Sustainability news October n. 2
13 October 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Italy
Sustainability assessment at the Terre di Pisa Festival
The Terre di Pisa Food & Wine Festival will undergo an environmental audit for the first time, with the aim of improving the sustainability of the event. The initiative involves applying the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) and aims to reduce environmental impact through practices such as reusing structures and promoting public transport.
"Paesaggio che vai" initiative to promote Italy's walking routes
The "Paesaggio che vai" project promotes Italy's walking routes (cammini) as tools for social cohesion and sustainable development, involving local communities and institutions. Twenty routes have been selected for their historical and cultural value, and the initiative aims to strengthen local heritage and the economy of inland areas.
Frignano Segreto for sustainable tourism
In the Frignano Park, in Emilia-Romagna, 'Frignano Segreto' is being launched, an itinerary dedicated to sustainable tourism. Promoted by the Emilia Centrale Parks Authority, the project was developed with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism and involves experts to improve the visitor experience, enhancing the area and supporting local communities.
How walking-route tourism is reviving inland areas
Walking-route tourism is revitalising Italy's inland areas, encouraging the rediscovery of local landscapes and traditions. This model of sustainable tourism fosters the creation of new professions and cooperatives, stimulating the local economy and countering overtourism.
Slow tourism forum in Calabria: focus on cycle routes and walking routes
In Maida, the forum 'The future of tourism is slow' explores the potential of cycle routes, walking routes and small villages to attract new tourist flows and spread demand across the year. The initiative, part of the Green Road Award in Tour, aims to turn local resources into competitive products, promoting cycle tourism and the bicycle economy as tools for sustainable development.
"Io Cammino in Sicilia" initiative promotes slow, sustainable tourism
The Sicilian Regional Day of Walking Routes and Trails drew more than 1,300 participants, underscoring the interest in slow tourism. The event showcased the island's natural and cultural heritage, promoting lesser-visited destinations and helping to spread tourist flows across the year.
Urban trekking project to enhance cultural and tourist heritage
The municipalities of Finale Ligure, Savona and Albenga are working together to promote sustainable tourism through an urban trekking project. The initiative aims to present the area as a single destination, encouraging slow and cultural tourism and promoting slow mobility and historical heritage.
Innovation and sustainability for the Sea Museum on the Aeolian Islands
The Museo del Mare di Lingua in Santa Marina Salina will be restored with funding of almost 500,000 euros, focusing on technological innovation and sustainability. The project includes multimedia rooms and digital itineraries to promote sustainable cultural tourism and spread tourist flows across the year.
In Labro, old cellars become pubs: the village reborn through smart restoration
In the medieval village of Labro, a restoration project has turned old structures into hospitality spaces, promoting slow, sustainable tourism. The initiative has preserved the historic identity of the place while creating new economic and social opportunities.
News from around the world
Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve nation adopts a new conservation model
São Tomé and Príncipe, recognised in its entirety as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is implementing a conservation model that combines environmental protection with economic development. Initiatives such as Vida Nón promote sustainable community-based activities, while HBD Príncipe supports organic farming and forest protection, creating a system that enhances biodiversity and benefits local communities.
Americas
Cuba
UNESCO assesses Cuba's Viñales Valley for inclusion in the Global Geoparks Network
The Viñales Valley, already a National Park and World Heritage Site, is being assessed for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. This recognition could promote sustainable tourism through the conservation of geological heritage, scientific research and the involvement of local communities.
Ecuador
The bycatch problem: saving sharks takes more than fishing bans
A study by Arizona State University suggests that reducing shark bycatch could be more effective than marine reserves alone in protecting sharks in the Galápagos. Involving local communities in decision-making is crucial to reconciling conservation with local economic activities.
Mexico
Balandra Beach cements its status as a world tourism gem, ranking in four international lists for 2026
Balandra Beach, in Baja California Sur, is recognised worldwide for its natural beauty and its commitment to environmental conservation. Thanks to its status as a Protected Natural Area, Balandra enforces strict environmental rules and limits on tourist access, showing how the protection of natural resources can go hand in hand with sustainable tourism and support local economies.
