Natura 2000 and Hiking Tourism
Hiking has significantly increased in popularity among the German population over the past 20 years. More than half of all citizens over the age of 14 report that they hike regularly (https://www.wanderinstitut.de/deutsches-wanderinstitut/service/publikationen/). As a result, hiking has become an important economic factor for tourist destinations. However, hiking tourism can pose challenges for Natura 2000 sites, particularly when hikers deviate from designated trails. Such deviations can lead to soil compaction and negatively affect the plant cover. Moreover, certain animal species may be disturbed by hikers. Improper disposal of waste or the picking of protected plant species can also adversely impact the conservation status of Natura 2000 sites.
Despite these challenges, hiking tourism does not have to result solely in negative impacts. By promoting designated premium hiking trails and nature education initiatives, visitors can be educated about aspects of nature and environmental protection, raising a greater understanding of Natura 2000 areas and the FFH and Birds Directives. Unfortunately, many forums, websites, and apps feature numerous hiking routes that do not align with conservation interests, potentially harming the conservation goals of the respective Natura 2000 sites.
In the position paper "Hiking Tourism and Nature Conservation," developed by the “Deutsches Wanderinstitut” (e.V), University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, and the Federal Association for Professional Nature Conservation, guidelines are discussed for integrating nature conservation concerns into the lawful implementation of trail concepts. The paper details the upgrading and certification of existing trails, as well as the construction or relocation of new hiking trails (http://www.wandern-naturschutz.de/download/StatementpapierWandertourismusundNaturschutz_2019.pdf).
Sources
https://www.wanderinstitut.de/deutsches-wanderinstitut/service/publikationen/
http://www.wandern-naturschutz.de/
http://www.wandern-naturschutz.de/download/StatementpapierWandertourismusundNaturschutz_2019.pdf