Across Europe, vital reserves of biodiversity are looked after in protected areas. These places provide more than safekeeping - they also allow well-managed access, understanding and enjoyment. this close relationship between people, place and nature is at the heart of national and nature parks, and other protected areas. It means that they are ideally placed to help deliver the conservation of biological diversity.

The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas is a practical management tool that enables protected areas to develop tourism sustainably. The core element of the Charter is working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to devlop a common sustainable tourism strategy adn an action plan on the basis of a thorough situation analysis. The aim of all Charter projects and activities is the protection of the natural and cultural heritage and the continous improvement of tourism in the protected area in terms of the environment, local population and businesses as well as visitors.

The Charter and the Charter Network is coordinated by the EUROPARC Federation. It represents around 440 members in 36 European countries, who themselves manage the green jewels of Europe's land, sea, mountains, forests, rivers and cultural heritage. Nature knows no boundaries and we therefore facilitate international co-operation in all aspects of protected area management to further and improve and conserve our shared natural inheritance. We endeavour to exchange expertise, experience and best practise as well as collaborate with others to ensure the value and meaning of protected areas is at the heart of Europe.