Asia
Japan
Why a stay at a ryokan is the ultimate lesson in slow travel
Japanese ryokan offer a travel experience that celebrates slowness and authenticity, bringing together natural and traditional elements such as tatami, the yukata and onsen hot-spring baths. Hospitality is based on omotenashi, an attentive and personalised welcome, while the architecture and cuisine respect seasonality and the local area, promoting sustainable tourism that respects the environment.
India
From coffee trails to village walks, Keralam makes everyday life engaging
Kerala launches the 'Life Experience Trails' project to promote community-based, sustainable tourism. The initiative offers itineraries that include farming, craft and cultural activities, involving local communities and generating economic opportunities for more than 500 families.
Mizoram's cosmos flower festival opens in Champhai to promote eco-cultural tourism
The cosmos flower festival in Champhai, Mizoram, promotes eco-cultural tourism by showcasing the area's natural and cultural heritage. The event, organised by the Champhai Nature Reserve, aims to bring together nature, culture and agriculture, creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Malaysia
Reconnecting with nature through community involvement
In Malaysia, organisations such as Fuze Ecoteer, Kongsi Co-op and Native Discovery are transforming sustainable tourism through ecotourism projects, sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of Indigenous communities. These initiatives not only protect biodiversity but also create economic opportunities for local communities, promoting a model of social and environmental participation.
Singapore
Singapore's next lap: a more integrated, intelligent and sustainable city
Singapore is preparing for a new phase of sustainable urban development, focusing on integrated ecosystems that combine housing, work and nature. The use of advanced technologies and low-emission solutions is driving this transformation, with projects such as the Greater Southern Waterfront and the Jurong Lake District promoting a more compact and resilient urban model.
Vietnam
Linking the cultural heritage of the terraced rice fields
Vietnam's Lao Cai province is developing a tourist route linking its terraced rice fields, promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and spreads visitor flows across the year. The initiative aims to bring together gastronomy, crafts and local hospitality, ensuring economic benefits for resident populations.
Europe
France
Sustainable tourism: the Bay of Somme receives the Green Destinations Gold Award
The Bay of Somme, in northern France, has been awarded the Green Destinations Gold Award for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The award recognises policies to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable mobility and support local operators, highlighting the region's ability to combine environmental conservation with economic development.
Greece
Santorini: wine, gastronomy and unique experiences beyond the famous sunsets
Santorini is reinventing itself by focusing on wine tourism, gastronomy and culture to attract visitors all year round. The new strategy aims to promote sustainable experiences and showcase local heritage, moving beyond its image as a summer destination.
Spain
Is Benidorm the ecological model Europe is looking for? The city stakes everything in Portugal with its most ambitious plan yet
Benidorm aspires to become a model of sustainable tourism through its bid for the European Green Leaf. The city is betting on a compact, vertical urban model, improving air quality, water management and biodiversity. Initiatives such as the reuse of items on the beaches and the expansion of green spaces are at the heart of the project.
Oceania
Australia
Australia puts limits on tourism at the Twelve Apostles, one of its main attractions
Australia is introducing online bookings and entry tickets for the Twelve Apostles in order to manage mass tourism and protect the coastal ecosystem. Revenue will go towards land conservation, with the involvement of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal community.
Eco-Scenarios
Sustainable tourism: a market worth over $3 trillion that is changing the profile of the global industry
Sustainable tourism is becoming a cornerstone of the global tourism economy, accounting for 30% of worldwide spending and growing by 10% a year. The focus is on authenticity, transparency and positive impacts on local economies, with a growing need to distinguish genuine action from greenwashing.
The promise of a blue economy in warming oceans
The blue economy offers opportunities in coastal tourism and marine energy, but it is threatened by the deterioration of ocean ecosystems. It is essential to adopt verifiable measures to ensure environmental and social benefits, avoiding the risk of bluewashing.
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