1 1 CONTENTS

FOREWORD I PREFACE II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III

CHAPTER I I.1 HOW TO MEASURE AND MANAGE SUSTAINABILITY 8 I.2 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN LAKE DESTINATIONS 11 I.3 VISITOR AND TOURISM OFFER SURVEY 37 I.3.1 Overall results from the visitor survey I.3.2 Overall results from the tourism offer survey I.3.3 Comparison visitor and tourism offering survey I.4 SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TOOL & OUTCOMES 51 I.4.1 Introduction I.4.2 Method I.4.3 Data sources and coverage I.4.4 SIA outcomes per lake I.5 POLICIES & MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: CERTIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS 66

CHAPTER II II.1 COMPENDIUM OF BEST PRACTICES FROM EUROPEAN LAKES 74 II.1.1 Sustainable Management of Tourism in the Lake Balaton Region II.1.2 The Chiemsee ring line ,, +(/,2DÀRDWLQJSODWIRUPRQ/DNH&RQVWDQFH II.1.4 Island of Mainau (Lake Constance, Germany) a complex tourism attraction II.1.5 Regional tourism brand to protect environment at the Milicz Pond II.1.6 The Onion Route at Lake Peipsi II.1.7 Circular Path around Lake Steinhude II.1.8 Sharing principles on sustainable tourism and beyond at Lake Trasimeno II.1.9 Best practice on tourism local networks at Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Valley II.1.10 Zero emission excursions on a traditional Kale Boat at Lake Võrtsjärv II.1.11 Electric boating at the WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden II.1.12 Environmental and business actions at Lake District II.2 BENCHMARKS FOR SUSTAINABLE LAKE TOURISM 89 II.3 TRASIMENO AND MIDDLE TIBER CASE STUDY 93 II.4 CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED 110 REFERENCES 113

2 3 CONTENTS

CHAPTER III ANNEX 1 VISITOR SATISFACTION SURVEY 116 ANNEX 2 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TOURISM OFFER ASSESSMENT 125 ANNEX 3 SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHOD AND DATA 132 ANNEX 4 CD ROM DESCRIPTION 147 ANNEX 5 A CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LAKE TOURISM 148 ANNEX 6 SLOWTOUR GLOSSARY 153

PARTNERSHIP, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND DISCLAIMER CLAUSE 161

2 3 FOREWORD

At the end of our work based on the peculiarities of lake destinations we hope to contribute with this Manual on Excellence of Lake Tourism to the work of tourism operators, policy makers and whoever involved in sustainable development of lake areas and communities. As water reservoirs lakes are indispensable to life of humans, animals, plants and represent an immense patrimony to be preserved for future generations and planet safety. Lakes are sensitive ecosystems at risk of losing endangered species of animal and plant biodiversity because of water and air pollution, climate change, urbanization. Scenic sites and enchanting landscapes are rare gifts of nature to the communities living on the shores and surrounding lands, with sudden changes of view behind a bend in a path or from the top of a hill, with iridescent colours from lights and shades or following LQDJODQFHWKHPDJQL¿FHQWÀLJKWRIDQKHURQDQGWKHFOHYHUPRYHPHQWVRI¿VKHUPHQ in a boat. To maintain these natural treasures, continue to experience such magic atmospheres and transfer this extraordinary heritage to new generations it is necessary that a common cultural feeling and purpose for sustainability connect tourists and villagers, tour operators and policy makers. In the same way tourists can contribute by choosing lake destinations for their holidays to avoid depopulation of lake areas and create work for youngsters. As a consequence traditions can continue and lake communities can be FRQ¿GHQWLQVXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQWDVDNH\VWUDWHJ\IRUHFRQRPLFGHYHORSPHQW7KLV virtuous circle is possible if everybody can be more aware of what sustainable tourism means and what human activities can be more favourable or, on the contrary, problematic and dangerous for the lake ecosystems. The main aim of SLOWTOUR project has been IRFXVHG RQ DQDO\VLQJ VXVWDLQDEOH LPSDFW DVVHVVPHQWLQGLFDWRUV IRU VRPH VLJQL¿FDQW European lakes, perception from tourists and tourism professionals on existing good or bad services, facilities and leisure activities, best practices and lessons learned based on experiences from lake communities. Actually this Manual can not provide wonder- working solutions but it aims at supporting decision-making for sustainable tourism in lake areas. We hope it can help to make stronger the conviction that a better world is possible, starting from making lake tourism more sustainable for the present and future generations.

Louis Montagnoli Massimo Canalicchio SLOWTOUR General Coordinator SLOWTOUR Project Manager

“A lake carries you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable.” William Wordsworth (1770-1850) Major English Romantic Poet born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, Lake District.

4I 5 PREFACE

:RUOG &RPPLVVLRQ RQ (QYLURQPHQW DQG 'HYHORSPHQW   GH¿QHV sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising WKH DELOLW\ RI IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV WR PHHW WKHLU RZQ QHHGV´ 7KLV GH¿QLWLRQ FRQQHFWV development with the planet’s future and human safety, presenting a vision of progress that simultaneously addresses economic, social and environmental concerns. Since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 this global discussion has focused on the compatibility of human DFWLYLWLHV ZLWK WKH SUHVHUYDWLRQ RI WKH SODQHW 7KLV IRFXV VLJQL¿HV WKDW DOO RI WKH GLIIHUHQW sectors of development can and should recognise this strategy for sustainable development. 7KH(8/LVERQ7UHDW\LGHQWL¿HVWRXULVPDVDVHFWRUWKDWVKRXOG³FDUU\RXWDFWLRQVWRVXSSRUW coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States.” (Title I, Art.6 , d) and states in more depth “The Union shall complement the action of the Member States in the tourism sector, in particular by promoting the competitiveness of Union undertakings in that sector.” (Title XXII, Art. 195). Tourism has become a common aspect of life for the majority of the populations in advanced rich countries and is a very important sector for EU development, accounting for approximately 5% directly and 10% indirectly of European GDP and about 20 million jobs. At the same time, the protection of biodiversity (habitats, animals, plants) and the preservation of traditional local communities have become very important tasks for governments at the national, regional and local levels. The environmental policies, created to comply with the regulations for the protection of natural habitats, work to meet the needs of host communities, represented by the stakeholders and the citizens of the community, DQG WRXULVWV 6SHFL¿FDOO\ LQ SURWHFWHG DUHDV DW ULVN RQ EHFRPLQJ HQGDQJHUHG LW LV YHU\ important to maintain a balance between the economic pressure of tourist businesses and the need for environmental preservation. SLOWTOUR, one of four projects selected by the European Commission DG Enterprise and Industry in 2009, under the framework of the call for proposals that study “Knowledge networks for the competitiveness and sustainability of European tourism”, has been GHYHORSHGVSHFL¿FDOO\WRLQFUHDVHWKHPDQDJHPHQWRINQRZOHGJHWRVXSSRUWVXVWDLQDEOH tourism development for lake destinations and businesses, with the VSHFL¿FREMHFWLYHWR create best practice management tools for tourism in lake areas. The following PARTNERS of the SLOWTOUR project include: the coordinator Mountain Community Association of Municipalities Trasimeno - Middle Tiber; the University of Perugia, Department of Economic, Estimative and Food Sciences (DSEEA); the Global Nature Fund (GNF), with the Living Lakes Network; the Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Transport of Breda University of Applied Sciences (NHTV). This research that was based on surveys and case studies and focused on twelve European lakes, has involved tourists, tourism professionals, local public and private bodies, tourism experts. A model was created from the comparative studies on best practices, and guidelines and monitoring tests based on sustainability indicators have been designed to improve the sustainability and competitive performance of European lake tourism destinations. The results, collected in this Manual, are applicable to all European lake communities and, PRUHVSHFL¿FDOO\WRWKHLiving Lakes Network, EUROPARC Federation and the Network of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN).

4 II5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to express our sincere thanks to: Massimo Bianchi, President and Simona Fabbrizzi, Cheti Barafani, Sergio Spaccapelo, staff of Comunità Montana Associazione dei Comuni Trasimeno - Medio Tevere and Marco Arcangeli and Beatrice Baccelli of Lake Trasimeno Regional Park Udo Gattenlöhner, Executive Director of Global Nature Fund $VSHFLDOWKDQNJRHVIRUWKHLUSDUWLFLSDWLRQDVVSHDNHUVWRWKH¿QDOFRQIHUHQFHWR Fabrizio Bracco, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of Region of Umbria Claudio Bellaveglia, Mayor of Passignano sul Trasimeno Giorgio Mencaroni, President of Chamber of Commerce of Perugia Lucio D’Amore, Responsible for Foreign Relationships and EDEN Project at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Department for Tourism Maria Attard, Director of the Institute for the Sustainable Development of University of Malta Helen Moriarty, Consultant for Sustainable Tourism of Lake District Natural Park Isabel M. Torres Martinez, Researcher at the University of Bedfordshire Institute for Tourism Research Rita Boini, journalist, writer and lecturer, specialist of Umbrian cooking .HHV.DVDQGHU¿OPSURGXFHU Walter Trivellizzi, expert of agro-tourism, former President of “Turismo Verde” Stefano Poeta, researcher and expert in Tourism of the Centre for Tourism Studies of Assisi

We would like to thank for their work on assisting us in data collection for our survey also:

Jaanika Kaljuvee (Lake Võrtsjärv Foundation), Margit Säre (Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation), Karl-Heinz Garberding (Ecological protection station 6WHLQKXGHU 0HHU  +DQQHV .UDXVV 'LVWULFW RI¿FH 7UDXQVWHLQ  (JHUV]HJL =LWD DQG Tamás Retz (Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency), Ilse Boers (WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden Marketing), Roman Guziak and Grzegorz Zuber (Stowarzyszenie Ekologiczne “Etna”), Mariano Velasco (Consorcio del Alto Guadiana) and Marco Walter and Carina Dambacher (ECOCAMPING e.V.).

