Sustainability news May n. 2
May 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
A new cycle path between the Po and the valleys
In the Po Delta, a cycle path connecting Gorino and the Lanterna Vecchia (Old Lighthouse) has been inaugurated, promoting slow and sustainable tourism. The project showcases the area’s natural landscape and historical memory, contributing to local development without compromising the environment.
Opening of La Belle Equipe cycle station in Pisa, promoting sustainable mobility
Inauguration of La Belle Equipe cycle station in Pisa marks a step forward for sustainable cycling. Strategically located, it offers rental services, assistance and guided tours, contributing to sustainable mobility and enjoyment of the local area.
Forget offices and computers: the new job of the future is in the mountains, and the training is free
A new school in Abruzzo is offering free courses to train professionals in sustainable livestock management and harnessing of local resources. The initiative, supported by Slow Food Italy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to regenerate inland areas and promote a contemporary model of economic and environmental development.
Change is afoot for sport and fishing on Lake Omodeo
The Sardinia region has updated legislation to promote sustainable use of Lake Omodeo, encouraging active tourism and regulated fishing. This initiative seeks to harness natural resources and support local economies, creating a year-round tourism model.
Sutri in Fiore wins the public heart. Mayor Amori: “Tourist numbers tripled”
Sutri has seen a threefold increase in tourist numbers thanks to a strategy leveraging its historical and landscape heritage, promoting slow tourism and cultural initiatives. The Sutri in Fiore event has boosted this trend, contributing to a development model focusing on quality and integration of local resources.
School trips by train, a money-saving breakthrough: discounts for classes and free travel for accompanying adults
Trenitalia is launching the ‘By train it’s a whole different trip’ project, turning school trips into sustainable educational experiences. The train becomes a travelling classroom, teaching young people the value of collective transport and respect for the environment. This initiative offers discounts for schools and promotes Agenda 2030-related activities.
Blue Flag 2026: Ragusa remains a leading province in Sicily
The province of Ragusa is once again among the leaders of sustainable seaside tourism in Italy, obtaining Blue Flag recognition for five municipalities. This achievement underlines the area’s commitment to environmental management and sustainable tourism development of its beaches.
Infiorate di Spello 2026: dates, programme and things to see at the Flower Festival in Umbria
The 2026 edition of the Infiorate di Spello festival is set to transform the Umbrian town of Spello into an enchanting flower show combining tradition, art and sustainability. The event involves over two thousand participants in creation of natural works of art, showcasing the local area and promoting collective participation.
Tuscany: jewel-villages are reborn in the Casentino valley through sound trails, pastoral theatres and mills
In the Casentino valley, the ‘Laudato Si’ project is promoting slow and sustainable tourism through restoration of historic buildings, creation of nature trails and showcasing of local traditions. This cultural and environmental rebirth is centred around initiatives such as the 'Sounds of Nature' sound trail and restoration of the Morino mill.
News from around the world
The Americas
Argentina
Patagonian beach headed for historic Blue Flag certification
Playa Unión, on the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, is preparing to become a model of sustainable tourism by obtaining Blue Flag certification. The initiative includes strict criteria on water quality, environmental management and safety, promoting more mindful and responsible tourism.
200 years old, 15 metres high and an ancestral legend: the story of Argentina’s tallest cactus
The 15-metre-high, 200-year-old cardon cactus of Catamarca is a symbol of adaptation to climate change and cultural significance for indigenous communities. This natural monument promotes sustainable tourism and preservation of Argentina’s landscape.
Colombia
Millennials or Boomers? This study reveals the most responsible travellers in Colombia
In Colombia, sustainable tourism is gaining momentum, with baby boomers adopting tangible actions such as reducing waste and supporting local businesses. Environmental awareness is high, with 95% of travellers viewing sustainability as a key criterion. There is growing interest in off-season and overland travel, while pets are increasingly influencing people’s choices of trip.
Humpback whale sighting signals the start of the season in Buenaventura
The 'Buenaventura 365 days a year' campaign aims to promote the region as a sustainable destination, showcasing local biodiversity, culture and cuisine. The initiative supports the local economy through responsible tourism, raising awareness among visitors about respect for the marine ecosystem and protection of humpback whales.
Dominican Republic
San Juan: production myths, mining pressure and the urgent need for a sustainable model
In San Juan de la Maguana, the debate on mining is evolving towards a sustainable growth model. The region, rich in environmental and cultural potential, is seeking to promote ecotourism and modernise agriculture to reduce dependence on public aid and create a self-sufficient economy.
Asia
China
Rehabilitated lands fuel eco tourism boom in China
In China, reforestation and ecological restoration programmes are transforming fragile areas into sustainable tourism destinations. These initiatives protect the environment while also stimulating the local economy and responsible tourism, revitalising rural communities.
India
Eco friendly overnight stays to boost Vizag tourism
The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary in Visakhapatnam is being transformed into a sustainable ecotourism destination, thanks to eco-friendly infrastructure and involvement of local communities. The project aims to blend biodiversity conservation with responsible tourism, offering immersive nature experiences and economic opportunities for tribal communities.
How Indian divers have turned ocean encounters into conservation actions thanks to PADI's Go Eco Month
In India, scuba diving is evolving from a simple tourist activity into a powerful environmental conservation tool. During Go Eco Month, promoted by PADI, divers and travellers participate in initiatives to help clean the seabed and protect coral reefs, contributing to global databases for environmental research. This movement is helping build a new ocean culture founded on responsibility and protection of marine ecosystems.
Europe
Austria
New experiential trail immersed in nature on Lake Millstatt
The ‘Experience Döbriach’ project on Lake Millstatt aims to create a sustainable and accessible adventure trail that blends into the natural landscape. Thanks to an investment of 300,000 euros, the footpath will be completed by 2026, promoting outdoor tourism and improving local quality of life.
Germany
Plan for the future of the Upper Black Forest: what the nature park is focusing on
The Southern Black Forest Nature Park has outlined a strategic plan to promote sustainable tourism, environmental education and climate change adaptation. With a planned budget of three million euros by 2026, the park aims to become a model of sustainable development in the region.
Spain
Spain beats its Blue Flag record, with Valencian Community in first place
In 2026, Spain confirmed its status as a world leadership in the Blue Flag programme with 677 awarded beaches, 151 in the Valencian Community. This award underlines the country's commitment to sustainable seaside tourism through strict criteria on environmental quality and services.
Switzerland
“We want to leave future generations a world worth living in”
The Swiss association Climate Grandparents promotes sustainability through awareness-raising campaigns and dialogue with young people. The initiative aims to turn eco-responsibility into an everyday commitment, involving multiple generations in order to tackle the climate crisis.
Eco-scenarios
Exploring the contradictions of overtourism and sustainable management strategies
The '8 Billion Neighbours' podcast explores the challenges of overtourism, highlighting the environmental and social impact of mass tourism. It discusses regulatory strategies and containment policies adopted by various cities to promote more responsible and sustainable tourism.
7 ‘dupe’ destinations: the trend that is revolutionising travel
The 'travel dupe' trend is encouraging travellers to choose lesser-known but similar iconic destinations, reducing crowding and supporting local economies. This approach promotes more sustainable tourism, distributing tourist flows and highlighting local authenticity.
David Attenborough turns 100: a century with the Planet he has watched change yet never stopped narrating
David Attenborough is celebrating a century dedicated to nature broadcasting, highlighting environmental changes and the role of sustainable tourism in biodiversity conservation, as demonstrated by the resurgence of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
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