Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2026-06-08

Description

Description (EN):

Increased demand and interest in outdoor activities are great opportunities, but also challenges for each protected area (PA) to meet visitors’ expectations, but also to protect natural values. The project aims to assist PA managers in Central Europe (CE) in the evidence-based and participatory management (still insufficiently present in practice), helping them put the right measures in the right places, make smarter decisions, prevent negative impacts and human-nature conflicts, and reduce risk using an incremental approach. A key project message is the importance of better managing visitors today so that tomorrow’s visitors can also experience quality sites, their conservation values, and the livelihood and well-being of local communities are supported as well. The project focuses on the joint development of new complementary tools and methods of tourists’ impact assessment based on transnational exchanges of experiences to better evaluate environmental conditions and trends, take explicit managerial responses and actions, develop information for national and EU policymakers, and the public. Jointly developed pilot actions and solutions will demonstrate the use of innovative approaches to measuring the environmental impacts of tourism inside PAs. Involvement of tourists and local communities in project activities, including participatory monitoring, will not only produce new valuable data but also bring awareness-raising, trust-building, and behavioral change. For individuals (tourists and locals), this is a learning activity, when they can critically analyze the world around them and identify practical actions to protect the environment. Partners will also reflect existing narratives and together create new ones for the development of the ‘common heritage’ narrative and its ability to support policymaking. Jointly developed project outputs and final recommendations will be shared among relevant stakeholders trough accompanying communication activities.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first year of the project, the partners focused on the following main goals: - identify the impacts of different recreational activities on natural assets inside protected areas, mainly at pilot sites - select suitable methods and approaches for monitoring various indicators in the environment to determine the tourist impact - prepare various technical tools for partners and citizen scientists to measure the impact, collect data, store, and analyze them - better understand the attitudes of residents, tourists, and various stakeholders towards nature and its protection as well as the relationships between different actors and interest them in project activities - communicate partial results of the project with different target groups - strengthen cooperation between project partners To achieve these goals, the partners carried out activities and created deliverables and outputs as follows: - The partners managing the pilot sites, in cooperation with other partners, carried out a detailed analysis of the pilot sites. Site-specific analyses outlined tourism impact-related problems to be addressed later in pilot actions. They evaluated subjects relevant to visitor impacts on natural values (flora, fauna, ecosystems, habitats, land types, or geological features), and summarised all findings in 5 comprehensive reports. - All HUMANITA partners together provided desk research on innovative monitoring techniques to measure the environmental impacts of tourism inside protected areas and organized a workshop with good-practice owners. Information from these activities was summarised in the report giving a comprehensive overview of identified monitoring methods of tourism activities and related impacts on natural assets. - In the summer of 2023, the partners implemented trial monitoring and designed tools and instructions for data collection for further monitoring. The result is a joint monitoring strategy for the next project periods. They also prepared a database and a user interface for entering data for future monitoring. For citizen scientists practical and cost-effective tool kits were prepared to collect data from the environment and at the same time to engage the public in nature conservation. Some partners started to prepare permissions required for the investment according to the respective national legislation, prepare technical documents for investments and public procurement procedures for pilot actions. - Partners prepared 5 tourist surveys to better understand the tourists’ attitude towards nature and pilot sites protected areas. The common questionnaire was developed for each pilot site to gain comparable data from different countries and PAs. The findings were summarised in a common report. Stakeholder interviews and workshops (e.g. with local policymakers, businesses, tourist operators, farmers, protected area managers, etc.) were organised to better understand the interaction of tourists with different stakeholders. Information was evaluated in the form of a common report summarising the conclusion of the interaction process with all actors. - PP4 prepared a communication starter package including a Joint communication strategy and action plan, with stakeholder analysis and engagement strategy to reach different target groups and key stakeholders. Project results and news were communicated on local and project levels via different channels (web pages, social media, press releases, posters, roll-ups, events…) Partners disseminated 1st newsletter and prepared 2nd issue in several language versions. The concept of the 1st leaflet was designed too. Collaboration with ICE “sister” project was established. Some associated partners helped us to prepare a Joint transnational strategy and attended both project in-person meetings and several online meetings. - Internal communication was performed via Basecamp - the project management platform that helped us to move faster and make more progress. Partners met every two weeks during regular online meetings. Two in-person meetings with on-site excursions in Bükk and Malá Fatra enabled partners to also get familiar with pilot sites. Templates for all communication documents were developed. The quality management plan was prepared to design and follow the procedures for achieving high-quality project outputs. Partners evaluated project progress during in-person meetings. - Several study visits were organized to collect data or share equipment, but also support mutual, learning, exchange of knowledge, and experiences among the partners and pilot sites of the project on tourism impact-related problems, monitoring, and protected area management. Individual partners met during task or problem-related topics during onsite, and especially online meetings. Since the beginning of the project, the partners have accomplished a great deal of valuable work. Activities started with an assessment of the situation at the pilot sites located in five protected areas in Central Europe. The natural values of the sites were evaluated, along with the presence of various tourist activities and the problems associated with them. The partners prepared reports on the pilot sites and their current conditions. At the same time, we gathered information on innovative monitoring methods and developed a concept for testing different approaches — a Transnational Strategy, which served as a plan and manual for testing methods at the pilot sites. This document will later be adapted to broader use beyond the project and partnership. Communication with local communities and various stakeholders was also initiated, with the goal of involving them in the project. Another target group was tourists visiting the pilot areas. To understand their attitudes towards nature, we conducted surveys. The results were interesting — one key finding was that few tourists are aware of the impact of tourism on nature or of their own contribution to such issues. All these activities prepared us for the next important phase of the project. Partners began testing various monitoring methods as pilot actions at the pilot sites to detect the impact of tourism on different elements of nature, such as fauna, flora, water, and soil. We also involved the general public in monitoring through citizen science applications. All collected data were stored in a dedicated database developed by the University of Parma. Tools for data evaluation and visualization are currently under development. We also began working on the definition of Action Plans by introducing proposals for discussion with partners in order to establish a shared framework regarding structure, content, and applicability. Several study visits were organized to collect data or share equipment, but also to support mutual learning, knowledge exchange, and experience-sharing among partners and pilot sites on tourism-related impacts, monitoring, and protected area management. Individual partners met to address specific tasks or problems, primarily during on-site and especially online meetings. Activities to develop common heritage narratives began at the pilot sites. EURAC and Notitia prepared materials for project evaluation and stakeholder engagement. Work is underway to finalize the materials for the creation of a mechanism for developing the ‘common heritage’ narrative and its ability to support policymaking. Since the start of the project, a total of four in-person meetings with on-site excursions have enabled partners to become familiar with the pilot sites. The Bükk National Park Directorate built a new educational trail highlighting the environmental issues at its pilot site. Materials for the Summer School are under development. For this purpose, we will also use materials developed for the Green Academy and published on the project website. The Summer School has been planned, including accreditation, logistical arrangements, and expert involvement. Several internships were organized at EURAC and CEEweb. Students helped partners carry out project activities and, at the same time, gained valuable knowledge about nature conservation. Communication activities continued both at the project level and at the level of individual partners. Several materials were prepared for use in activities at pilot sites. Partners published information about project activities in the media and on social networks, as well as during in-person workshops. We published articles in professional journals and presented the project at conferences. In the final third phase of the project, which will begin in the fifth period, we will analyze the data and prepare outputs that will be useful for various target groups, including stakeholders beyond the consortium.