III6 7 CHAPTER I

6 7 1.1 How to measure and manage sustainability Environmental sustainability is frequently addressed in planning documents of projects that DUH SURSRVHG E\ SXEOLF GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV DV UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ SURYLGHG IURP WKH VFLHQWL¿F community and is an idea that is increasingly shared by both businessmen and consumers. However, translating sustainable production plans into practice is a complex process that is linked to the interdependence that exists among all of the components of the socio- economic system. The establishment of an appropriate policy to address human activities FDQHIIHFWLYHO\LQÀXHQFHWKHSURFHVVRIVXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQW$IXQGDPHQWDOFRQGLWLRQ for achieving sustainable development is that all of the information necessary to arrive at a directional decision is available. 6XVWDLQDELOLW\LVGLI¿FXOWWRPHDVXUHLWLQYROYHVDFRPSOH[EDODQFHRIWKHLQWHUUHODWLRQVKLSV DPRQJWKHZKROHERG\RIÀX[HVRIWKHFRQVXPSWLRQRIWKHUHVRXUFHVZLWKLQDJLYHQVRFLR economic context, taking into consideration the rates of reproduction of the resources themselves. Furthermore, this balance should take into account the needs (or available resources) of future generations. This assessment is so complex that no agreement has been reached at the international level regarding sustainability indicators, e.g., the measurement criteria or unit of measurement. 7KH%UXQGWODQG5HSRUW :&(' GH¿QHVVXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQWDV³GHYHORSPHQW that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations WRPHHWWKHLURZQQHHGV´DYHU\FRPSOH[ZD\WRGH¿QHGHYHORSPHQWEHFDXVHVXVWDLQDEOH development is aimed at simultaneously achieving economic, social and environmental goals. All of the different sectors of development can and should be involved in developing the strategy to accomplish these goals. One of the most important rules for achieving VXVWDLQDELOLW\LVWRJLYHSULRULW\WRWKHVWRFNRIWKHQDWXUDOFDSLWDOUDWKHUWKDQWRWKHÀRZRI LQFRPHLWFRXOGSRVVLEO\HDUQ7KLVFRQFHSWLVHPSKDVLVHGLQDQRWKHUGH¿QLWLRQRIVXVWDLQDEOH GHYHORSPHQW³6XVWDLQDEOHHFRQRPLFGHYHORSPHQWLQYROYHVPD[LPLVLQJWKHQHWEHQH¿WVRI economic development, subject to maintaining the services and quality of natural resources over time” (D. Pearce et al., 1988). From this point of view the mission of economic activities should include both production and the preservation of the natural capital stock. %DVHG XSRQ WKH GH¿QLWLRQ RI 6XVWDLQDEOH 'HYHORSPHQW JLYHQ LQ WKH %UXQGWODQG 5HSRUW researchers have concluded that sustainable and long-lasting development is possible only if the planning, organisational and managerial formulations are contextually based not only on the classic production factors of “human built capital” and “labour” but also on natural FDSLWDO+HUPDQ'DO\RQHRIWKHPRVWVLJQL¿FDQWDXWKRUVWRZULWHRQWKHHFRQRPLFWKHRU\RI VXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQWDQGHFRORJLFDOHFRQRPLFV 'DO\ )DUOH\ KDVVSHFL¿HGWKDW there are two principles of sustainability involved in resource management: 1. The speed of resource withdrawal must be equal to the capacity for its regeneration. 2. The speed of waste production must be equal to the absorption capacities of the ecosystems into which they are introduced. Regeneration and absorption capacities must be treated as natural capital; if they are not maintained, there is a “capital consumption” and therefore unsustainability. Daly adds that there are two ways to maintain natural capital: 1. Weak sustainability: the manufactured and the natural capital are substitutes for each other, meaning that the sum of natural capital + manufactured capital is maintained at a constant value. 2. Strong sustainability: the manufactured and the natural capital are complementary; therefore, a constant stock of natural capital must be maintained. Under this scenario, both the manufactured and the natural capital must be maintained because the productivity of one depends on the availability of the other. The substitution of natural capital with manufactured capital is only possible in limited measure. Due to all of these interrelated factors and the various aspects to consider, one of the most glaring weaknesses of sustainable development at present is that it is not easy to measure the level of sustainability achieved by a certain activity, or by a certain government. The environmental economists are trying to accomplish this objective, but even if it is possible to

