In this Interreg 2 Seas project (project period 2009-2013), 4 organizations collaborated to enhance sustainability of recreation and tourism in nature reserves in the Netherlands, Belgium and England. We started with a search for and implementation of locally applicable solutions that fit within the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Based on the guidelines of this Charter, sustainable facilities were realised in the field of infrastructure (cycle paths, walking and canoeing routes, etc.), sustainable water tourism (electric sailing) was promoted and visitor management has been designed in a way that visitor flows are better managed and be distracted from sensitive areas. Work has also been done on the branding of sustainable tourism and public-private partnerships have been intensified. The project had a total budget of approximately € 6 million and has received a grant of more than € 2.5 million. Wiljan van Laarhoven and I have developed this project and, at the request of the Parkschap National Park De Biesbosch, have written the grant application and supervised the entire project in its implementation.
See also www.step-projects.eu
