19 de November de 2018
Public and private sector professionals, associations and groups linked to nature and mountain activities, academic representatives, and a wide range of stakeholders gathered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to discuss sustainable tourism practices in Protected Natural Areas.
11/16/2018
Biosphere Reserves , a type of Natural Area, have, among other functions, the provision of ecosystem services , which are exemplified with great importance through tourism . "Tourism is important, but much more exhaustive control is needed because the current situation in many areas is unsustainable," said Marisa Tejedor, professor of soil science at the University of La Laguna.
Unsustainable tourism activities in Protected Natural Areas result in problems for the environment, the local communities, and tourists themselves, making planning and regulation essential. In this regard, the Tenerife Island Council is working to integrate the three pillars of territory, tourism activities, and people , as reflected in the Tenerife Tourism Strategy. "Success in tourism also brings associated problems that must be addressed," noted Alberto Bernabé, Councilor for Tourism, Internationalization, and Foreign Affairs of the Tenerife Island Council.
Along these lines, the Barcelona Provincial Council is also working to promote the development of Natural Areas through quality tourism, as well as restoring grazing areas and agricultural spaces, promoting the Reserve's products, and implementing renewable energy electrification infrastructure. As Juana Barber, Head of the Barcelona Provincial Council's Technical Office for Natural Parks and Director of the Montseny Biosphere Reserve, has pointed out, it is essential to manage the territory with the participation of its stakeholders .
In the design of rural tourism strategies, it is crucial to include the focus of rural women . In this sense, "we want to know what participation women have in the rural tourism sector, about which there is a lack of information," stated Inmaculada Idañez, President of the Confederation of Rural Women.
In addition, several private initiative experiences were shown throughout the meeting that show how it is viable to combine the offer of tourist services with respect for the landscape and the environment .
The following day, Friday, November 16, some of the debate attendees were able to enjoy a guided tour of Anaga Rural Park on the island of Tenerife.