Online Reticula n.37/2024 - Monographic number
Sustainable tourism in Protected areas: the complex balance between local development needs and biodiversity conservation
Protected areas are a key component of any global conservation strategy. Tourism in nature offers a unique opportunity to connect visitors with the values of protected areas through first-hand knowledge, making it a potentially positive factor for conservation
However, if not managed responsibly, this activity can exert negative pressures on the surrounding environment, putting biodiversity and natural habitats at risk. It is therefore essential to promote practices that respect the ecological integrity of Protected areas by understanding, assessing and minimising the environmental impact of tourism activities through careful planning, flow management and environmental education, as well as the fundamental active involvement of local communities.