Last week, the EUROPARC Federation represented the Dutch national parks at the Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Transport and Tourism in Athens. On behalf of the network, Sharon Jagt from Weerribben-Wieden National Park participated in discussions with young professionals from all over Europe and European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas about the future of sustainable tourism and mobility.
Sharon was nominated by the EUROPARC Federation as a representative of protected natural areas and the network of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. In Athens, she shared how national parks work towards a good balance between nature, recreation, livability, and the economy.
According to Sharon, national parks demonstrate that tourism and nature development can go hand in hand. With sustainable mobility, smart visitor management, and collaboration with residents and entrepreneurs, parks contribute to nature conservation and a strong regional economy.
The new European strategy for sustainable tourism took center stage during the meeting. There is a clear focus on the role of national parks and other protected natural areas in a sustainable future for tourism in Europe.