Project outputs: Jointly developed transnational monitoring strategy(EN)
Jointly developed pilot actions testing new innovative monitoring methods and approaches(EN)
Jointly developed solutions assessing the impact value of different types of tourist activities on nature(EN)
Local action plans to monitor and resolve human-nature conflicts in pilot sites(EN)
HUMANITA - further transnational cooperation(EN)

Thematic information

Tourism

Priority: (VI-B_CE_2) Cooperating for a greener central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 078 Protection, restoration and sustainable use of Natura 2000 sites

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: Žilinská univerzita v Žiline

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999969606

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020677824

Department: Department of Geotechnics

Address: Univerzitná , 01026 Žilina, Slovakia

Department address: Univerzitná, 01026 Žilina, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/en/

Total budget: EUR 398 434.95

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 318 747.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 79 686.99

Contractors:

Name: DK Vertical LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: SK2024104940

Bükki Nemzeti Park Igazgatósága

Name: Bükki Nemzeti Park Igazgatósága

Department: Department of Project Management

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU15323864

Address: Sánc utca, 3300 Eger, Hungary

Department address: Sánc utca, 3300 Eger, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.bnpi.hu/en/hirek

Total budget: EUR 134 568.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 107 654.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 913.60

Contractors:

Name: Euroone Számítástechnikai Zrt.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10649297-2-44
Name: IMG Solution Zrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 28771315-2-44
Name: Magyar Telekom Nyrt.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10773381-2-44
Name: Szakóca Alapítvány
VAT registration or tax identification number: 19370129-2-05

Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Tosco-Emiliano

Name: Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Tosco-Emiliano

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 925738901

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02018520359

Address: Via Comunale, 54013 Sassalbo di Fivizzano (MS) , Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.parcoappennino.it/index.php

Total budget: EUR 204 763.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 163 810.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 952.60

Contractors:

Name: DOTT.SSA CECILIA MOLINARI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03112540343

Javna ustanova Kamenjak

Name: Javna ustanova Kamenjak

Department: Project department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 949812652

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR09968170983

Address: Selo, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Department address: Selo, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.kamenjak.hr

Total budget: EUR 176 643.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 141 314.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 328.60

Contractors:

Name: Penta d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 44365765619

CEEweb a Biológiai Sokféleségért

Name: CEEweb a Biológiai Sokféleségért

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 941684149

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18413483

Address: Széher, 1021 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.ceeweb.org/

Total budget: EUR 137 550.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 110 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 510.00

EVTZ GEOPARK KARAWANKEN m.b.H.

Name: EVTZ GEOPARK KARAWANKEN m.b.H.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 939915354

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU75506409

Address: Hauptplatz , 9135 Bad Eisenkappel/Železna Kapla, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: EGTC

Website: https://www.geopark-karawanken.at/

Total budget: EUR 214 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 800.00

Contractors:

Name: E.C.O. Institut für Ökologie
VAT registration or tax identification number: ATU53268707
Name: A & P Chambers
VAT registration or tax identification number: 456 3237 45

FH Kärnten - gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH

Name: FH Kärnten - gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH

Department: Engineering & IT

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU77483224

Address: Europastraße , 9524 Villach, Austria

Department address: Europastraße , 9524 Villach, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.fh-kaernten.at//

Total budget: EUR 307 240.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 245 792.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 61 448.00

Contractors:

Name: SINSOMA GmbH
VAT registration or tax identification number: ATU73438318

NOTITIA d. o. o.

Name: NOTITIA d. o. o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 919962357

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR51769285992

Address: Horvaćanska, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.notitia.hr

Total budget: EUR 213 620.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 170 896.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 724.00

Contractors:

Name: NOVUS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16708713190

Università degli Studi di Parma

Name: Università degli Studi di Parma

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999846028

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00308780345

Address: Via Università, 43121 Parma, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.unipr.it

Total budget: EUR 301 806.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 241 445.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 60 361.34

Eurac research

Name: Eurac research

Department: Institute for Regional Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999887253

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT01659400210

Address: Viale Druso, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Department address: Viale Druso, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.eurac.edu/en

Total budget: EUR 267 606.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 214 084.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 521.20

Contractors:

Name: Get Visulaive Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32188525-1-07
Name: SMG Languages Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04706930981
Name: PUBLISTAMPA SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00579410226
Name: GDA Revisori Indipendenti Spa
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT01023500331
Name: Athesia Druck GmbH
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02355260981
Name: Levet Roberta
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT01922380041
Name: Michal Medek
VAT registration or tax identification number: 65346203

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Bükk National Park Directorate

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution Kamenjak

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

CEEweb for Biodiversity

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

EGTC GEOPARK KARAWANKEN/KARAVANKE

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

Fachhochschule Kärnten – Gemeinnützige Privatstiftung

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

NOTITIA

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

University of Parma

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

Eurac research

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Partners and Projects info

University of Žilina

Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Project acronym: HUMANITA

Project ID: CE0100248

Project start date: 2023-04-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