8 9 ¿QGYHU\JRRGWKHRUHWLFDOH[SODQDWLRQVIRUDVXVWDLQDEOHHFRQRPLFV\VWHPWKHUHLVDODFNRI knowledge as to which environmental concerns should be incorporated into the economic calculations and how to measure sustainability. Sustainability is a multidimensional problem; its economic, social and environmental aspects must be taken into account simultaneously. The most appropriate tool for obtaining a multidimensional representation of sustainability is a proper set of indicators. This set of indicators must be integrated in an assessment methodology to be useful for measuring sustainability. Though a theoretical background can support the evaluation of sustainability, help to integrate its different aspects and form the basis of a sustainability impact assessment (SIA, see also 1.4), the translation of theory into practice (in this report, the 13 lake destinations) LVDFKDOOHQJH(YHQZLWKDZHOOGH¿QHGWKHRUHWLFDOEDVLVDSUDFWLFDOPHWKRGRORJ\LVDOZD\V necessary to develop an assessment process. The ecological economic approach is based on the acknowledgment of the complexity of the environment, thus abandoning the strict RXWOLQHV RI WKH VLPSOL¿FDWLRQ SURSRVDOV EDVHG RQ QHRFODVVLFDO HFRQRPLF WKHRU\ ,Q WKLV framework, the evaluation methodologies must be capable of taking many different aspects into account. The need to simultaneously consider the economic evaluation as well as the biological, ecological and social assessments has led to the creation of a complex value system. In the case of resources of public interest, this complex value system assumes the name of the Complex Social Value. The complex social value is considered as the ideal alternative to the Total Economic Value, but due to the recentness of its formulation, it has not been developed to a great extent yet, both from the theoretical and from the practical points of view. Milan Zeleny, Peter Njikamp, Henk Voogd, and Luigi Fusco Girard, have thoroughly developed the analysis of the Complex Social Value and state that “The complex social value emphasises in particular the multidimensionality of the evaluation process…” (L. Fusco Girard, 1993). In this framework, the evaluation process is not based only on the monetary indicator but on a set of indicators. This requirement is the reason for the central role of multicriteria methodologies in the multidimensional evaluation process. Multicriteria evaluation is mostly used in comparative analysis, to guide the choice between the alternatives for the DFKLHYHPHQWRIVSHFL¿FJRDOV0XOWLFULWHULDHYDOXDWLRQKHOSVWRVROYHFRPSOH[SUREOHPVE\ taking all variables into account one by one but in an integrated way, attributing a relative importance to each variable. “A multicriteria analysis differs from a single criterion analysis in that it aims to make explicit a coherent family of criteria that will serve as an intelligible, DFFHSWDEOH DQG H[KDXVWLYH LQVWUXPHQW RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQ DOORZLQJ FRQFHSWLRQ MXVWL¿FDWLRQ and transformation of preferences within the decision process” (Roy, 1996). Therefore, the use of a multicriteria evaluation system allows the user to analyse a problem from several points of view at the same time, which is a requirement for sustainability analyses. Weighting is used to combine several items into one overall score in such a way that the scores of some LWHPVKDYHDODUJHULPSDFWRQWKH¿QDOLQGLFDWRUWKDQRWKHUV Currently, sustainable development means different things to different people. Hence, there are several interpretations of how sustainability should be measured. However, there is also a need for a measurement of sustainability that provides an indication of the extent to which the principles of sustainability are integrated into EU policies. Sustainable development starts at the local level, and the regional and local governments can play an important role in this process. The European Council in Helsinki (1999) asked the European Commission to prepare a proposal for a long-term strategy for a sustainable development policy. In Göteborg (2001), WKH(XURSHDQ&RXQFLODGRSWHGWKH¿UVW(86XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQW6WUDWHJ\ 6'6  A review of the EU SDS performed by the European Commission in 2004 highlighted the negative and unsustainable trends in relation to the main environmental problems considered. The Commission communication “On the review of the Sustainable Development Strategy - A platform for action” (2005) provided the groundwork for building a renewed SDS for an 8 9 enlarged EU. The main goal of the renewed EU SDS is to achieve a high quality of life for the current and future generations by building sustainable communities, managing resources HI¿FLHQWO\ DQG HQVXULQJ SURVSHULW\ DQG VRFLDO FRKHVLRQ 7KH UHQHZHG (8 6XVWDLQDEOH 'HYHORSPHQW 6WUDWHJ\ SXEOLVKHG LQ  UHDI¿UPV WKH REMHFWLYHV RI WKH ¿UVW (8 6'6 environmental protection, social equity and cohesion, economic prosperity and international responsibilities. The goal is to further develop the SDS not to replace it. The key challenges concern both socio-economic and environmental issues: climate change and clean energy, sustainable transportation, sustainable consumption and production, the conservation and management of natural resources, public health, social inclusion, demography and migration, global poverty and sustainable development challenges. The renewed EU SDS encourages the development of sustainability indicators for the overall monitoring of the strategy and for ensuring the proper assessment of the situation for each challenge. Therefore, the key issues are the development of sustainability indicators and the proper assessment of sustainability, ZKLFKDUHDOVRWZRRIWKHVSHFL¿FREMHFWLYHVRIWKH6/2:7285SURMHFW Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) is emerging as a more transparent, comprehensive, integrated and far-sighted approach to decision making. The SLOWTOUR project has provided an advancement in the state of the art. As a matter of fact, while a sustainability assessment PXVW RIWHQ EH DGMXVWHG WR SDUWLFXODU FLUFXPVWDQFHV PDNLQJ LW GLI¿FXOW RU HYHQ LPSRVVLEOH to perform comparative analyses of different territories, the SLOWTOUR methodological approach and the assessment model proposed are applicable virtually anywhere because they are based on a standard set of indicators that are based upon a standardised set of data. In addition, most sustainability assessment studies have proposed methods for evaluating sustainability that are based on neoclassical economic theory and aim to use money as a unit of measurement to evaluate the willingness of consumers to pay. For this project, WKH DVVHVVPHQW PHWKRG LV EDVHG RQ D VSHFL¿F PXOWLFULWHULD PRGHO VHH VHFWLRQ   WKDW allows for the aggregation and integration of all of the different aspects involved, while each aspect also retains its own identity. Multi-criteria evaluation methodologies are widely applied LQ VHYHUDO ¿HOGV EXW WKHUH LV QRW D FRPSOHWH RU XQL¿HG PHWKRGRORJ\ IRU WKHLU DSSOLFDWLRQ to sustainability assessments, despite their capability to evaluate many different aspects and solve multidimensional problems, which sustainability requires. Decision-making is YHU\GLI¿FXOWZKHQFRQVLGHULQJVXVWDLQDELOLW\LVVXHVEXWPXOWLFULWHULDPHWKRGRORJLHVFDOOHG Multi-criteria Decision Aid (MCDA), are an important aid for public decision making. Another LPSRUWDQW DGYDQWDJH LV WKDW WKH PRGHO LPSOLFLWO\ DVVXPHV WKDW DOO VLJQL¿FDQW VWDNHKROGHUV must make a positive contribution to sustainability, through a participatory approach. Some advances could be applied to existing projects or activities. For example, the Environmental Indicators for Sustainable Agriculture (ELISA) project reached a very important conclusion in terms of a set of indicators, even if it was limited to the agricultural sector; however, the ELISA project could not develop a model for the assessment of the global impact of human activities on the environment. The model proposed by the SLOWTOUR project can help with this issue. In addition, the model is dynamic, which means that it is possible to use it for simulations and analyses of different scenarios; it can be used not only for the assessment and monitoring of indicators but also for simulations of the impacts of EU policies on measures of sustainability. Recently, the TEEB study, “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity,” proposed an HFRQRPLFDSSURDFKZLWKVSHFL¿FFRQVLGHUDWLRQVIRUELRGLYHUVLW\DQGVHWWKHJRDORIDWWUDFWLQJ DWWHQWLRQWRWKHRYHUDOOHFRQRPLFEHQH¿WVRIELRGLYHUVLW\DQGWKHFRVWVWKDWDULVHIURPWKHORVV of this resource and the degradation of ecosystems. This study mentions many examples of costs that are associated with a loss of tourism. ,QUHJDUGVWRWRXULVPGHVWLQDWLRQVVSHFL¿FDOO\VXVWDLQDEOHPDQDJHPHQWSURYLGHV Ŷ D OHYHO RI UHVRXUFH XVH WKDW PDLQWDLQV WKH FXOWXUDO DQG HQYLURQPHQWDO DWWUDFWLRQV WR guarantee their availability in the long term; Ŷ HTXLOLEULXPLQWKHGLVWULEXWLRQRIFRVWVDQGEHQH¿WVDPRQJWKHDFWRUVRIWKHORFDOWRXULVP V\VWHPWRJXDUDQWHHORQJWHUPSUR¿WDELOLW\WRWKHGHVWLQDWLRQDQG Ŷ HTXLOLEULXPLQWKHGH¿FLWDQGVXSSO\RIWRXULVPDWWKHGHVWLQDWLRQ 10 11 7KHDFWRIGH¿QLQJLQGLFDWRUVRIWKHVXVWDLQDELOLW\RIWRXULVPLVDFRPSOH[WDVNEHFDXVHRIWKH large number of aspects that must be taken into account. The World Tourism Organisation :72  GH¿QHG ¿YH EDVLF FULWHULD IRU WKH VHOHFWLRQ RI LQGLFDWRUV IRU WKH DVVHVVPHQW DQG monitoring of the sustainability of tourism practices:

Ŷ WKHUHOHYDQFHRIWKHLQGLFDWRUWRWKHVHOHFWHGLVVXH Ŷ WKHIHDVLELOLW\RIREWDLQLQJDQGDQDO\VLQJWKHLQIRUPDWLRQUHTXLUHG Ŷ WKHFUHGLELOLW\RIWKHLQIRUPDWLRQDQGLWVUHOLDELOLW\IRUWKHXVHUVRIWKHGDWD Ŷ WKHFODULW\DQGHDVHRIXQGHUVWDQGLQJDPRQJWKHXVHUVDQG Ŷ WKHFRPSDUDELOLW\RIWKHLQGLFDWRURYHUWLPHDQGDFURVVUHJLRQV

The key concept under consideration is the carrying capacity of the destination, which is GLYLGHGLQWRVHYHUDOGLIIHUHQWW\SHVRIFDSDFLWLHV ¿YHW\SHVDFFRUGLQJWRWKH:72 EXWFDQ be summarised as three:

Ŷ WKHSK\VLFDOHFRORJLFDOFDSDFLW\ Ŷ WKHHFRQRPLFFDSDFLW\ Ŷ WKHVRFLDOFDSDFLW\

Using these three categories places the focus on the three dimensions of sustainability mentioned above: the environmental, economic and social aspects. All of the above considerations for sustainable development in general are applicable to sustainable tourism, and, once again, the key issues are the development of a proper set of indicators and the creation of an effective and transparent assessment model.

1.2 Sustainable tourism in lake destinations

Lakes and wetlands are among the most important and most threatened ecosystems on earth. They provide habitat for a rich diversity of animal and plant life. People need wetlands IRUPDQ\UHDVRQV:HWODQGVSURYLGHSURGXFWVIURP¿VKWRUHHGVDQGKHOSSUHYHQWÀRRGV :HWODQGVDOVRSOD\DQLPSRUWDQWUROHLQ¿OWHULQJDQGFOHDQLQJZDWHUWKHUHE\UHGXFLQJOHYHOVRI pollutants. Finally, wetlands serve as a very popular tourism destination and leisure resource. Lakes or lake systems are vital tourists attractions at many destinations, and visitor numbers run into the millions, for example, in the Lake District (UK), Northern Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, Finland, Minnesota and at the Great Lakes (USA) (Hall and Härkönen, 2006). Nevertheless, lakes and wetlands are very sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems, and over 60% of European wetlands have been destroyed by human activities since the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the remaining areas are imminently threatened by nutrient enrichment and water abstraction. The sensitive and complex ecological systems of lake areas thus require tourism to be developed and managed in a very careful (i.e., sustainable) manner. Sustainable tourism is tourism “that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities” (WTO, 2004). Sustainable tourism is not a discrete or special form of tourism. Rather, all forms of tourism should strive to be more sustainable. Tourism holds a special position in terms of both the contributions it can make to sustainable development and the challenges it presents. First, tourism is special because of the dynamism and growth of the sector and the major contribution that it makes to the economies of many countries and local destinations. Second, tourism is an activity that involves a special relationship between FRQVXPHUV YLVLWRUV  WKH LQGXVWU\ WKH HQYLURQPHQW DQG ORFDO FRPPXQLWLHV :72 81(3 Making Tourism more sustainable). The organisations of 13 lake regions in Europe, spread over eight countries, participated in the SLOWTOUR project (see map). Many of these lake regions are attractive tourism destinations, like Lake Constance, which boasts over 10 million overnight stays and up to

10 11 23 million day trippers per year. Other communities, such as those in Lake Vörtsjärv or Lake Peipsi in Estonia, are aiming to develop tourism with the goal of serving as a driver for economical development in general, providing jobs and a stable income for the local population. In both cases, the need for a sustainable tourism sector is obvious. The participating organisations assisted by providing a description of their region and gathering data on several themes as input for the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA). These themes were Biodiversity, Land Use, Air quality, Energy, Transport, Waste Management, and Water Quality. The results of the assessments are presented in section 1.4. Furthermore, the participating organisations acted as distributors of two surveys, one dedicated to tourists and the other to tourism providers, to compare the expectations and experiences of the tourists with the self evaluation of tourism providers in regards to the quality of their offerings and the tourism market in the lake region and to provide further input for the Sustainability Impact Assessment. See the next section (1.3) for the comparison of the survey results. All of the participating lakes, except WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden, are represented in the International Living Lakes Network, which was created in 1998 to promote the protection of lakes and wetlands and the sustainable development of lake regions. Today, 97 lakes are represented in the network by over 100 organisations. Further information on the Living Lakes Network and the Living Lakes involved in the SLOW Tour project can be found at: www.globalnature.org

