Sustainability news June n. 3
June 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
The 'Appenninamente' festival of culture and slow tourism goes live in Valfornace, in the Marche region
The Appenninamente festival in Valfornace promotes the revitalisation of the Marche region’s inland areas through hikes, cycling routes and cultural events. The initiative aims to showcase natural and historical heritage, involving local communities and cultural organisations in a sustainable development model based on identity and participation.
Rediscovering Italy’s mines, where slow tourism meets strategic potential
In Italy, mining tourism is transforming former mines into cultural and sustainable attractions, such as parks and museums. This approach promotes alternative tourist routes while also helping preserve historical memory and supporting local economic development.
Ten sustainable tips for walking in the mountains: a guide for everyone
The ten-point guide, promoted by the Catholic scouts and guides (AGESCI) and the national volunteering association (CSVnet) and supported by the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS) and the Club Alpino Italiano, sets out ten steps towards sustainable mountain tourism. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of reducing environmental impact, promoting local produce and encouraging slow tourism, also fostering inclusion and intercultural dialogue.
Sardinia’s Seven Royal Towns: a new tour through history and villages
Sardinia is launching the 'Seven Royal Towns' tour, a project linking seven historic towns to promote sustainable cultural tourism. With a €30 million investment, the initiative aims to restore monuments and historic centres, transforming towns into an open-air museum showcasing local traditions and heritage.
In Sicily, another natural haven reopens its doors, offering a spectacle suspended between hills and sea
The Monte Cofano Nature Reserve in Sicily is reopening its coastal path, promoting sustainable tourism that prioritises environmental protection and responsible enjoyment of natural heritage.
News dal mondo
The Americas
Brazil
Brasil DNA Highlights Bahia as a Premier Destination for Culture, Cuisine, and Sustainable Tourism
Brasil DNA is launching a campaign to promote Bahia as a sustainable tourism destination, showcasing its cultural and natural heritage. The initiative aims to combine authentic experiences with sustainability, highlighting Chapada Diamantina’s biodiversity and the area’s rich culinary tradition.
Brazil and its lush landscapes aim to attract Latin American tourists
Brazil is striving to become a leading ecotourism destination, promoting over 600 nature reserves via an international platform. This initiative is a response to the growing demand for sustainable and authentic travel, helping preserve biodiversity and generate economic benefits.
Chile
Chile: see the ocean through new eyes
Chile, with its extensive coastline and Antarctic territory, is striving to become a blue economy leader through initiatives such as IOC-UNESCO Blue Schools and the Ganamar Ocean Culture Kit. These actions aim to promote an ocean culture recognising the sea as a strategic resource and a source of identity, essential for sustainable development.
Costa Rica
Battle of the Bay establishes Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce as an international hub for responsible sport fishing
Battle of the Bay 2026 has confirmed Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce as a hub for responsible sport fishing, promoting environmental sustainability initiatives and supporting local communities. The event combined sport, environmental protection and economic development, confirming the gulf’s role as a model of sustainable tourism.
Panama
Panama is the country with the world’s second-highest percentage of marine protected areas
Panama is a global leader in protection of its marine areas, with over 54% of its waters protected. This commitment includes creation of marine parks and nature reserves, helping conserve biodiversity and combat climate change.
United States
‘Year of Outdoors’ campaign promotes slow and sustainable tourism in Louisiana
Louisiana is launching the ‘Year of Outdoors’ campaign to promote sustainable tourism through guided tours and activities showcasing local ecosystems. The initiative aims to encourage visitors to explore bayous, marshes and cultural traditions, positioning this state as an alternative destination to big cities.
Asia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi reserve offers prime stargazing opportunities in bid to boost astro-tourism
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia is a leading astrotourism destination thanks to its ideal stargazing conditions. Astronomical events and Dark Sky certification from DarkSky International confirm its role in sustainable tourism, combining research with environmental conservation.