CENTRALPARKS (Central Europe) (EN) | HUMANITA and CentralParks share the need to build capacities of PAs managers to cope with the presence of tourists and the protection of environment. The results obtained by CentralParks, mainly related to the analysis of ecosystem services and the building of transnational cooperation will be further implemented and revised by HUMANITA. Eurac is LP in CentralParks, and therefore can ensure a deep connection between the two projects and the implementation of CentralParks results in other areas of CentralEurope (EN), DINALPCONNECT (ADRION) (EN) | Eurac is WP leader in the Dinalconnect project, and is responsible for the developmento of GIS model and analysis of ecological connectivity. Eurac has also carried on a public consultation process through a SWOT analysis aimed at defiing the potential opportunities, even in the tourism field, related to the protection of the environment and the establishment of transnational cooperation. The analyisis of pro-biodiversity business developed in Dinalpconnect will be of great help also in HUMANITA, because it can help local stakeholders and communities to build up initiatives for the improvement of their socioeconomic conditions together with the protection of the environment. (EN), LIFEWOLFALPS.EU (LIFE+) (EN) | LIFEWOLFALPS.EU aims at the protection of the wolf population in the Alps and at the coexistence of wolves and society. A focus of the project is on the development of local brands to protect the economic activities in wolves areas. These initiatives will be taken as good practices by HUMANITA and implemented accordingly to the central europe project area. Additionally, the involvement of local stakeholders in dedicated platform, carried on by Eurac in LIFEWOLFALPS.EU will be further implemented also in HUMANITA (EN), LIFESTOCKPROTECT (LIFE+) (EN) | LIFESTOCKPROTECT aims at providing local livestock breeders and farmers the knowledge and capacities to protect their economic activities while contributing to the protection of wildlife. A great part of the project focuses on the analysis of tourism and on the interactions with fences and guarding dogs. The activities and results (still going on) of LIFESTOCKPROTECT, mainly related to the involvement of farmers and tourism operators, where Eurac is one of the main partners, will be taken as best practices and further implemented in the HUMANITA project area (EN), PassporTOUrism (Central Europe, this call) (EN) | The objective of the project is to develop an innovative digital tool called “Digital PassporTOU”. The tool aims to stimulate the innovative and sustainable orientation of tourism SMEs and providers, as well as the transnational implementation of emerging technologies (Industry 4.0) and merge different SMEs in a single cross-sectoral space and cross-border cooperation. The project will test the tool in heterogenous Pilot Working Areas (PWAs) in 4 EU Countries. “Digital PassporTOUrism” serves as a personal tourist profile tool (choice tastes, habits, interactions, situational and psychographic characteristics) with which tourist service providers (SMEs) can offer more personalized and sustainable tourism services according to the specific destination supply and carrying capacity. (EN), BioMoniTech (EN) | In the currently running COIN project BioMoniTech (2021-2023), which is led by the UNESCO Chair, traditional methods of conservation biology and new technologies are processed and brought together, a global framework for biodiversity monitoring is developed in cooperation with international experts, and a framework for configuring biodiversity monitoring is created in co-development with practical partners. Together with experts of the World Conservation Union (IUCN / World Commission on Protected Areas) CUAS develops the Guideline for Monitoring Biodiversity in Protected Areas (MoniGloG). MoniConfig, an online app for configuring biodiversity monitoring, will enable conservation practitioners and protected area managers to implement the principles of the guideline in the best possible way in the respective areas and to configure the specific monitoring systems individually. The MoniConfig project component is being developed in co-creation with practical partners, both public institutions and market-experienced, technology-based service providers. The MoniConfig will be tested and adapted in HUMANITA project. (EN), INTERREG V-A Si-AT project KaraWAT (EN) | Results from the currently running INTERREG V-A Si-AT project KaraWAT (2021-2022) on the protection and sustainable use of water resources in the Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark will also add to the project. (EN), SaveGreen DTP Interreg (EN) | Focusing on linear infrastructure effect on protected species embed to spatial planning. The project SaveGREEN aims to demonstrate ways of designing appropriate mitigation measures and maintaining or improving the functionality of ecological corridors through integrated planning. Synergy is expected when developing action plans in HUMANITA to better manage tourist flows in zones. (EN), Visegrad Funds (EN) | CEEweb and its membership is working on a set of projects related to sustainable tourism and protected area protection, such as 3 proposals are submitted to Visegrad Funds, focusing on building an online Sustainable Tourism Database aiming regional development agencies on existing initiatives, guidelines, and funds to support the implementation of sustainable tourism; Wilderness Academy implementation supporting students on learning and understanding sustainable tourism and climate mitigation on the spot, and one on tourist counting activities in Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, and Moldova. All the proposals are supporting sustainable tourism though each is working on different areas and supporting nature protection from different perspectives. There is big potential to use the synergy among projects and HUMANITA. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 396 346.70

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 917 077.36

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 917 077.36. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I2.2 - Pilot action-Implementation of monitoring system - EUR 18 293.00 - country: Hrvatska (HR), town: , street: Lower Kamenjak protected area, , postal_code: , Jadranska Hrvatska (HR03), Istarska županija (HR036)
I2.3 - Visitors flow monitoring in the Geopark Karawanken - EUR 3 000.00 - country: Österreich (AT), street: Crossborder Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark , Kärnten (AT21), Unterkärnten (AT213)
I2.4 - Education to Monitoring trail in Bukk NP - EUR 34 000.00 - country: Magyarország (HU), street: Bukk National Park area, Észak-Magyarország (HU31), Heves (HU312)
I2.5 - Mitigation measure for erosion control - EUR 24 000.00 - country: Slovensko (SK), town: Area of National Park Malá Fatra, street: -, -, postal_code: -, Stredné Slovensko (SK03), Žilinský kraj (SK031)

