„Urlaub und Erholung mit Naturerleben und Schutz der Artenvielfalt verbinden“ (Linking holidays and recreation with protecting biodiversity) is the title of a recent press release of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), which we recommend to our German-speaking readers to have a look at. The agency is presenting its new project „Voluntourismus für biologische Vielfalt in den Nationalen Naturlandschaften“. It builds on the finding that nature-based holidays (Natururlaub) in Germany is getting more and more popular. And, according to a public study (Naturbewusstseinsstudie 2017), more than half of German society is prepared to do more for the protection of biological diversity.

The „Voluntourismus“ project is based on partnerships between protected area management agencies or organisations and tourism providers. It will run for three years on a total budget of more than 440.000 Euro of the Federal Biodiversity Programme of the German Ministry of Environment. The coordinating project partner is the NGO Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V., and one of the other partners is our member and LT&C-Example Schutzstation Wattenmeer.

The project seeks to produce concrete examples, where holidaymakers are voluntarily supporting the management of protected nature areas. It is totally in line with the mission of LT&C. The Corona crisis furthermore triggered the understanding that more regional holidays could often outway international tourism in regard to environmental benefits or footprints. In this context, it would be great if among German tourists the LT&C Examples in their neighbourhood, the Wadden Sea, the Jasmund National Park centre „Königsstuhl“ or the Tree Top Walks are getting more popular by producing support and understanding for nature conservation.

It will be interesting to see the results of the „Voluntourismus“ project. It could become an LT&C-Example in itself and hopefully, other countries will copy it.

More information about the project you find here.