Source: Google Earth 2011 12 13 1.2.1 Lake Balaton, Hungary /DNH%DODWRQLVWKHODUJHVWIUHVKZDWHUODNHLQ&HQWUDO(XURSHDQGRQHRIWKHPRVWVLJQL¿FDQW natural treasures of Hungary. Its popularity results from its favourable climate, its warm water in the summer, the beautiful landscape surrounding the lake and its cultural and historical values. The lake surface is 594 km2. Its water volume is approximately 2 billion m3, but the average depth is quite shallow at 3.2 m. The deepest point is 11 m in Tihany Bay. The length of the shore is 235 km. Its catchment area (together with the lake) is 5,775 km2. The Zala 5LYHULVWKHPRVWVLJQL¿FDQWZDWHUVRXUFHWRWKHODNH7KHODNH¶VVXPPHUWHPSHUDWXUHLVDS- proximately 22-27 °C, while it often freezes over in winter. The Lake Balaton Resort Area (3,886 km2) lies almost entirely within the watershed of the lake and is comprised of 179 municipalities, with a permanent population of approxima- tely 275,000 inhabitants. However, any determination of the regional resource allocation for the coordination of development is complicated because the Lake Balaton Resort Area falls among three different counties (Somogy, Veszprém and Zala) and three different statistical (NUTS-II) regions (South, Central, and West Transdanubia). Tourism development in the Lake Balaton region The development of the tourism sector in the Lake Balaton region had already started by the 1840s due to the scenery and the medicinal properties of the local spa waters. In the 1960s, a new wave of tourism development occurred. Mass tourism started to bloom as the government aimed to develop the Lake Balaton Region as the most important tourism desti- nation in Hungary. Rapid developments and investments occurred around the lake. Several hotels and campsites were constructed, and nearly 70 kilometres of mostly permanent sho- reline was developed. After the political and economical changes of 1989-1990, tourism declined by more than 'RPHVWLFGHPDQGGHFUHDVHGVLJQL¿FDQWO\DV+XQJDULDQVZHUHWKHQDOORZHGWRWUDYHOWR Western Europe. Furthermore, Lake Balaton was previously a meeting place for tourists from (DVWDQG:HVW*HUPDQ\EXW/DNH%DODWRQORVWWKLVUROHDIWHUWKHUHXQL¿FDWLRQRI*HUPDQ\ Today, Lake Balaton’s local economy is still based on tourism activities that are strongly de- pendent on the quality of the local environment. The area is a highly frequented international tourist destination with some 200,000 commercial accommodations and 5 to 6 million regi- stered guest nights annually, causing the summer population to swell to 1 to 2 million people in July and August. The most important resource markets are Germany (34,3%) and Austria (18,5%), followed by the Czech Republic (6,6%) and Russia (4,9%). Domestic tourism has DOVRLQFUHDVHGVLJQL¿FDQWO\GXULQJUHFHQW\HDUV According to the statistics, there are 182 hotels (including 20 spa-hotels) operating in the re- gion. In addition, there are also many pensions, hostels and campsites. Family operated pen- sions and apartments are also popular among tourists visiting the area. The most important tourism attractions are: the fresh water lake; the diverse natural environment and landscape; the wine culture of the historical wine regions, the thermal water resources and thermal spas; the national monuments, castles, fortresses and folk architecture; the historical and cultural traditions; and the active tourism opportunities, including the cultural, gastronomic and spor- ting events and festivals. 6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV To tackle the problems and identify the long-term development opportunities and objectives in the region, the Lake Balaton Tourism Development Programme was developed in 2005 with the overall aim of promoting the development of sustainable tourism. One of the major goals proposed is to renew the tourism offerings to meet the changes in demand. It is also important to extend the currently very short tourist season to maintain revenues as well as to provide targeted services for diverse groups of domestic and foreign tourists, unless it is

12 13 YHU\XQOLNHO\WKDWWKHQXPEHURIWRXULVWVZLOOLQFUHDVH,QDGGLWLRQWKHUHLVDVLJQL¿FDQWQHHG for new and quality tourism products to complement the seasonal tourism offerings and to provide long-term employment. 2EMHFWLYHVKDYHEHHQLGHQWL¿HGDFFRUGLQJWRWKHWHUULWRULDOFKDUDFWHULVWLFV Ŷ 6RXWKHUQ1RUWKHUQDQG(DVW%DODWRQ+HDOWKVDLOLQJJROIHTXHVWULDQFXOWXUDOHFRDQG FRQJUHVVWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWVIRUDQDIÀXHQWWDUJHWJURXSXSJUDGHRIORFDODLUSRUWV Ŷ 6RXWK%DODWRQWKHZHVWHUQSDUWZLOOIRFXVPDLQO\RQIDPLOLHVDQGSHQVLRQHUVWKHHDVWHUQ area will focus on youth tourism. Ŷ 6RPRJ\UXUDODQJOLQJKXQWLQJZLQHDQGDFWLYHWRXULVP*DVWURQRP\RUFKDUGVZLQHULHV and folk architecture will be highlighted. Ŷ :HVW%DODWRQKHDOWKWRXULVPZLOOEHWKHOHDGLQJIRUFHGXHWRWKHLQWHUQDWLRQDOO\IDPRXV spas and the water quality problems of the Keszthely bay. Kis-Balaton, with its protected areas, will provide ecotourism offerings. Ŷ %DODWRQ8SODQGVFXOWXUDOWRXULVPIHVWLYDOVDFWLYHZLQHHTXHVWULDQDQGUXUDOWRXULVPDQG ecotourism (Balaton National Park). Hiking will be featured. Ŷ 7KHPDWLFVKRUHVHFWLRQVZLOOEHGHYHORSHGHJ%DURTXH%DODWRQDQG9ROFDQRHV¶YDOOH\ As the development of tourism is highly interrelated with regional development, success will be based on the effective cooperation and close partnership of local actors and organisations to ensure synergy among different development objectives. To strengthen these new aspects of development, the management and marketing of tourism at Lake Balaton is based on a systematic Tourism Destination Management plan.

14 15 1.2.2 Lake Constance, Germany Lake Constance lies north of the Alps at 395 metres above sea level. It has a surface area of 571.5 square kilometres, is 254 metres deep and has a volume of 48.5 cubic kilometres. Lake Constance has German, Austrian and Swiss shorelines. The catchment area of the lake is approximately 11,500 square kilometres and covers territories of three European countries: Germany (28%), Switzerland with Liechtenstein (48%) and Austria (24%). This international settlement and industrial region is inhabited by over 3 million people. Over 500 people per square kilometre live along the shoreline of the lake. Lake Constance is the second largest pre-alpine European lake by area and volume after Lake Geneva. The lake basin is situated in the Molasse basin of the northern Alpine foreland and was mainly formed by water and ice activity during the last quaternary glaciation period more than 15.000 years ago. Lake Constance is traditionally divided into the Lower Lake &RQVWDQFH DQG WKH 8SSHU /DNH &RQVWDQFH 0RUH WKDQ  RI WKH ZDWHU ÀRZ RULJLQDWHV IURPWKH$OSVWKURXJKWKHWKUHHLQÀRZV$OSHQUKHLQ%UHJHQ]HUDFKDQG'RUQELUQHUDFKLQWKH eastern part of the Upper Lake. As a natural ecosystem, Lake Constance is one of the most representative and important wetland habitats for plants and animals in Central Europe. Lake Constance has particular VLJQL¿FDQFHDVDUHVWLQJDQGZLQWHULQJDUHDIRUDSSUR[LPDWHO\ZDWHUELUGVDQGLV the most important inland body of water for waterfowl in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Some of the key species are: the Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), the Gadwall $QDVVWUHSHUD WKH5HGFUHVWHG3RFKDUG 1HWWDUX¿QD WKH3RFKDUG $\WK\DIHULQD WKH Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and the Coot (Fulica atra). The occurrence of more than 350 bird species in Central Europe is only possible in a region of favourable geographical position; the location of the lake at the northern edge of the Alps especially favours the co-occurrence of numerous migratory bird species. 7KH/DNH&RQVWDQFHDUHDLVDJHRJUDSKLFDOSODQWVSHFL¿FFRQWDFW]RQHZLWKDZLGHUDQJHRI ÀRULVWLFVSHFLDOLWLHV$SDUWIURP0HGLWHUUDQHDQSODQWV$OSLQHDQGHYHQVWHSSHÀRUDIURPWKH east is also found at Lake Constance. In contrast to other large lakes at the foothills of the $OSVWKHZDWHUOHYHORI/DNH&RQVWDQFHLVQRWUHJXODWHGDUWL¿FLDOO\7KHSODQWVSHFLHVIRXQG on the shore of the lake are especially well adapted to the natural change in water level of two meters, on average, that occurs between the winter low and the summer high water levels. In the German part of the Lake Constance region, approximately 37,000 hectares are protected and included in the NATURA 2000-Network. The lakeshore and the shallow parts of the lake are of special ecological value, but only 27 % of the lake shoreline (in the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg) is protected.