Deliverables:

List of monitoring methods to measure tourism impacts in protected areas
Workshop with good-practice owners
Report on Best Practice and gaps to monitor environmental impacts of tourism inside PAs
Report on environmental impacts of tourism in pilot sites
Transnational monitoring strategy
Communication - starter package
Environmental communication
Relational Database
Data collection and analyses
Visualization and interpretation tools
Report on testing and data collection in PAs
Interactive educational trail with monitoring spots
Internal and external evaluation
Catalogue of monitoring methods and tool-box
Web viewer and APP to be used for Citizen Science Participatory monitoring
Tool kits to be used for Citizen Science Participatory monitoring
Study visits on request, as needed during pilot actions
Summer school and educational materials
Online communication and dissemination materials
Scientific/professional articles and events
Report on Tourists’ Survey results
Report on the results of interviews and workshops
Introductory Workshops
Online green academy how to use citizen science tools
Report on participatory monitoring in PAs, lessons learned, and recommendations
Report on the creation of the mechanism for the development of ‘common heritage’ narratives
Local action plans to monitor and resolve human-nature conflicts in pilot sites
Final policy recommendations
Disseminational materials
Creative videos
Final project conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal HUMANITA addresses Strategy goals by identifying natural assets and areas which are the most impacted by human activities and designating specific parts of protected areas and ecological corridors, on appropriate management planning. The project helps to establish effective area-based conservation measures which can contribute to the Strategy nature protection targets.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The genda emphasises that Natural and cultural heritage are local and regional development assets that offer unique opportunities for development and high quality living environments. Sustainable and effective use of resources should benefit local communities and promote local business opportunities. Overexploitation of these assets however can threaten a local or regional economy, and mass tourism threaten cultural assets and landscapes and may fragment natural habitats and ecological corridors. Participative approach, involving local communities and tourists at pilot sites and providing solutions for more positive human-nature relationships through innovative approaches will create opportunities for change, through the creation of new narratives of nature.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The involvement of countries belonging to the Adriatic and Ionian Region will help to enhance the promotion of economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity, especially of Pillar 4. The Partners will work for improving the quality and innovation of tourism offer and enhancing the sustainable and responsible tourism capacities of the tourism actors across the macro-region.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion HUMANITA will contribute to this strategy by creating synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives in the field of tourism management and biodiversity protection. HUMANITA will contribute mainly to the priorities related to the protection of the environment (2) and to build prosperity (3)
EUStrategyAlpineRegion HUMANITA supports the goals of this Strategy, especially those specified by Action Group 7 - Green infrastructure focusing on developing ecological connectivity and thus strengthening, improving, and restoring biodiversity, as well as ecosystem services. Project activities and outputs especially Local action plans help to improve governance approaches and develop solutions to halt biodiversity loss and address environmental challenges associated with tourism. Italy, Austria, and Slovenia are three Alpine countries involved in the project. The partners’ experience and the lessons learned by the project will help Alpine countries to adopt the HUMANITA tools in practice.
Other EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 activities also includes introducing measures to enable the necessary transformative change. The strategy highlights setting in motion a new, strengthened governance framework to ensure better implementation and track progress, improve knowledge, better respect nature in public and business decision-making. The five main direct drivers of biodiversity loss are mentioned in the Strategy: changes in land and sea use, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species. The project addresses changes in land use, overexploitation of nature, and spreading invasive species supported by tourism pressure. PAs are fragile and even a small number of visitors will need tourism infrastructure like paths, roads, cycle tracks, which can all damage natural habitats. Overuse of water and demand for energy to sustain resorts can have direct impacts on precious local resources like groundwater. The new EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 commits to ‘Effectively manage all protected areas, defining clear conservation objectives and measures, and monitoring them appropriately’ by 2030. PAs administrations need appropriate tools and methods to understand the impact of over-exploitation and how it affects biodiversity in nature, both locally and globally. HUMANITA provides them with tools to better and early identify impacts and trends with the aim to help them to start up appropriate managerial responses in the right places.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Italia (IT), Parma, Via Università, 12, Via Università

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0
(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 23.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

125 / 125 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 181 / 1 181 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Human-Nature Interactions and Impacts of Tourist Activities on Protected Areas

Description

Thematic information

Partners (10)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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