Gîtes Panda: WWF France helped to create the Gîtes Panda label to promote the use of ecological accommodation in important natural areas, such as the Mercantour National Park in the Maritime Alps. Cottages, guesthouses, or holiday residences that qualify for the label are located near hiking trails in Regional Natural Parks or National Parks and must meet specific eco-criteria. Check out the Gîtes Panda website to learn more about the label and to find out how you can support green tourism in the French Alps.
Sustainable Tourism
The impact of tourism on Alpine nature is considerable, especially now as new waves of ‘mass tourism’ threaten to destroy pristine wildlife areas in remote Alpine locations.
But not all forms of tourism are inherently destructive. On the contrary – well planned and sustainably designed tourism can be used to promote the conservation of natural areas.
WWF is using tourism as a conservation tool. Ecological accommodation and nature educational trails are some of many examples of how tourism is being used to promote nature protection in the Alps.
What We Do
Our Vision
In the long term, tourism activities in the Alps comply with high standards of sustainability and user awareness and have a minimum impact on major conservation targets.
Related Links
Fattorie del Panda: WWF Italy’s 'Fattorie del Panda' is the equivalent of Gîtes Panda, but in Italy. A ‘Fattoria del Panda’ is a small farm located in or near a Regional/National Park. These eco-farm stays give visitors a chance to learn about the surrounding natural environment, as well as the history, culture, and traditions of the region. Visit the Fattorie del Panda website to learn more about how you can participate in green tourism in Italy.
Related Links
Emerald Trails: In collaboration with regional tourism offices, WWF Switzerland helped to create the Emerald Trails – hiking trails that link important natural areas in the Swiss Alps (e.g. protected areas, Natura 2000/Emerald sites). The trails – which offer unique natural attractions and accommodation options – are meant to raise awareness on the importance of ecological connectivity for plants and animals in the Alps.
The URSINA bear trail: An important product that came out of WWF's Ursina Project was the creation of the bear trail in the Rhaetic Triangle area. The trail was created to inform local communities and visitors about the ecological requirements of brown bears and on how to act around and live with returning bears in the region. Visit the Ursina homepage to learn more.
