Czech Republic started to encourage and adopt sustainable tourism practices relatively late: the concept of ecotourism in the 1980s was still rather unknown and underdeveloped within the country, and it only began to grow when the environmental and ecological movement rose all over Europe during the last decades of the XX century.
Even so, ecotourism currently accounts for 7% of national tourism, and Czechia was even ranked by the United Nations as the 7th in the world for progress towards sustainable development goals back in 2019. One thing to know about Czech Republic when it comes to sustainability is that it is one of the top ten countries in Europe in the field of nature protection: around 16% of the total territory falls within the definition of “protected area”, with 4 national parks, 25 protected landscapes and 4 categories of small specially protected areas. This means that there are plenty of natural spaces for ecotourists to explore, and that the country itself has a lot to offer in terms of sustainable tourism – especially now that tourism demand has been increasing annually (at least before the pandemic erupted).
The capital city Prague – which is of course one of the most visited places in Czech Republic – has been taking big steps toward cleaning up the air and the river. Thanks to the so-called Prague City Tourism project, sustainable tourism has become a priority for many local municipalities as well, all of them aiming at protecting the quality of life of local residents and at preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
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But there’s more! In fact, many sustainable tourism and ecotourism experiences can be carried out in Czech Republic, thanks to the beautiful nature the country can count on. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes can be admired from the hiking trails of Bohemian Switzerland, which has been recognised as a European Destination of Excellence for authenticity, diversity, and sustainability; and the Lipno Treetop Walkway offers forest views from over 130 feet in the air.
Another amazing place for ecotourists is Bystřicko, a quite unique natural park surrounded by mysterious ruins, castles, and lookout towers: a true gem for cyclists, hikers, and nature’s lovers. And if you are a fan of original folklore, then you cannot miss Slovácko, located in Eastern Moravia, where picturesque landscapes, vineyards, historical monuments, and rich folk traditions await you! Finally, Jeseníky Mountains are known for their excellent food, the wild beauty of the Silesian mountain range, and one of the cleanest air in Central Europe.
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Apart from the mentioned ones, you will find many other amazing destinations in Czech Republic for your next ecotourism adventure! What are you waiting for?