The regional cooperation project Ecotourism in the Natura 2000 Network in Castilla – La Mancha

The aim of the project is to create the product Ecotourism in Castilla-La Mancha in a selection of areas of the Natura 2000 Network with the tourist companies that voluntarily wish to be trained to offer ecotourism experiences, and to promote the Natura 2000 Network areas of the 9 participating counties, improving the profitability of the small tourist companies and making a differentiated promotion of these counties to reach consumers.

During the presentation Hugo Morán, reminded that now more than ever “we have to turn our gaze towards environmental capital”, that Spain must join the European dictates where it is insisted that “we have to build a new future to ensure health and economic security.” Referring to the project, he acknowledged that “this initiative is an example of the path we must all follow in order to move forward.” He stressed that “we need to rethink the way we understand tourism” and that ecotourism is one of the best alternatives.

The Secretary of State also insisted that “project participants are the best scenario to ensure the success of the project.” He stressed that the project has the collaboration of the Ministry and commented that “natural capital within the productive sector is an excellent tool to end depopulation and desertification.”

Throughout the presentation the problem of depopulation has been discussed several times, Pablo Toledano President of the A. D. Sostenible Valle de Alcudia as Coordinating Group of the project. D. Sostenible Valle de Alcudia as Coordinating Group of the project, has commented that “All the municipalities of Castilla-La Mancha are fighting against depopulation and this is something that the framework of this project takes very much into account..

Ana Muñoz, Deputy Director General for Tourism Development and Sustainability of the Secretary of State for Tourism, commented that “design and implement sustainable development strategies to meet current demand”. Referring to the current model of sun and beach tourism, he said that it is necessary to “ensure that in the change of productive model must guarantee that natural resources are always sustainable.”. He concluded by saying that this project is an example of cooperation between administrations with competences at local, regional and national level.

During the presentation Hugo Morán, reminded that now more than ever “we have to turn our gaze towards environmental capital”, that Spain must join the European dictates where it is insisted that “we have to build a new future to ensure health and economic security.” Referring to the project, he acknowledged that “this initiative is an example of the path we must all follow in order to move forward.”

Fernando Marchán, Vice-Minister of Environment of the Regional Ministry of Sustainable Development (JCCM), commented that “we have not hesitated to offer our support to the project and participate in it.” It should not be forgotten that the “environment is one of the great values of the region at tourist level” and has reminded that 25% of Castilla-La Mancha is within the Natural Network 2000 which represents 14% of the entire National Network. He commented that the regional government considers that “ecotourism is a fundamental tool in the fight against depopulation” and that three areas in the Region already follow the sustainability criteria of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. He also recalled that work is underway to convert the Upper Tagus Natural Park into a national park, as recently announced by President Emiliano García-Page.

For his part, Alfonso Polvorinos, coordinator of the presentation of the project, has presented a comprehensive and detailed document to know how it will be developed.

The conference was closed by Francisco Martínez Arroyo, Regional Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, who congratulated the promoters for “linking tourism and environment as an excellent decision for economic diversification and the future of territories” Among the acknowledgements, he had very special words for the Rural Development Groups because “allow civil society to have a place in decision-making.” He was in favour of claiming rural pride in Castilla-La Mancha and acknowledged that the “cooperation projects are essential, we must promote them because from the experiences of different territories we have learned a lot in recent years.”

In this morning’s presentation it was made very clear that this is a project that has emerged with a vertical and comprehensive approach by linking up with the Ecotourism Club in Spain so that the results have continuity, improving the use of natural and cultural heritage and positively influencing the economy of the participating territories. Due to the fragility of these areas, it is necessary for tourism companies to apply good practices, which is why it is planned to implement the “System for the Recognition of Tourism Sustainability in the Natura 2000 Network”designed by the Secretary of State for the Environment together with the Secretary of State for Tourism A process of training and accompaniment that will help companies to create experiences that will act as promotional elements of the participating territories.