Sustainability news August n. 1
August 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026
News from Italy
Arquà Petrarca Receives UN Recognition as a Best Tourism Village
Arquà Petrarca has been awarded the prestigious Best Tourism Village designation by UN Tourism in recognition of its successful integration of cultural heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development. The award provides the historic Veneto village with an international platform to foster global collaboration and promote tourism rooted in authenticity, quality, and local identity.
Poggibonsi Joins the Italian Sustainable Municipalities Guide
Poggibonsi, in Tuscany, has been included in the Italian Sustainable Municipalities Guide thanks to its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives such as its Renewable Energy Community and Biodistrict. The recognition highlights the municipality’s dedication to ecological transition and sustainable development in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Slow Tourism Celebrates Local Identity Across Italy’s Historic Villages
Throughout July and August, historic villages including Caraglio, Nubia, Voghiera, and Sulmona celebrate the garlic harvest with traditional festivals that showcase Italy’s rich agricultural heritage. These events promote slow tourism by offering authentic experiences away from mass tourism while highlighting the deep connections between farming, local cuisine, and rural culture.
Nolan’s The Odyssey Shines an International Spotlight on the Riviera di Ulisse
The Riviera di Ulisse, on the Lazio coast, is attracting growing international attention thanks to Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey. The increased visibility presents an opportunity to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to discover authentic experiences and the area’s natural and cultural heritage beyond traditional mass tourism.
Calabria Launches Training Programme for Environmental Hiking Guides
The Gal Serre Calabresi has opened applications for a new training programme for Environmental Hiking Guides, aimed at promoting sustainable and slow tourism across the Serre and Preserre areas of Calabria. The initiative seeks to enhance the region’s natural and cultural heritage while creating new employment opportunities and supporting the revitalisation of inland communities.
Sardinia Promotes Sustainable Experiential Tourism for Generation Z
The EdA-Z project in Cagliari encourages sustainable experiential tourism designed specifically for Generation Z through outdoor activities such as eco-safaris and trekking. Funded by the Interreg Italy–France Maritime Programme, the initiative aims to strengthen young people’s connection with nature while fostering social inclusion, particularly among those facing socio-economic challenges.
Marine Ecosystem Discovery Excursions in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area
The Sas Janas association has organised an educational excursion in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. As part of the “We, the Forest, the Sea” project, guides and experts introduced participants to the area’s rich marine biodiversity while highlighting the importance of protecting fragile coastal ecosystems.
Molise Launches Initiative to Promote Its Historic Drovers’ Roads
The Gravel Social Ride is a slow tourism initiative that encourages visitors to explore Alto Molise by bicycle, following the region’s historic tratturi (ancient drovers’ roads) and discovering its charming villages. With a focus on sustainability rather than competition, the event celebrates local communities while showcasing Molise’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
News from around the world
Africa
Morocco
Safi: An Initiative to Protect the Coastline and Raise Environmental Awareness
Morocco has inaugurated the Sayfok 2026 eco-friendly village in Safi as part of the “Clean Beaches” campaign. The project aims to raise awareness about coastal protection and plastic pollution through innovative technologies and educational activities. It involves the local community through cultural and sporting initiatives, promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Tunisia
Sidi Bou Saïd Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List: Tunisia’s Tenth Recognised Site
The village of Sidi Bou Saïd has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the tenth recognised site in Tunisia. This achievement highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism by promoting its local history, cultural heritage, and unique identity.
Americas
Colombia
Promoting Biodiversity to Combat Environmental Degradation
The Valle del Cauca region in Colombia is leveraging its rich biodiversity to promote sustainable tourism through initiatives such as birdwatching and inclusive nature trails. Local communities play a key role in conservation efforts while supporting responsible economic development.
Peru
New Railway Line Between Lima and Ica to Support Sustainable Mobility
Peru is launching a new high-speed railway line connecting Lima and Ica, promoting more sustainable mobility and reducing environmental impact. The project will improve access to iconic destinations while supporting local communities and strengthening the tourism sector.
Asia
Saudi Arabia
Beyond Dunes and Ancient Cities: Unexpected Wildlife Encounters
Saudi Arabia is integrating biodiversity conservation into its sustainable development strategy through initiatives such as the protection programme for the Arabian leopard. The country is expanding protected areas and promoting responsible tourism that involves local communities, supports wildlife conservation, and contributes to ecosystem restoration.
