by the Italy-Croatia Interreg programme, aims to create new creative opportunities for young people and local communities.
Cavallino-Treporti obtains GSTC certification for sustainable tourism
Cavallino-Treporti has distinguished itself as the first Italian and Mediterranean beach to receive Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, confirming its commitment to responsible and eco-friendly tourism.
The Salt Road takes first place among Italy’s slow tourism trails
The Via del Sale, an ancient salt trade route, has become a strategic infrastructure asset for slow tourism, thanks to investments by the Province of Pavia and the Oltrepò Pavese Mountain Community. Improvements in signposting and shelters have made the path safer and more welcoming, fostering sustainable and authentic tourism.
News from around the world
Africa
Union of Comoros
Climate protection and sustainable management of natural ecosystems
Comoros has launched a 54 million USD project to improve climate resilience through sustainable management of its natural ecosystems. The initiative aims to protect coastal communities and promote a resilient blue economy by supporting small businesses in sectors like ecotourism.
Morocco
Transforming tourism and diversifying experiences in Morocco
Morocco is preparing for a structural tourism transformation by 2026, focusing on diversification and sustainability. Ecotourism and cultural, culinary and sporting experiences will be at the heart of the strategies, with an increasing focus on sustainability as a key competitive factor.
The Americas
Bahamas
Bahamas marine reserve redefines sustainable tourism
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first marine reserve in the Bahamas, models integrated land and sea protection. With strict bans on fishing and foraging, it fosters prosperity of local species and offers a natural laboratory for studying ecosystem resilience.
Colombia
Three municipalities where you can experience coffee culture in the Cauca Valley: magical places ideal for ecotourism
In the Cauca Valley, three municipalities offer an immersion into coffee culture and ecotourism. Sevilla, Caicedonia and Alcalá, part of the UNESCO Coffee Cultural Landscape, blend local traditions with natural beauty, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental enhancement.
Bogotá launches a campaign to boost responsible tourism and position itself as a clean and sustainable destination
Bogotá is launching a campaign to promote responsible tourism by actively involving hotels, restaurants and tour operators in sustainable waste management and the care of public areas. The initiative aims to improve international perception of the city as a clean and competitive destination.
A vital route: migratory birds linking Wisconsin and Orinoquía
The Nature Conservancy works with partners in Colombia to protect the Orinoco ecosystems, crucial for more than 50 species of migratory birds. The creation of the Serranía de Manacacías National Natural Park is a milestone in conservation, integrating regenerative agriculture and ecotourism.
Canada
Indigenous community-led tourism takes centre stage: new toolkit launched to strengthen partnerships and foster growth
The Indigenous-Led Tourism Partnership Toolkit has been launched to promote fair and sustainable tourism by strengthening ties between tour operators and indigenous communities. The toolkit aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism remain in local communities, respecting their sovereignty and traditions.
Asia
Malaysia
Campaign to safeguard endangered species in Malaysia
Malaysia is launching an ecotourism campaign for Visit Malaysia 2026, using mascots inspired by the Malaysian bear to promote biodiversity conservation. Tourists are invited to visit protection centres and wildlife parks to learn about and protect endangered species.
India
Promoting birdwatching for sustainable tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The first Island Bird Festival in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands aims to showcase local biodiversity and promote sustainable ecotourism. The event includes birdwatching activities, seminars and workshops, involving the local community as guides and custodians of the area.
Europe
From mass tourism to regenerative growth: the evolution of the Mediterranean Blue Tourism Flagship Initiative
The Med Blue Tourism Flagship Initiative aims to transform tourism in the Mediterranean, shifting the focus from mass tourism to regenerative models integrating economic development and protection of coastal ecosystems. It fosters cooperation between 21 countries, with ecotourism projects in Morocco and Lebanon, and investments in pescatourism and cultural tourism.
Save the Kentish plover! European project launched to protect this small wading bird which nests on clean beaches
The LIFE ALEXANDRO project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to protect the Kentish plover, an endangered wader, through tangible actions in Italy and Croatia. The initiative involves protecting nests, restoring habitats and working with travel operators for sustainable beach management.
Czech Republic
Prague’s new spiritual tourism campaign aims to attract slow travellers seeking history, culture and serenity
Prague is launching the Prague City Spiritual initiative, inviting travellers to explore the city’s spiritual aspect through pilgrimage routes and spaces for reflection. The campaign promotes experiential tourism that showcases local history and culture, offering an authentic and transformative travel experience.
Spain
A hiking project to promote social cohesion and sustainable tourism in Extremadura
The Vuelta a Extremadura Caminando is a hiking initiative that crosses this entire Spanish region, promoting sustainable tourism and rural development. Covering 2,300 kilometres in 100 stages, the project aims to showcase lesser-known areas and create an inclusive and ethical route, involving schools, the elderly and people with reduced mobility.
Sweden
Experience Sweden like never before: the Ostlänken railway line cuts travel times, making the journey from Stockholm to Linköping a breeze
Sweden is advancing sustainable tourism with the Ostlänken railway line, set to reduce travel times between Stockholm and Linköping in an eco-friendly alternative to planes and cars. This infrastructure project aims to reduce emissions and improve accessibility, boosting local economies and distributing tourist flows more evenly.
Oceania
Australia
Beyond the plastic horizon: Tasmania ushers in a bold new era of sustainable tourism and eco-conscious travel
Tasmania is phasing out single-use plastic to protect its green identity, supported by a government strategy that aims for zero net emissions by 2030. The initiative, led by industry associations, offers tools to reduce environmental impact and improve the tourist experience.
Eco-Scenarios
Positively impacting your holiday destination: what does the future hold for ‘regenerative’ tourism?
Regenerative tourism is offered as a solution to the disillusionment of sustainable tourism, promoting initiatives like the Palau Pledge and the Tiaki Promise, transforming travel into a moral exchange. With its CopenPay system, Copenhagen incentivises tourists to participate in beneficial activities, adding appeal to sustainability.
Extreme ways in which countries are combating overtourism
As global tourism rises, numerous destinations are taking innovative steps to manage overtourism. From Japan to the United States via Jamaica and Spain, strategies range from physical barriers and bans to incentives and advanced technologies for better distributing tourist flows.
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