The guidelines help sites integrate tourism and recreational activities while highlighting the growing importance of ecotourism.
The European Commission published new guidelines on 14 July outlining how Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas can act as a powerful driver of sustainable tourism, while safeguarding the habitats and species it is designed to protect.
Natura 2000 lies at the heart of EU nature conservation policy, bringing together more than 27,000 sites across Member States. Covering nearly one-fifth of EU land and over 10% of its sea area, the network allows economic activities, including tourism, provided they do not undermine conservation objectives. The new guidelines focus on striking that balance.
Tourism represents a substantial share of the EU economy, contributing 7.1% of gross value added (around €807 billion in 2024) and supporting more than 20 million jobs.
Within Natura 2000 sites, visitor activity generates between €50 and €85 billion annually and sustains up to 2 million full-time equivalent jobs, particularly in rural, coastal and mountainous regions.
The guidelines provide a framework for the planning and management of Natura 2000 sites that integrates tourism and recreational activities while highlighting the growing importance of ecotourism – responsible travel that conserves the environment and benefits local communities.
Since the early 1990s, ecotourism has grown at an annual rate of up to 34%, significantly outpacing the broader tourism sector.
Managing tourism pressures on nature
The guidelines acknowledge the “conservation paradox”: well-managed protected areas attract more visitors, which in turn leads to increased pressures on the habitats and species that make these areas attractive in the first place.
Poorly managed visitor flows can quickly lead to habitat degradation, species disturbance, pollution, and resource depletion. To address this, the Commission proposes a four-step framework for managing tourism sustainably:
- Identify pressures, threats, and potential benefits linked to tourism
- Assess the carrying capacity
- Strengthen communication and awareness
- Implement appropriate management measures
This approach is designed to help site managers and authorities anticipate impacts, plan effectively, and align sustainable tourism development with conservation and restoration goals.
The guidance also promotes proactive planning, including visitor management strategies, potential impact assessment, and investment in education and outreach – from information campaigns and guided tours to citizen science and digital tools.
It also underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration, bringing together competent authorities, tourism operators, local communities, and NGOs.
Background
Established under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, the Natura 2000 network is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It aims to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
The new guidelines support the implementation of EU biodiversity and sustainable tourism objectives, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, by helping Member States and stakeholders reconcile nature protection with socio-economic development.
More information
Staff Working Document/Guidelines on Natura 2000 and sustainable tourism | European Commission
Natura 2000 | European Commission
Habitats Directive | European Commission
