8th National Ecotourism Congress | Potes, Liébana, Cantabria, Spain

The 8th Congreso Nacional De Ecoturismo brought together 200 participants, including tourism professionals, local authorities, producers, community organisations, nature conservation organisations and academics.

The congress highlighted how ecotourism can protect biodiversity, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and strengthen local economies and rural communities. Through discussions, inspiring examples and field visits, participants explored good practices in sustainable tourism and the importance of cooperation between tourism businesses, public institutions, local producers and conservation organisations.

The event concluded with the Liébana Ecotourism Declaration, emphasising the importance of linking nature conservation, local heritage and the vitality of rural communities.

The programme also included study visits showcasing best practices in ecotourism, offering participants the chance to discover the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

• Among Chestnut Trees and Amphibians – a visit to the centuries-old chestnut forest of El Habario de Pendes introduced participants to local biodiversity conservation initiatives, including efforts to restore amphibian habitats through the STEPS for LIFE project, led by the Camino Lebaniego Foundation.
• “Shepherd for a Day” in Bejes – An immersive experience offering participants an insight into traditional sheep farming, the role of livestock guardian dogs and local cheesemaking traditions, including the production of the renowned Picón Bejes-Tresviso cheese.

Greenways: A natural partner for ecotourism: Connecting Nature, Culture and Local Communities

We believe that greenways are essential green corridors that improve the environment and quality of life by promoting sustainable tourism, healthy lifestyles and active mobility.

By transforming disused railway lines, towpaths and industrial heritage routes into accessible pathways, greenways reconnect people with nature and culture while contributing to climate change mitigation.

Rooted in local resources and natural and cultural heritage, greenways create opportunities for ecotourism and meaningful encounters with local communities. Combined with agritourism, traditional crafts, active tourism, gastronomy, cultural heritage and wellness experiences, they help diversify local economies, create opportunities for rural areas and safeguard the heritage that makes each destination unique.

Greenways and ecotourism share a common vision: a more sustainable future in which tourism benefits both people and nature.

We were delighted that Dominika Zareba participated in the congress alongside representatives of Basquetour, including Iker Urcelay, a member of the EGWA Executive Committee.

The participation of Dominika Zaręba was made possible through a grant awarded to Fundusz Partnerstwa – the Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation – by Poland’s National Freedom Institute – Centre for Civil Society Development, under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations (PROO) 2018–2030.

Let’s continue building connections between greenways, ecotourism and local communities to create greener, healthier and more resilient regions!

The National Ecotourism Congress is an initiative promoted by the Ecotourism in Spain Association, the organisation that manages the Ecotourism in Spain product club and has been promoting leading initiatives for the past 16 years to support all professionals involved in fostering ecotourism.

For this eighth edition, the organisers are the Government of Cantabria (Departments of Tourism, Environment and Rural Development), the State Secretariat for Tourism (MINTUR), Turespaña, the National Parks Autonomous Agency (MITECO), the Costa Quebrada Geopark, the Liébana Local Action Group (LAG), the Liébana-Peñarrubia Intermunicipal Association, the Camino Lebaniego Foundation, and the Ecotourism in Spain Association (Soy Ecoturista).