Charter: Part I

Who can apply?

In Part I of the European Charter protected areas of all kinds can apply for the Charter.

How can protected areas apply?

Protected areas must firstly register as a candidate Charter protected area with EUROPARC Federation, accept the 10 Charter principles and request the necessary application documents;

Basic requirements

• Creation of a permanent forum involving all relevant stakeholders in tourism in and around the protected area in its development and management
• Realise a diagnostic analysis of the protected area;
• Development of a 5-year strategy and action plan for sustainable tourism addressing key sustainability issues, based on careful consultation with local stakeholders;
• Completion of the application documents to be sent to EUROPARC;

Evaluation process

• EUROPARC will select an independent verifier with expertise in sustainable tourism in protected areas to check the application, visit the area and compile an assessment report;
• The Charter Evaluation Committee, an official panel appointed by the EUROPARC Federation, will make the final decision whether or not to award the Charter;
• Protected areas making an application are required to pay a fee to cover the cost of administration and verification;
• Every 5 years the protected area must renew its Charter status through a re-evaluation.

All Charter areas are required to be members of the EUROPARC Federation. Protected areas which are not already EUROPARC members will be requested to join the Federation upon registering as candidate parks.