Development of the Lake Constance region The degree of the land use in the Lake Constance region is intense; agriculture, tourism, industry and urban settlements all compete for land, and there is not enough space left over for nature. The shore regions, with over 500 inhabitants per square kilometre, are among the most densely settled areas. In terms of transportation, the Lake Constance region has one of the highest concentrations RIVWUHHWVDQGWUDI¿FRIDQ\UXUDODUHDRI*HUPDQ\,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHVHWWOHPHQWVDQGWKH WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH WKHUH DUH DOVR UHFUHDWLRQDO IDFLOLWLHV EDQN IRUWL¿FDWLRQV DQG excavation sites for sand and gravel. Today, 42% of the Lake Constance shoreline in Baden- Württemberg has been built up with quays or walled embankments. Only 28 % of the German shoreline remains in its natural condition. Approximately 433,000 hectares of the Lake Constance region is currently used for agriculture. 0RVWODQGXVHLVIRUJUHHQ¿HOGVDQGSDVWXUHZKLFKFRPSULVHRIWKHDJULFXOWXUDOODQG area. The rest of the area is used for crops, fruit plantations, hops, vegetables, and vines. 14 15 The majority of the farms are managed using traditional practices or in accordance with “integrated“ farming practices. Organic farming has been practised for a long time at Lake Constance; approximately 8% of the agricultural area is organically cultivated. The Lake Constance region has the largest cultivation area for pomaceous fruit in Germany, mainly DSSOHV  KHFWDUHV  &XUUHQWO\ WKH LQWHQVL¿FDWLRQ RI FRUQ SURGXFWLRQ IRU ELRPDVV LV occurring. $SSUR[LPDWHO\  SURIHVVLRQDO ¿VKHUPHQ DUH UHJLVWHUHG ¿JXUHV IRU   EXW PRVW RI WKHPRQO\ZRUNSDUWWLPHLQ¿VKHULHV7KHGHFUHDVHRIQXWULHQWVRIWKHODNHKDVUHVXOWHGLQ a decrease in the total catch yield, i.e., the natural catch limit has been reached. As far as VXVWDLQDELOLW\LVFRQFHUQHGWKH¿VKLQJSUDFWLFHVHPSOR\HGRQ/DNH&RQVWDQFHDUHDPRQJWKH most progressive in Europe. The supply of drinking water to the 320 towns and communities, ZLWK D WRWDO RI DSSUR[LPDWHO\  PLOOLRQ LQKDELWDQWV LV D VLJQL¿FDQW HFRQRPLF IDFWRU LQ WKH area. The supply of drinking water is the responsibility of the Lake Constance Water Supply Authority (BWW), a communal institution with 177 members.

Tourism development of the lake region Gathering data regarding the development of tourism in the international Lake Constance region is not easy because there are no coordinated data collection efforts and analyses within the 3 countries involved. Tourism, which accounts for approximately 10 million overnight stays, a gross turnover of approximately 350 million Euro per year and approximately 30,000 IXOOWLPHMREVLVDPRQJWKHPRVWVLJQL¿FDQWHFRQRPLFIDFWRUVLQWKH/DNH&RQVWDQFHUHJLRQ WKHVH¿JXUHVDUHIRUWKH*HUPDQ/DNH&RQVWDQFHUHJLRQRQO\ $SSUR[LPDWHO\PLOOLRQ day-trippers visit the region each year, mainly during the months of July to mid-September. In the German part of the region, tourism increased by approximately 4,2 % from 2009 to 2010. On average, the typical guest stays 5,5 days (3,2 days in Germany, on average), and the WRXULVWVWDNHDQDERYHDYHUDJHQXPEHUDQGOHQJWKRIRXWLQJV(LJKW\¿YHSHUFHQWRIWKHVH vacation and recreational trips are completed by car. The lake and its harbour regions are the most important destination for vacation guests and locals in their leisure time. Sixty percent of the annual visitors are concentrated within the ten most attractive places for outings. These YLVLWRUVFDXVHVLJQL¿FDQWHQYLURQPHQWDOSUREOHPVHVSHFLDOO\LQWHUPVRIWKHWUDI¿FLPSDFWV To date, the measures implemented to inform and sensitise these visitors have not been VXI¿FLHQWO\VXFFHVVIXO

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV 7KHDLPRIWKH%RGHQVHH/HLWELOGWKHRI¿FLDOJXLGDQFHIRUGHYHORSPHQWRIWKH/DNH&RQVWDQFH Region, which was approved in 2008 by the International Lake Constance Conference, is very vague: “Support to a transnational and coordinated tourism development which takes into account environmental concerns as well as economic aspects”. To date, the International /DNH&RQVWDQFH7RXULVP0DUNHWLQJSODQKDVQRWGH¿QHGFRQFUHWHJRDOVUHJDUGLQJVXVWDLQDEOH WRXULVPGHYHORSPHQW$OOVXUYH\VFRQ¿UPWKDWWKHODNHLVWKHPDLQDWWUDFWLRQIRUWRXULVWVDQG it is unquestionable that water quality needs to be maintained not only for tourism but also because of the importance of the drinking water supply. During the last few years, the region KDVVWUHQJWKHQHGLWVSUR¿OHDVDELNLQJKROLGD\UHJLRQZLWKDJRRGQHWZRUNRIELF\FOHODQHV service stations, hotels specialised for bikers and tourism packages for bikers. The main protected areas and guided thematic excursions are included in the general promotion of tourism offerings. ECOCAMPING, one of the most successful sustainable tourism initiatives in Germany, started with 14 camping sites at Lake Constance. Within the region, a variety of model projects can be found, but no serious strategies to improve the environmental quality of hotels and holiday apartments or to promote zero-emission transportation, among other possible actions, have been pursued. 16 17 1.2.3 Lake Chiemsee, Germany Lake Chiemsee, also known as the “Bavarian Sea,” is the third largest lake in Germany and the biggest lake in Bavaria. This lake owes its origin to a glacier that dug itself into the earth’s FUXVWWRDGHSWKRIPHWUHV7KXVWKHEDVLQZDVFUHDWHGDQGLW¿OOHGXSUDSLGO\ZLWKWKH meltwater and precipitation of the postglacial period. At that time, some 15 000 years ago, the lake was at least two and a half fold larger than its present size. Today, Lake Chiemsee is 18 kilometres long, 14 kilometres wide and covers an area of 85 square kilometres. The Tiroler Achen and the Prien feed Lake Chiemsee, and the Alz drains it from near Seebruck. To the VRXWKWKHODNHLVÀDQNHGE\WKH.DPSHQZDQG+RFKJHUQDQG+RFKIHOOQ0RXQWDLQVDQGWKHLU GLVWLQFWLYHSUR¿OHV7KHLVODQGVRI+HUUHQLQVHO)UDXHQLQVHODQG.UDXWLQVHOOLHFORVHWRJHWKHU in the western part of the lake. At 2.4 square kilometres, Herrenchiemsee is the largest of the islands. The nunnery island of Frauenchiemsee is densely populated. Its octagonal onion- domed tower dominates the view across the lake. Between the two larger islands lies the 3.5-hectare Krautinsel. It is uninhabited and only used for agriculture. A natural attraction is the Delta of the Tiroler Ache. This delta is unique in Europe because it is in the best ecological condition compared to the other deltas. It is a protected area, and trespassing is forbidden. Silk and gravel are transported on the waters of the Tiroler Achen. This river pushes its alluvial table out into the lake constantly forming new land areas. The Ache delta, with its virtually virgin riparian forests, enjoys international renown as a retreat for many endangered bird species. In addition, many different types of biotopes, which provides habitat for endangered plants and animals, are distributed around the lake. There are high- and low-moors, marshlands, reeds and areas of shrubbery. The bird life at the lake presents varies greatly throughout the year, and tremendous differences are noted between summer and winter. As many as 30 000 individuals of aquatic birds can be spotted during the winter, but only 3000 in the summer. 16 17 In summary, the landscape around Lake Chiemsee has a highly differentiated natural condition. On the one hand, there are protected areas of natural shoreline such as the delta, and on the other hand, there are intensively used areas of shoreline on the island of “Herreninsel”, which receives approximately 450 visitors each year. There is also some other highly developed recreational infrastructure such as streets, camping grounds and leisure centres.

