In recent years the environment has gone from being an irrelevant issue for the vast majority of the world’s population, to being on everyone’s lips. In fact, the concern of citizens about the consequences that a harmful treatment of the environment that surrounds us can have has grown considerably. This greater environmental awareness , which undoubtedly benefits us all, is also being seen in the tourism sector. Thus, we increasingly find more sustainable tourism proposals.
If you are interested in this type of tourism, you better not miss anything that we tell you below, since today we are going to talk to you about the winners of the World Legacy Awards , which reward the most sustainable and ecological places on the planet. Offered by National Geographic, these awards are divided into five categories. Would you like to discover which have been the winners of each one of them? Well, you just have to join us!
North, in the Seychelles
The winning destination in the category “Conserving the natural world”, which rewards the preservation of nature, the restoration of natural habitat and the protection of rare and endangered species, is the island of North in the Seychelles. This place has shown that a successful luxury tourism business in a fragile ecosystem can serve to rehabilitate the environment. Special mention should be made of the Noah’s Ark project, which consists of introducing rare and endangered species into their natural habitat.
Slovenia
Slovenia has been the winner of the “Destination leadership” award, which recognizes leadership in environmental practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, benefits for local communities and education of travelers on sustainability principles. As explained by National Geographic, the Slovenian Tourism Council has made this country one of the most sustainable, with almost 60% of its territory covered with trees. In addition, it is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. On the other hand, we want to comment that the Tourist Board has launched a national program to develop and disseminate green destinations.
Cayuga Collection, Costa Rica and Nicaragua
The “Earth changers” award, which recognizes leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology , has gone to Cayuga Colecction, a hotel company that combines the concepts of luxury and sustainability in eight small hotels and country houses in Central America, and more specifically in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. We want to highlight the NGO Earth Equilibrium of Cayuga, which offers environmental education to children in the areas surrounding hotels and hostels. And this is just one of the many environmental initiatives that the group has launched.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
In the category “Enganing communities”, which rewards the direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, one of the first eco-resorts in Belize, has stood out, which is located in a reserve private natural. This hotel employs more than 160 Belizeans and provides economic benefits to villages and cultural and environmental organizations throughout the country through its tours and vacation packages, directing 10% of all proceeds to social and environmental programs.
Santa Fe, United States
Finally, we have to talk about the city of Santa Fe, in New Mexico, United States, which has won the “Sense of place” award, which recognizes excellence in enhancing the sense of place and authenticity. What is considered the oldest capital in the country, considers that safeguarding its rich heritage is a duty. In fact, buildings of more than three floors are prohibited so as not to change the architectural structure of the city and not to block the views. In addition, many cultural events and annual festivals take place here.