Vietnam
UNESCO status awarded to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam
The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam has been named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development. This award promotes sustainable and community-based tourism, boosting protection of ecosystems and supporting local economic development.
Europe
Italy and Croatia bet on traditional maritime trades as a sustainable tourism opportunity
The Trans Maris project, funded by the Italy-Croatia Interreg programme, aims to pass on traditional maritime skills to younger generations, harnessing them as opportunities for sustainable tourism. It involves young people in a training programme including practical workshops and a sailing expedition, promoting maritime culture and UNESCO candidacy for traditional lug sailing.
Industrial tourism meets the demand for unique experiences in atypical places
Industrial tourism in Europe is transforming factories and manufacturing sites into tourist attractions, showcasing the region’s industrial heritage and manufacturing culture. This approach strengthens local identity while also helping distribute tourist flows more evenly throughout the year and contributing to local economic regeneration.
New long-distance walking route inspired by mythology débuts between France and Belgium
By 2026, the Ardennes will offer a 350-kilometre slow tourism route among forests, lakes and historic villages. The trail, inspired by the Celtic goddess Arduinna, promotes local culture and biodiversity, linking up with existing footpaths and accommodation facilities.
The EU turns its attention to its islands and coasts with an unprecedented plan to tackle depopulation and the climate crisis
The European Commission has approved strategies to tackle depopulation and the climate crisis in island and in coastal communities, promoting sustainable development through investment in renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
France
Green tourism in the Lot: the Gourdon region focuses on fishing and cycling
The Gourdon region, in France’s Lot department, is promoting sustainable tourism through quality schemes for anglers and cycle tourists. The initiative aims to promote the local area through specialised services and a personalised welcome, while supporting slow, eco-friendly tourism.
Free trail running centre opens in the Chevreuse Valley
A free trail running centre has opened in the Chevreuse Valley, featuring routes designed to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the local area. The initiative, supported by local authorities, aims to regulate access to natural areas, protect local flora and fauna and promote sustainable transport.
Germany
Alps Future Award presented for the first time at the Alpine Climate Summit: Lebensraum Tirol Group and AlpNet honour pioneering projects
The Alps Future Award 2026, presented at the Alpine Climate Summit, recognises innovative projects promoting sustainability in the Alps. With 75 entries, the award focuses on the energy transition and sustainable tourism, highlighting existing initiatives that offer replicable models for sustainable development of the region.
United Kingdom
Sunday closures to promote sustainable tourism on Scotland’s Isle of Ulva
The island of Ulva, in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, has introduced Sunday closure of its passenger ferry service during the summer to manage tourist influx and preserve the balance of the local community. This measure aims to reconcile the interests of tourism with the sustainability of life on the island.
Spain
Puebla de Sanabria, the perfect medieval village to visit in spring: a historic, artistic site and a haven for wolves
Puebla de Sanabria, a medieval village in Castile and León, is a prime example of sustainable tourism thanks to the Iberian Wolf Centre. This sanctuary fosters conservation of the Iberian wolf through guided tours and environmental education, combining culture and nature in a unique historical and scenic setting.
Caminito del Rey: Spain’s longest suspension bridge now open!
The Caminito del Rey, a well-known nature trail in Spain, has opened a suspended walkway that improves safety and makes the route less challenging, also integrating environmental monitoring systems and reforestation initiatives. This project, funded by revenue from the site itself, supports sustainable tourism and the local economy.
Oceania
French Polynesia
French Polynesia blends marine conservation and sustainable tourism
To mark World Oceans Day, French Polynesia is distinguishing itself with an approach to sustainable tourism combining protection of marine ecosystems with economic development. Establishment of Tainui Atea, the world’s largest protected marine area, and the involvement of local communities are examples of how conservation can attract tourists and boost local development.
Eco-scenari
Why carpooling for holidays is growing in popularity
Carpooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for holiday travel thanks to its ability to cut costs and CO₂ emissions. This practice not only offers an affordable alternative to traditional transport but also promotes social interaction and accessibility for those on a budget.
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