Tourism development in the lake region The Lake Chiemsee region is very well known as a tourist destination. The most famous tourist attraction is the castle built there by Bavaria’s fairy-tale King Ludwig II. The New Castle’s park and gardens are designed to follow the pattern of those at Versailles. There are approximately 450,000 visitors each year. The average tourist who spends his holiday in one oft the Chiemsee-Communities is looking for DYDFDWLRQDWWKHVHDVLGH7RXULVWVFDQ¿QGDZLGHUDQJHRIDWWUDFWLRQVDQGRIIHULQJVLQFOXGLQJ boat trips, boat services, leisure centres, equestrian sports, bicycle lanes, marinas, museums, beaches, beer gardens, wildlife observation stations, guided nature tours and art and culture. There was a impressive boom in tourism at Lake Chiemsee 20 years ago after the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, after the boom-time some 20 years ago, the numbers of tourists decreased. Hoteliers complain about the fact that there has been no clear tourism strategy in recent years. At present, it is not easy to determine the exact number of tourists visiting the region because the mountainous area is closely related to the lake area. In the year 2009, the 10 communities located directly at the lake registered 308.486 arrivals and 1,4 million overnight visitors. Approximately 5% were foreign tourists. Of these foreign tourists, 70-75% were Austrians. 0DUNHWDQDO\VHVIRUWKH&KLHPJDXDUHDKDYHGH¿QHGWKHIROORZLQJFRXQWULHVDVWDUJHWJURXSV *HUPDQ\$XVWULD%HQHOX[1HWKHUODQGV*UHDW%ULWDLQ,WDO\DQG6ZLW]HUODQG

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV 3UHVHQWO\WKHUHDUHQRVLJQL¿FDQWVWXGLHVUHJDUGLQJWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIVXVWDLQDEOHWRXULVP at Lake Chiemsee. The author has no information concerning sustainable development of the hotels and the Chiemsee shipping industry, etc. Basically, the tourism sector of the Chiemsee region must and is reorienting itself after experiencing a smaller boom phase in the 1990s. A large part of the marketing strategy of the tourism associations relies on conventional tourism. However, recently, a trend towards more sustainable tourism, particularly nature tourism, has been observed in the region. The natural banks of Lake Chiemsee offer an excellent starting point for nature tourism. In contrast to other Bavarian lakes, the banks of Lake Chiemsee are not covered with construction from intensive development projects. Furthermore, the biotopes are in good ecological condition. The natural lakeshores invite the visitor to observe and experience their beauty. Based on this natural potential, some highly valuable offerings, which are part of a sustainable development programme, have been developed. Nature observation towers KDYH EHHQ HVWDEOLVKHG7KHVH WRZHUV HQDEOH D YLHZ RI WKH ULFK ÀRUD DQG IDXQD ZDWHUIRZO  DV ZHOO DV WKH XQVSRLOHG VKRUHV RI WKH ODNH7KH\ VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ GLUHFW WKH ÀRZ RI YLVLWRUV There are regular bird observation tours that are conducted by experts. These tour offerings are IUHHRIFKDUJHDQGDUHZHOOUHFHLYHGE\WKHYLVLWLQJWRXULVWV)XUWKHUPRUHTXDOL¿HGQDWXUHDQG landscape guides have established an association and offer Chiemsee nature guides, which are constantly accepted by the tourists. An important part of a sustainable tourism transport concept in the area is the Chiemsee ringline. The low-priced ringbus allows hikers to walk some stages of the Chiemsee loop road and connects with excursions for bicycle or boat tours. One of the special features of the ringbus is a hanger for 18 bikes. Furthermore, in the last year, there has been an increase in marketing by the tourism associations for walking and biking tourism. This development concept is part of the Chiemsee loop road, which will offer a trail for hikers and a VHSDUDWHSDWKIRUELF\FOLVWV7KH¿UVWSRUWLRQVRIWKLVURDGKDYHDOUHDG\EHHQFRQVWUXFWHG 18 19 1.2.4 Lake Garda, Italy The landscape of Lake Garda, the largest of the lakes of the southern Alps, is one of the most spectacular because of its glacial forms, both deriving from erosion and accumulation. The lake’s water surface has an average temperature of about 12 °. The lake is subject to rapid water level rise, linked to sudden drops in atmospheric pressure. The maximum depth of the lake is 346 m., the minimum depth, far from the banks, is 4 m . The average level of water is 65 meters above sea level and it undergoes seasonal variations quite limited compared to other large pre-alpine lakes.

*DUGD ODNH KDV  ¿VK VSHFLHV DQG VRPH VSHFLHV QRW \HW GHWHUPLQHG PRUH 7KH PRVW FKDUDFWHULVWLF¿VKLVWKHFDUSDYHU\GHOLFLRXVVDOPRQLGWKDWIHHGVRQSODQNWRQDQGZKLFK SUHIHUV WKH XSSHU ODNH 2WKHU LPSRUWDQW ¿VKHV WKDW OLYH LQ /DNH *DUGD DUH WURXWV SLNHV ZKLWH¿VKHVFKXEVWHQFKHVEDUEHOVVWLFNOHEDFNVURFNEDVVHVDQGSDQFWRIDJL¿VKHVOLNH the allis shad, living in large swarms, like the Italian bleaks. Anguilla is also and it prefers lower lake.

The slow succession of ice ages and thaws, initially contributed to the formation of a YHJHWDWLRQZLWKIHDWXUHVVLPLODUWRWKRVHRIWKHUHVWRI(XURSHDQGWKHQWKHWHUULWRU\ZDV¿QDOO\ FKDUDFWHUL]HGDIWHUWKHÀRRGLQWKHVHYHQWKFHQWXU\$',WZDVGXULQJWKLVSHULRGWKDWPXOWLSO\ FURS VSHFLHV DSSHDUHG DQG WKRVH SODQWV VWLOO FRQVWLWXWH WKH ÀRUD RI WKH *DUGD &KHVWQXW Walnut, Olive, Vine, Cereals. The olive tree, in particular, has been introduced in Etruscan times but especially in Roman times it spreads, becoming a typical woody del Garda. The olive tree is together with the cypress the typical plant of Lake Garda. The mild climate gives rise to a rich spontaneous cover among which stand out the bushes of wild roses, fraxinella and dittany, oleander, mimosa and acacia, broom and forsythia. The cultivation of the lemon is somewhat peculiar because it is practiced in the typical gardens with pillars and walls of 18 19 SHEEOHVGLVWULEXWHGLQWHUUDFHV7KLVW\SHRIFXOWLYDWLRQZDVLQWURGXFHGIRUWKH¿UVWWLPHE\ the Franciscans in the thirteenth century at Gargnano. At higher altitudes the vegetation of WKH*DUGDFDQEHFRQVLGHUHGDQHYHUJUHHQKROPRDNZRRGWKDWEOHQGVZLWKÀRZHULQJDVK and hornbeam, with downy oak, oak and turkey oak. But the special feature of the area is GH¿QLWHO\GHWHFWDEOHLQWKHJDUGHQVHDFKVLGHRIWKH*DUGDKDVWKHFRORUVDQGVFHQWVRI H[RWLFÀRZHUVSDOPVDQGRUDQJHWUHHV

Tourism development in the lake region Already at the end of nineteenth century, Luigi Wimmer inaugurated the modern tourism in Gardone, following in the footsteps of Goethe, who met of this lake - it was 1786 - “the land where lemon trees blossom.” In recent years, particularly after the German economic recovery, the countrymen of Goethe and Wimmer followed their example en masse. The data on tourism for the Lake Garda show this peculiar aspect; foreign tourism represents the largest share of the whole Garda tourism (76%) and Germany is by far the most important country with a variable share from 50 to 60%. From 1998 to 2008, the tourism of Lake Garda has seen an increase in arrivals of 32.% (3,757,000) and 18% of admissions (17.922.000). There are 1080 hotels and 2.775 non-hotel extra facilities .There is no shortage of cultural events, prestigious gatherings with music and dance, exhibitions and folklore events to be followed by visitors throughout the whole year. The nearby towns of Brescia, Mantua, Trento and Verona offer an equally rich and prestigious corollary of events and sightseeing places. And for those who love good food, on the Garda there are a lot of delights of simple and UH¿QHGFRRNLQJWRJHWKHUTXDOLW\LVWKHVWURQJSRLQWRIWKLVDUHD$QGGRQRWPLVVDYLVLWWR the wine cellars or olive mills, to the direct discovery of typical products of the Garda area. The natural, aquatic and amusement parks are a real system that surrounds the lake and offer unique opportunities for recreation for both young people and adults. Lake Garda and its surroundings are the perfect training ground for those who like active holidays, sport and want to experience a relaxing or competitive sporting commitment. The waters of Lake Garda have always been sailed thanks to the winds, which allowed the development of sailing sports at all levels. Today every major town center is fully equipped to collect in docks and KDUERUVWKHERDWVDQGVDLOLQJERDWV7KHZDWHUVRIWKHODNHDUHLGHDOIRUZLQGVXU¿QJDQG VDLOLQJRUFDQRHLQJEXWDOVRIRUWKRVHZKRSUDFWLFHUHFUHDWLRQDOERDWLQJUHFUHDWLRQDO¿VKLQJ and diving. Its immediate hinterland as well, with the rich variety of environments and modern equipment, offers a lot to cycling and equestrian lovers, for those who love trekking and long mountain hikes or to those who prefer tennis and golf. Lake Garda, the most Mediterranean of the Alpine Italian lakes, offers its majestic spectacle of natural brightness and color in every season, it is a unique holiday location. The rivers, dotted with villages and towns, add to the charm of the natural environment the one of the built landscape and the atmosphere of ancient ruins of Roman settlements, medieval castles, majestic palaces, villas.

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV The issue of sustainability policies is very important and utmost present in the territory of Lake Garda. Below, some of these transverse elements are shown:

! The Community of Lake Garda, which associates several lacustrine municipalities, is coordinating a European project called Eulakes which analyzes the effects of climate change on large European lakes with the aim of promoting an integrated approach to improve the processes of sustainable governance of the lake areas, by adopting a strategy of participatory planning and management; 20 21 ! The Regional Administration of Lombardy, Veneto and the Provincia Autonoma di Trento have promoted policies for sustainable tourism also through the   GHYHORSPHQW RI FRPSDQLHV DQG RUJDQL]DWLRQV RI LQWHUQDWLRQDO FHUWL¿FDWLRQV Ecolabel, ISO14001 and Emas

! In October 2011, the Veneto Region has approved a major recording project EMAS per Shore of Lake Garda of Veneto, for the towns of Bardolino, Castelnuovo del Garda, Malcesine and Torri del Benaco, strongly desired by the individual municipalities. The project started in September 2010 has the ambitious goal of joining the EMAS at the end of December 2012.

