Nature and Digital-Based Education on Ecotourism

Ecotourism is part of sustainable tourism and is one of the fastest-growing forms of tourism in the world. Between 2021 and 2027, the number of ecotourists in the world is projected to increase by 9 percent. Increasingly more visitors are looking for areas with little impact of human activity for recreation. The promotion of ecotourism development requires the application of practical knowledge. There is a growing shortage of ecotour guides and local nature guides, who can subtly reveal the mysteries of nature, encourage interest in it and contribute to its conservation.
The idea of this project is based on the outcomes of the previously implemented project on „Cultural Footprints“ (2017-2019) with the promotion of informal adult education for the improvement of skills and qualifications in the development of niche tourism products, as well on outcomes of finalizing the project on „Promotion of Informal Adults’ Digital Education for Spatial and Sustainable Tourism Development“, which was implemented in 2020-2022 with the promotion of informal adult‘s education to create spatial tourism routes and products based on Baltic and Nordic values and identities.

Project objectives:

• To encourage adults to deepen their knowledge of nature and develop a responsible travel culture through education based on ecotourism.
• To help adults working in the tourism sector gain more knowledge about ecotourism and develop skills to create ecotourism products both locally and in virtual space so that they can offer them to potential visitors.
• Strengthen adults’ awareness of nature and encourage sustainable behavior in nature by providing specific, evidence-based knowledge about biodiversity, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, and the characteristics of life in naturally vulnerable areas.
• Apply adult non-formal education methods to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to tourism sector employees.

Project results:

• Guidelines were prepared on how to incorporate environmental education into adult education, emphasizing the importance and applicability of non-formal learning.
• Strengthened the involvement of participants in local community activities, encouraging more active participation in sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Increased the social awareness of tourists and travelers about the natural values of the Baltic and Nordic countries and the principles of responsible travel.
• Guidelines for the creation of digital ecotourism products have been developed, which will help to develop new innovative solutions in the local and virtual space.
• Descriptions of 6 ecotours have been prepared, created by the project training participants.
• At least 40 adults have been trained to increase their knowledge and skills in the field of ecological tourism.

Added value of the project:

It will strengthen the ecological awareness and competencies of adults, promote a culture of responsible travel, and encourage the involvement of local communities. The training products, eco-tours, and digital resources created will become a long-term tool that will not only improve the qualifications of tourism sector employees but also contribute to more sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism development at the regional and international levels