Sustainability News June 2025 N. 1
2 June 2025
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2025
News from Italy
Guided expeditions among the wild herbs of Turin in the name of responsible tourism
The ‘El sabat d’le erbe’ initiative promotes conscious exploration of wild herbs in Valchiusella, Turin. Guided by experts, participants learn to recognise herbs without picking them, respecting the environment. The event includes snacks and dinners, featuring herb-based dishes, showcasing the local food and wine heritage.
Award for top Italian cycling routes 2025
The Green Road Award honours the best Italian cycle routes, promoting sustainable tourism on two wheels. Liguria came first, with its Cycling Riviera, followed by the Basilicata and Apulia regions. Several initiatives have earned special mentions, highlighting the importance of slow and sustainable tourism.
Promoting sustainability in Italian lake areas
The Festival dei Laghi, on Lake Iseo, is returning with an international approach, involving twenty European delegations, to promote sustainable development of lake areas. The event includes ecological initiatives for cleaning the lakes and use of an electric catamaran symbolising eco-friendly tourism.
News from around the world
The Americas
Costa Rica
Sustainability gives Costa Rica an international edge
Costa Rica has distinguished itself as an investment hub thanks to its political stability and commitment to sustainability. With almost 100% renewable energy and reforestation policies, the country has turned sustainability into a competitive advantage, attracting international investors.
Colombia
Muzo is evolving into a sustainable tourism destination
Muzo, Colombia, known for its emeralds, is committed to becoming a sustainable tourism destination thanks to a plan harnessing its cultural and natural heritage. The initiative includes experiential tours, ecotourism and reforestation projects, aimed at boosting the local economy and promoting environmental sustainability.
Regenerative and sustainable tourism in the villages of Antioquia
Antioquia,
Colombia, stands out as a sustainable tourist destination thanks to its
‘Antioquia es Mágica’ strategy, which promotes rural and regenerative tourism.
This initiative aims to preserve the natural and cultural heritage by engaging
visitors in authentic and sustainable experiences.
Argentina
UN Best Tourism Villages 2025 selection
The UN has selected the villages of San Javier and Yacanto, located in the Sierra de Córdoba, for its Best Tourism Villages 2025 programme. These destinations offer sustainable tourism that values biodiversity and local traditions, with a development model promoting economic growth without compromising the environment.
Mexico
Ibero-American Conference: Almería shares its sustainable approach to tourism
Almería presented its sustainable tourism model at the Ibero-American Conference in Mexico, highlighting the importance of managing tourist flows to avoid overcrowding and promote high-quality tourism. The initiative involves a broad tourism offering and partnership between public and private bodies for sustainable strategic development.
Asia
Malaysia
Agoda rates Malaysia as a top-ten Asian destination for slow tourism
Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi are the leading Malaysian destinations for slow tourism, offering a mix of cultural heritage and modernity. Visitors enjoy exploring lively neighbourhoods at a leisurely pace as well as the wonderful local food.
India
Buffer Mein Safar Yojana initiative to promote ecotourism and support local communities
The Buffer Mein Safar Yojana project, in Uttar Pradesh, is transforming tiger reserve buffer zones into ecotourism destinations, involving local communities as guides and tour operators. This initiative aims to ease pressure on protected areas, promoting wildlife conservation and sustainable economic development.
Initiatives to safeguard indigenous communities and biodiversity in India
The UNDP has launched the North-East India Biocultural Initiative to engage indigenous communities in ecotourism projects and rediscovery of traditional knowledge, promoting food security and environmental sustainability.
Ecotourism threatens Delhi’s protected forests
In Delhi, ecotourism initiatives such as the LG Rock Café are turning protected forests into recreational spaces, putting the ecological balance at risk. Illegal commercial activities and tourist encroachment are threatening the biodiversity and tranquillity of green areas, raising concerns among residents and environmentalists.
Europe
Greece
Athens limits short-term rentals for more sustainable tourism
Athens is taking steps to manage the impact of tourism on residents’ lives by introducing a ban on new short-term rentals in the city centre and considering further restrictions. The Sustainable Tourism Observatory is monitoring tourist flows to prevent urban and social overloading.
Marine conservation initiatives on Lesvos
The Blue Hope Spot Mission, on the island of Lesvos, is addressing declining marine biodiversity in the Aegean Sea through environmental restoration projects, education and removal of ghost fishing nets. The initiative aims to create a Marine Reserve and promotes sustainable practices and a circular economy.
Spain
Madrid and Barcelona are among the top cities for walking in 2025
Spain is a leader in sustainable walking tourism, with Madrid and Barcelona in the world’s top ten cities for walking. GuruWalk’s ranking highlights the importance of slow and authentic tourism, with 25 Spanish cities in the top 100, promoting a more sustainable travel experience in touch with local history.
United Kingdom
Devon: excellence in sustainable holiday parks
The Ladram Bay and Castle Brake holiday parks in East Devon have achieved the Green Tourism Gold Award for sustainable practices like solar energy use, composting and support for biodiversity. Decisive factors in this recognition were staff commitment and partnership with local suppliers.
Eco-Scenarios
Global tourism expansion and its environmental impact
This article explores contradictions in modern tourism, highlighting how the desire to travel often overshadows environmental awareness. It discusses the impact of mass tourism on local communities and areas, proposing slower, more mindful tourism as an alternative, while recognising inequalities in the accessibility of these practices.
The importance of travelling mindfully to reduce the impact of mass tourism
Mass tourism is causing serious environmental and social harm to many destinations. The Canary Islands and Mount Fuji are examples of overcrowded places, and experts suggest more mindful travel to mitigate these effects.
Exploring the world slowly and mindfully through bikepacking
Bikepacking, a combination of mountain biking and minimalist backpacking, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional tourism, promoting a more human and mindful travel experience. Travellers can rediscover themselves and the world around them through planned routes and authentic encounters.
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