! ,QWKHPXQLFLSDOLW\RI7HQQRWKH¿UVWLQVWLWXWLRQRIWKH3URYLQFLD$XWRQRPD di Trento, got EMAS registration, then in 2009 the towns of Arco, Dro, Drena   DQGKDYHEHHQFHUWL¿HGIRU(0$6HQYLURQPHQWDOFHUWL¿FDWLRQDQG81,(1,62 14001.

! ,QWKHDUHDRI/RPEDUG\LQWKHFLW\RI0DQWXDZDVFHUWL¿HG(0$6DQGLQ   WKHWRZQRI/LPRQHVXO*DUGDREWDLQHG,62FHUWL¿FDWLRQ

! Finally, a group of operators of Riva del Garda (consisting of 6 accommodation   IDFLOLWLHV DQGRWKHUIDFLOLWLHVKDYHEHHQDZDUGHGWKH(FRODEHOFHUWL¿FDWLRQ

20 21 1.2.5 La Mancha Wetlands, Spain (Lagunas de Ruidera & Las Tablas de Daimiel) Humedales de La Mancha is situated in the region of Castilla - La Mancha in Spain. The wetlands cover an area of 40 sq. km that consists of 27 wetlands (La Mancha Wetlands Nature 2000 sites); 15 of these wetlands are located in the Ruidera Natural Park and the Daimiel National Park. The water of the wetlands is considered suitable for drinking water purposes in some areas but may also have various levels of salinity. The wetlands are shallow lakes, with depths between 1.5 and 2 metres, except the wetlands in the Ruidera Natural Park are 20 metres deep.

7KH/D0DQFKD:HWODQGVIRUPDXQLTXHKDELWDWIRUKLJKO\VSHFLDOLVHGÀRUDDQGIDXQD6RPH endemic species are threatened, such as Helianthemum polygonoides. Many migratory birds winter in the wetlands, such as the Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca), the Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), the Gadwall (Anas strepera), the Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), the White- headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala), the Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and the Black- necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). In 1980, the UNESCO declared the La Mancha Wetlands as a Biosphere Reserve because of its importance to waterfowl and its rich biodiversity. This wetland complex is one of the most species rich wetlands in Western Europe.

7KHZHWODQGVDUHVXUURXQGHGE\0HGLWHUUDQHDQIRUHVWVHDVRQDOJUDVVODQGVDQG¿HOGV FHUHDO YLQH\DUGVDQGROLYHWUHHV 7KHDJULFXOWXUDODFWLYLWLHVKDYHVLJQL¿FDQWQHJDWLYHLPSDFWVRQ the groundwater and wetland conservation. An immense amount of water is withdrawn for WKHLUULJDWLRQRIWKH¿HOGV$GGLWLRQDOO\WKHXVHRIQLWUDWHDQGSKRVSKDWHIHUWLOLVHUVKDVYHU\ negative impacts on the wetland biota.

Tourism development in the lake region The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is one of the two biggest attractions in the region. In 2010, approximately 390.000 tourists visited the Tablas de Daimiel, three-fold greater than the number of tourists in the previous few years. The reason for this boom was the spectacular condition of the wetland after receiving lots of rain. The tourists mainly come from Spain. The other tourism hotspot is the Lagunas de Ruidera, which received 489.000 tourists in 2010. Approximately 57 % of the tourists came from this region and other parts of Spain and visited the lagoon in July and August because of the warm water for swimming.

The main target groups for tourism offerings are families, couples and groups, and the average stay is 2–3 days. The two protected areas offer a wide range of recreational activities: Guided YLVLWVDQGWKHPDWLFH[FXUVLRQVIRUWKHREVHUYDWLRQRIWKHIDXQDDQGÀRUDLQWKH7DEODVGH Daimiel and cultural visits to the historical villages of the region or to the archaeological park Alarcos in Ciudad Real. Besides the bicycle routes, there are opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and sailing as well as horse riding. Quads and buggies are also available.

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV Despite the high level of protection in this area, to date, there has been no analysis of the carrying capacity of the region. An analysis of the carrying capacity would be of special importance for water, the most limiting natural resource. This region suffers from water scarcity and the groundwater aquifers, the main source of water supply, have been overexploited for decades because of the irrigation of agricultural crops. The lagoons depend on rainfall for recharge, and the aquifers and the aqueous ecosystems are constantly being degraded. This degradation will also have negative consequences for tourism developments.

22 23 1.2.6 Milicz Ponds, Poland In the 12th century, monks began to excavate carp ponds and thus the Milicz Ponds were FUHDWHG:DWHUZDVIXQQHOOHGIURPWKH%DU\F]DULYHUWKDWÀRZVLQWRWKH2GUDDIWHUSDVVLQJ through a wide plain north-west of Wroclaw. The more than 100 Milicz Ponds represent the world’s largest concatenation of ponds as the water surface exceeds 70 sq. km. The region is a hotspot of biodiversity with 13 amphibian species, 250 bird species, 170 of which are local nesters, and 44 different mammals. Part of the area is designated as a national reserve and part as a RAMSAR site. The Natura 2000 site SPA DOLINA BARYCZY (Barycz Valley) crosses 8 municipalities (boroughs), which have a total area of 16.000 km² and approximately 96.000 inhabitants. The land area LVGRPLQDWHGE\IRUHVWV  JUDVVODQGV  DQGZDWHUV  7KH¿VKSRQGVDUHWKH major tourism attraction of the area not only as a bird watching site but also for their historic and culinary attractions.

Tourism development at the Milicz Ponds The development of tourism is just beginning at the Milicz Ponds, and no proper statistics are available. In 2007, the total number of tourists (excluding day visitors) was estimated at 16 000, and the number of beds in the study area at approximately 2700. According to some surveys, the visitors are mostly individuals, followed by families, organised groups (schools), foreigners, company groups of employees and other organised groups such as business conventions and conferences. Visitors come mainly from the nearest large towns, Wroclaw and Poznañ. The number of handicapped tourists (approximately 5%) is noteworthy. More than 30% of visitors declared nature as the main purpose of their visit. The low cost and 22 23 the vicinity to their home are also important reasons. Presently, there are several providers of kayaks in the area, and some even bring groups from Wroc³aw. Kayaks are allowed only on rivers, and some sections are excluded to avoid disturbing breeding birds. Bird watching is still less popular than it could be, though substantial growth has been observed. The number of cyclists is also visibly increasing. Most of the visitors stay either over the weekend (34%) or longer than a week (22%). Seventeen percent of the visitors come for just one day, and 17% stay for one week.

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV The Barycz Valley has started to be recognised as a tourist destination thanks to its promotion by NGOs and other institutions. However, the region still lacks proper tourism offerings and marketing. In 2007, a tourism development strategy was prepared, and the general strategy for the region, developed as a LEADER+ strategic document (2009), considers tourism as an important element of the economy and a tool for sustainable conservation. The practical development by entrepreneurs is based on the local people through learning by doing. The focus of tourism development is on nature tourism. The LEADER member organisations (NGOs, local authorities, and park authorities) created some infrastructure for bird watching (1 tower, a few hides) and an information centre, marked cycling and horse trails, and created nature interpretation paths, informational material and a local brand “Barycz Valley Recommends”. The annual Carp Days events are becoming increasingly successful. The legal restrictions for the nature reserves and a monitoring system should contribute to maintaining the balance between nature protection and tourism development.

24 25 1.2.7 Lake Peipsi, Estonia Lake Peipsi is the largest transboundary water body in Europe and the fourth largest lake in Europe. The area of Lake Peipsi is 3555 km2, 44% of which belongs to the Republic of Estonia and 56% to the Russian Federation. Peipsi is a shallow lake; its average depth is 7.1 m, and its maximum depth is 15.3 m. There are 30 islands in the lake; the biggest island is Kolpino and belongs to Russia. Lake Peipsi borders 4 different counties with 20 municipalities and approximately 31 000 inhabitants. Up to one million migratory birds such as geese, swans and ducks use Lake Peipsi as a UHVWLQJSODFHHYHU\\HDU3HLSVLLVRQHRIWKHEHVWODNHVLQ(XURSHIRUFRPPHUFLDO¿VKLQJZLWK DWRWDOFDWFKRIWRQV\HDU7KH¿VKVWRFNLQ/DNH3HLSVLLVRQHRIWKHULFKHVWLQ (XURSH,QDGGLWLRQWRHXWURSKLFDWLRQXQUHJXODWHG¿VKLQJLQWKHODNHLVRQHRIWKHPRVWFULWLFDO environmental issues for the Peipsi watershed. The region is characterised by old settlements; for centuries, different cultures, nationalities and ethnic groups have lived together there. Fishing, farming, handicraft and trading have traditionally been the sources of livelihood for the local people.

Tourism development in the Lake Peipsi region Tourism constitutes 8% of Estonia’s GDP and is thus one of the most important branches of the economy, with the peculiarity that the majority of foreign tourists never go outside Tallinn. According to Statistic Estonia, from January until June 2010, a total of 1.021.000 tourists were accommodated in establishments: 35,8% of them were Estonian people and 64,2% were foreigners visiting the country. ,WLVTXLWHGLI¿FXOWWRREWDLQDQ\UHOLDEOHGDWDRQWKHQXPEHURIWRXULVWVYLVLWLQJWKH/DNH3HLSVL region. Mostly, the statistics on tourists are obtained from the information on I-points and accommodation facilities. However, these 2 sources are not able provide reliable data on tourist numbers. The Lake Peipsi region is divided between 4 counties. County-based tourism information points collect tourism statistics for the whole county but do not record data for different areas of the county. In 2010, the Peipsi Visiting Center was opened in Kolkja village, and they also collect statistics for Lake Peipsi. In the summer of 2010, approx. 4000 visitors were counted to have visited the centre. More than 50% of the tourists came from Estonia and the rest from abroad (Latvians, Russians, Germans and Finnish).