China
Sichuan Cultural Festival Highlights Tibetan Nomadic Heritage
The Ganzi Mountain Culture and Tourism Festival in Sichuan promotes sustainable tourism by celebrating Tibetan nomadic heritage. The event offers an immersive experience combining culture and landscapes, helping preserve traditions while contributing to local economic development.
India
Kerala Launches Life Experience Trails for Sustainable Experiential Tourism
Kerala has introduced the Life Experience Trails project, promoting experiential tourism through authentic encounters with local communities and everyday life. The initiative aims to enhance cultural and natural heritage while supporting rural economies and creating employment opportunities for women and young people.
Kazakhstan
Cultural and Music Festivals Promote Eco-Friendly Tourism in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is emerging as a creative hub in Central Asia thanks to its cultural and music festivals. Held in natural settings such as mountains and parks, these events promote sustainable tourism, celebrate cultural heritage and nomadic traditions, and encourage visitors to discover lesser-known destinations.
Vietnam
Durian Plantation Ecotourism: A New Path for Rural Tourism Development
In Dak Lak province, ecotourism linked to durian plantations is emerging as an opportunity for sustainable rural development. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences in orchards while supporting local production and creating new income opportunities for farmers.
Responsible Travellers as Guardians of Vietnam’s Environment and Local Communities
Vietnam is embracing a sustainable tourism model, with a growing number of travellers seeking to contribute to environmental protection and community wellbeing. Interest is shifting towards lesser-known destinations, off-season travel, support for local businesses, sustainable mobility, and waste reduction.
Indonesia
Forest Resources, Local Crops and Sustainable Tourism Supporting Communities in Labuan Bajo
In Labuan Bajo, the “food forest” project aims to combine food security, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development. The initiative enhances forest resources and local crops, creating economic opportunities for communities while promoting food resilience.
Europe
France
France Celebrates Monet with Low-Emission Tourism Routes
To mark the centenary of Claude Monet’s death, France has launched six sustainable tourism itineraries across Normandy and Île-de-France. Accessible by train, bicycle, or on foot, these routes promote sustainable mobility and cooperation between tourism and cultural organisations, offering environmentally friendly travel experiences.
Greece
Mount Olympus Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List to Protect the Territory
Mount Olympus, already recognised as a National Park and Biosphere Reserve, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, supporting conservation strategies and sustainable tourism development. The recognition enhances the value of Greece’s natural and cultural heritage while ensuring the protection of ecosystems.
Spain
Benalauría: A European Project to Promote the Heritage of a Historic Village
In Benalauría, a young historian is leading an EU-funded sustainable tourism project designed to enhance local heritage and attract visitors interested in culture and nature. The initiative aims to preserve local identity and engage younger generations.
Pyrenees: Towards Tourism Regulation for Brown Bear Watching
Environmental organisations in the Spanish Pyrenees are calling for better regulation of wildlife tourism linked to brown bear observation in order to protect the species and encourage sustainable development. Careful management and visitor awareness are essential for responsible ecotourism.
Using Bison and Wild Horses to Help Prevent Forest Fires
Spain is experimenting with preventive grazing by bison and wild horses to reduce dry vegetation and help prevent forest fires. Supported by researchers and NGOs, the initiative protects ecosystems while promoting ecotourism and economic development in rural areas.
Sustainable Management of Protected Areas in the Natura 2000 Network
Spain, together with other European countries, is implementing measures to manage access to Natura 2000 protected areas and address overtourism. Actions include ecosystem monitoring, restrictions in sensitive areas, and the promotion of sustainable transport to support responsible tourism and preserve natural heritage.
Oceania
Australia
Eco-Friendly Tourism to Protect the Great Barrier Reef
Australia is promoting responsible tourism to protect the Great Barrier Reef by encouraging environmentally respectful experiences and citizen science activities. This approach supports biodiversity conservation while generating economic resources for marine protection and coral restoration.
Eco-Scenarios
The European Commission Adopts Digital Signage to Manage Tourism Flows
The European Commission is promoting the use of digital signage solutions to tackle overtourism by improving visitor distribution and enhancing the travel experience. Supported by artificial intelligence and big data, these technologies help monitor overcrowding and suggest alternative routes, contributing to a more sustainable tourism model.
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