Abstract
Protected Areas (PAs) are increasingly popular destinations for the growing demand and interest in outdoor experiences. This poster presents the workflow of the Interreg HUMANITA project dealing with the pressing challenges faced by PAs in Central Europe. The project aims to assist PAs’ managers in evidence-based and participatory management, helping them implement measures to protect natural values while meeting visitors' expectations. HUMANITA focuses on developing innovative solutions to assess the impact of tourist activities on nature, mitigating human-nature conflicts through awareness-raising and behavioural change.
The poster provides an overview of innovative approaches to measuring the environmental impacts of tourism inside PAs, new complementary methods for tourists’ involvement in practical actions to protect the environment, and learning tools to develop awareness among the public, national and EU policymakers.
Monitoring activities are carried out by pilot sites across Central Europe, including Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark (AT-SLO), National Park Malá Fatra (SK), Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park (IT), Bükk National Park (HU), and Kamenjak Protected Areas (HR). The poster presents how the collected data supports informed management decisions, risk reduction, and the effectiveness of innovative impact assessment approaches.
Monitoring activities are closely related to the key objective of the HUMANITA project to foster involvement and participation of tourists and local communities in developing a critical sense of their interaction with natural environments, leading them to adopt practical actions. The poster outlines the development of a new shared heritage narrative aimed at encouraging tourists and visitors to adopt more mindful behaviors and interactions within protected areas. By involving visitors in monitoring activities, the project promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility towards nature, supporting the livelihood and well-being of ecosystems and local communities.
Through transnational cooperation and the joint development of transnational monitoring strategies and tools, HUMANITA is dedicated to preserving Central Europe's environment, safeguarding its values for future generations.