According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.May 5, 2020
So Ecotourism not only protects local habitats but local communities as well. It´s not a ´one plan fits all´ but it recognizes local diversification as valuable. This is why Europarc’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy and action plan insists on ’local circumstances’.
Why is walking with goats a good example of an ecotourism activity and why do it in Costa Blanca, Spain?
Walking with goats is a low impact form of tourism. A pack goat string can have up to ten goats in it, evolved primarily as mountain creatures this number has very little Impact on paths and land.
Through intermittent grazing whilst on the trek goats can help to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and promote the growth of local vegetative species.
Goats are water efficient.
Goats are not predators and therefore are less likely to worry wildlife than dogs.
Goats are an important part of Spain’s cultural heritage. The sound of the bells and the sight of the goats has a welcoming effect on all encounters.
Guides with a comprehensive knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural heritage and conservation challenges, help to create awareness. This, in turn could create future volunteers or financial sponsors for the region.
Walking with pack goats in the mountains of the Costa Blanca is seen as an exotic activity, yet it is within easy access of numerous towns and cities. The prevention of a need to go elsewhere on holiday reduces the carbon footprint.
Walking with pack goats helps to provide safe access and a special experience of the Protected Areas to visitors who would normally struggle.
Walking with pack goats is a perfect activity for young people, schools and student groups, effectively communicating the area with specific information and interpretation, through a fun activity.
The Valencian Community has a rich livestock heritage that forms a network of livestock routes of more than 14,000 kilometers and has become one of the its main environmental assets.
Livestock trails are also considered ecological corridors, essential for biodiversity conservation, genetic exchange of the flora and fauna of the Community Valenciana, as provided in article 4.6 of the Valencian Law of Livestock Routes.
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In his 2022 message for the World Tourism Day, Antonio Guterres secretary-general United Nations stated that ¨ There is no time to waste. Let us rethink and reinvent tourism and together, deliver a more sustainable, prosperous and resilient future for all.¨