Sustainability news June n. 4
June 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Pieve del Grappa, capital of international sport and inclusion
The small town of Pieve del Grappa is making its mark as a centre for international sport and sustainable tourism thanks to events promoting social inclusion and showcasing the local area. Project Article 33 upholds the right to practise sport for everyone by supporting activities for people with disabilities and involving the local community.
The wind power challenge looks to tourism: the ‘wind park’ guide by Legambiente
The Legambiente environmental association has launched the Parchi del Vento guide, promoting Italian wind farms as sustainable tourism destinations. The guide includes tours combining clean energy with showcasing of local heritage, featuring activities like hiking and birdwatching. Repowering improves energy efficiency and boosts the area’s tourist appeal.
Ecodays in Basilicata for rediscovering the environment, traditions and good food
The fifth edition of Ecodays in the Basilicata region highlighted the importance of promoting the environment and local traditions as tools for sustainable development. The event offered a packed programme of activities involving the local community, promoting biodiversity and showcasing cultural heritage through workshops, excursions and tastings.
Slow Move Fest in Trevinano, the first ‘slow tourism’ festival spanning Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany
The village of Trevinano is hosting Slow Move Fest, an event promoting slow and sustainable tourism through immersive experiences highlighting he natural and cultural heritage of inland areas. The festival, part of the Ri-Wind project, offers hiking, nature trails, and cultural and culinary events, promoting a development model combining innovation with protection of the local area.
Tourism: the Walking Francigena Ultramarathon is back in 2026, celebrating its tenth anniversary between Siena and Acquapendente
2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the Walking Francigena Ultramarathon, promoting slow tourism along the Via Francigena trail between Siena and Acquapendente. The event, featuring routes of up to 130 km, is a regional development model bringing together institutions, tourism operators and local communities, and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
Cycling: Appennino Bike Tour Festival 2026, from 19 June to 2 September
The Appennino Bike Tour Festival 2026 promotes sustainable mobility and experiential tourism via a cycle route stretching more than 3100 km. The event spans 14 Italian regions, showcasing villages, natural and cultural heritage and local culinary and wine specialities and promoting slow and sustainable tourism.
10 short trips to enjoy by electric car free from charging anxiety: routes and charging points
This article explores how sustainable tourism in Italy is evolving through the concept of ‘tiny travel’, featuring short trips and a well-developed network of electric charging stations. From the Aosta Valley to Calabria, travellers can enjoy scenic routes and cultural stops whilst recharging their electric vehicles, converting the recharging process into an opportunity to explore the local area.
Ferrara, a cycle-friendly city. Cycling and sustainability: the FIAB yellow flag award
Ferrara is distinguishing itself a model of sustainable mobility, receiving the highest accolade from the Italian environment and bicycle federation (FIAB) for its 227-km cycle network. The city is continuing to invest in cycling infrastructure, promoting bikes as a means for improving urban quality of life and sustainable tourism.
Summer holidays: one in two Europeans choose Italy
Italy remains the favourite destination among Europeans for their summer holidays in 2026, with growing interest in slow tourism immersed in nature. The Confturismo survey highlights how promoting lesser-known destinations can offer more authentic and sustainable experiences while helping distribute tourist flows more evenly.
News from around the world
Africa
Kenya
Large areas of coral reefs could withstand climate change, a study says
A study presented in Kenya reveals that one third of the world’s coral reefs could withstand climate change. In Kenya, resilience is favoured by involvement of local communities in sustainable management of marine resources such as fishing management and mangrove reforestation. These areas could serve as ‘living seed banks’ for restoration of damaged ecosystems.
The Americas
Colombia
Cundinamarca Regional Autonomous Corporation unveils its holiday programme: environmental activities, trekking and night-time tours in six parks
The Autonomous Regional Corporation of Cundinamarca has launched a summer calendar promoting sustainable tourism through environmental activities and guided walks in six nature parks. The initiative aims to engage people with biodiversity and local cultural heritage by offering experiences such as night-time walks and wildlife watching.
Asia
China
Chinese scientists create glow-in-the-dark plants which could light streets and homes in the future
Chinese researchers have developed genetically modified plants independently emitting light, opening up new prospects for sustainable urban lighting. These plants, which include ornamental and succulent species, could reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by incorporating organic solutions into urban landscapes.
India
Himachal Pradesh government backs eco-adventure zipline in Dharamshala to boost tourism
The Himachal Pradesh government is developing an eco-friendly zipline in Naddi, near Dharamshala, to promote sustainable tourism and create economic opportunities for local communities. The project aims to combine economic development with environmental sustainability while offering spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains.
Baralikadu: a coracle trip through nature and traditions
Baralikadu, in Tamil Nadu, is an example of sustainable tourism blending environmental protection and community development. Through activities like coracle trips and cultural performances, the project provides financial support for local tribal communities, improving their living conditions and promoting wildlife conservation.
Gavi focuses on female tourism: women can now travel for free on KSRTC buses
Gavi, in Kerala, is promoting sustainable tourism by offering free bus journeys for women, making it easier for them to visit this renowned ecotourism destination. The initiative aims to promote local biodiversity and hiking, making nature more accessible and encouraging environmental conservation.
Europe
Belgium
Wallonia may be small but it offers an extraordinary variety of experiences
Wallonia is strengthening the bond between tourism and cultural heritage through the ‘Heritage in the Spotlight’ programme, promoting cultural events and cycle tourism via an extensive cycle route network. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging soft mobility and authentic experiences.
France
Train Rouge races towards the future in Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes
The Red Train, symbolising the link between Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales, is being revitalised through a refurbishment project promoting sustainable tourism. The initiative involves use of biofuels and establishment of a community-run maintenance workshop, showcasing the landscape and supporting the local economy.
Spain
Cinco Villas, the rural gem of Aragon striving to become the tourist destination of the future
The Cinco Villas region in Aragon stands out as a model of sustainable rural tourism thanks to the Cinco Villas Nexa project, funded by the European Union. The initiative incorporates advanced technologies to improve tourist flow management and showcase historical and natural heritage while reducing use of paper and promoting an authentic and immersive tourist experience.
Navarre: Cederna Garalur launches extension of the Bidasoa Greenway as far as Elizondo
Cederna Garalur has extended the Bidasoa Greenway as far as Elizondo, creating a 57-km green corridor that promotes sustainable mobility and active tourism in northern Navarre. The project, funded by NextGenerationEU, is transforming an old railway line into a route for pedestrians and cyclists, forming part of the EuroVelo 1 network.
Switzerland
New partnership between Aargau’s historic centres and Swiss Historic Towns
The new partnership between Aargauer Altstädte and Swiss Historic Towns aims to promote Switzerland’s historical heritage through cultural and sustainable tourism. The initiative forms part of national programmes such as Swisstainable, promoting medieval historic centres and raising the international profile of historic towns.
Eco-scenari
Well-being and digital detoxes are reshaping the motivations of international tourists
The latest trends in international tourism show a growing interest in relaxation, emotional balance and digital detoxing. Travellers are seeking authentic and sustainable experiences such as hiking and interacting with local communities, promoting a form of tourism that celebrates nature and well-being.
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