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV The Peipsi region municipalities share common problems, which are different from those living in the county centres. All of these municipalities are below average in terms of income and living standards. The region has several problems with tourism infrastructure: there are few different possibilities for accommodations, dining, and services for tourists. However, most of the lake municipalities see their development possibilities as being FRQQHFWHG WR WKH ODNH ¿VKLQJ HFR WRXULVP DQG RUJDQLF IDUPLQJ %HFDXVH RI WKH IUDJLOH ecosystems in the Lake Peipsi region, the area is not suitable for mass tourism, but more IRUQLFKHWRXULVPWKDWLVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKQDWXUHZDWHUWRXULVP6RPHQHZHULQLWLDWLYHVKDYH focused on eco-farming and tourism (the so called onion-route initiative). To promote sustainable tourism in the region, greater cooperation and coordination should take place among the counties and municipalities within Estonia and Russia. Large-scale infrastructure projects are badly needed, and the universities, local authorities, local businesses, and NGOs should work together for the development of a sustainable tourism industry. 24 25 1.2.8 Lake Steinhude, Germany The Lake Steinhude lowland is located north of the Lower Saxony low mountain range (Rehburg Mountains) and border the natural landforms of the Mittelgebirge, the Börde and the Geest. Besides the 30 sq. km large lake and its silting zone, the main habitats of the lowland are the grasslands of the Meerbruchwiesen nature reserve at the western shore of the lake, the high moor named the dead moor in the north east, the inland dunes in the north and the alder swamps on low moors found at different shore areas. The “Lake Steinhude Nature Park” was established in 1974 by an agreement between three administrative districts. Apart from the lake itself, the park comprises agricultural areas, forests and high moors to the north of the lake and the Rehburg Mountains to the south (mixed beech forest). Lake Steinhude and its environs offer a varied landscape, with numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species that are protected within several nature preserves and conservation areas. Lake Steinhude and the Rehburg Moor are designated as Habitat Directive-areas, and the surroundings constitute a designated European Special Protected Area (SPA) and a wetland of international importance according to the Ramsar Convention. On behalf of the federal state of Lower Saxony, the NGO Ökologische Schutzstation Steinhuder Meer, DEEUHYLDWHGg660H9 /DNH6WHLQKXGH(FRORJLFDO6WDWLRQ LVUHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHVFLHQWL¿F care and maintenance of the nature reserves.

Tourism development in the lake region At the end of the 19th century, the development of tourism began due to the proximity of the lake to the provincial capital Hanover (a distance of 30 km) and the construction of the Lake Steinhude railway. Tourism became very intensive after World War II because of the rapidly increasing popularity of water sport activities. At the end of the 1980s, approximately 6,000 sailboats and 2,000 surfers were registered at the lake. At that time, sustainable tourism infrastructure measures were almost non-existent. 26 27 This lack of sustainable planning was addressed by the creation of the Lake Steinhude (FRORJLFDO6WDWLRQ g660 E\DQRQSUR¿WRUJDQLVDWLRQDQGEHFDXVHRIWKHXSFRPLQJ(;32 2000. Presently, the majority of the visitors are bikers and users of the water surface (e.g., ERDWLQJVXU¿QJVDLOLQJNLWHVXU¿QJ 7KHPDMRULW\RIWKHWRXULVWVFRPHIURP+DQRYHUWKH Hanover region and the Nienburg and Schaumburg districts, but there are also tourists that come from North Rhine-Westphalia and the eastern federal states. In 2010, there were more than 300.000 overnight stays and 1.5 million day trippers. Tourists stayed in numerous JXHVWKRXVHVDQGKROLGD\ÀDWVDVZHOODVLQKRWHOVZLWKEHGV

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV In close cooperation, volunteers and full-time conservationists have established a regular round table discussion to bring together representatives of the three administrative districts, the federal state authorities and the environmental NGOs. Not only the potential for tourism but also the ecological sensibility of the different landscapes has been analysed, and a zoning plan was developed based on the results. Today, recreational activities are concentrated in two areas of the lake. Windsurfers have access to the lake from only two designated lakeside areas. Paths and observation facilities have been reallocated from sensitive areas to less sensitive areas. Water sports are limited to the period from the 1st of April to 31st of October. An attractive and well marked circular walking and biking route that circles around the lake with a length of 31,5 km is the most important tool for managing the approximately 50.000 visitors per year. The Lake Steinhude Ecological Station offers a wide range of guided nature tours and lectures to groups of all ages and organises exhibitions and other environmental education activities in a 150-year old farmhouse in Winzlar, the most important visitor information point for tourists. The Ecological Station is also responsible for the monitoring of tourism activities as well as monitoring the ecological impact of tourism in the area.

26 27 1.2.9 Lake Trasimeno, Italy Lake Trasimeno, originated in Pliocene era, is the fourth largest surface of water in Italy, at almost 124 km2. Since 2006 it is accepted as a member of the 42 lakes of the world that participate in the “Living Lakes” International network. The lakes basin is very low with an average depth of only 4.7 metres and reaching a maximum depth of 6.3 metres. The level of the lake varies with annual and seasonal rainfall. In the last few years especially since 1989, the level of the lake dropped below hydrometric levels reaching a particularly low of 1.8 m in 2003, which had environmental and socio-economic consequences. The landscape around Lake Trasimeno forms a mosaic of natural and human elements, which provide the area with its beauty, cultural value and character. The area is managed by the Mountain Community Association of Lake Trasimeno – Middle 7LEHU 0XQLFLSDOLWLHV ,W LQFOXGHV PDQ\ DUHDV RI ÀRUDO DQG IDXQDO LPSRUWDQFH DQG LV SDUWO\ protected as a “Nature 2000” site: Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protected Areas (SPA) which are strong points for tourist attraction. Lake Trasimeno Park is the largest Umbrian Regional Park, which covers a surface area of 13,200 hectares. The Lake is very rich in landscapes and hosts and supports various productive and recreational activities. Inside the Park, the area called “La Valle” (The Valley) is one of the most important humid areas for birdlife in Europe. Within the territory, the landscape is build up with charming complexity of intertwined cultivations, vineyards, olive groves, woodlands, meadows, pastures, and numerous historical villages. The water of Trasimeno is, on the basis of current legal limits, suitable for swimming in just 15 VWDWLRQVEXWLVRQDYHUDJHRISRRUTXDOLW\6WLOOWKHOHYHOVJHQHUDOO\IXO¿OOWKHSUHVFULEHGOLPLWV with some exceptions for PH, dissolved oxygen and transparency, due to natural causes linked to features from the lake. During the summer the activity of photosynthesis of algae and macrophytes determines the level of dissolved oxygen and the PH level, without posing themselves hygiene and health risks (Source: ARPA Umbria) The Ministry of Health concedes derogations to the limited values of the parameters quoted on enforcing a program of assisted supervision to exclude the presence of algae species which potentially could be toxic. However it should be noted that the reduction of sewage emissions from the most inhabited areas together with the planning of less polluting agriculture, which uses less manure and pesticides, has contributed notably to an improvement of the situation during the past years. Due to abundant rainfall, the Lake Trasimeno has been awarded the “Goletta Verde” in 2010 and 2011, assigning it a label for the lake with the best quality of water, together with Lake Bolsena. The quality of the water in the area has been assessed through macro indicators, which describe the footprint taking into account the load of organic material and the oxygen balance.

Tourism development in the lake region The Lake Trasimeno became a tourist destination as it was included, also because of its strategic location between Florence and Rome, in the Grand Tour, the traditional trip of (XURSHXQGHUWDNHQE\PDLQO\XSSHUFODVV(XURSHDQ\RXQJPHQÀRXULVKHGIURPDERXW until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s. The Grand Tour was associated with a standard itinerary and served as an educational rite of passage to adult life. Italy, with its FXOWXUDOROGFLWLHVDUWPDVWHUSLHFHVDQGDQWLTXHVZDVFRQVLGHUHGWKH¿QDOGHVWLQDWLRQRIWKH trip. Romanticism promoted the participation of poets coming from all the European countries to the discovering of all romantic places in Italy. The Lake Trasimeno (or Thrasymene) was considered an essential destination to be included in the Grand Tour, also because of the battle on 217 B.C., in which the Roman army was defeated during the Second Punic War. 28 29 7KLV P\WKLFDO ¿JKW EHWZHHQ FRQVXO *DLXV )ODPLQLXV DQG +DQQLEDO %DUFD FRQWULEXWHG WR reinforce the charming attraction of the Lake Trasimeno landscapes on the minds of such famous poets as Stendhal (1814), Hans C. Andersen (1833), Alexandre Dumas father (1835), Paul de Musset (1843), George Sand (1855), Virginia Woolf (1933) and many others. The importance of the Lake Trasimeno as a tourism destination was consecrated in the “Treves Guide Book” (1865) and in the popular “Hill Towns of Italy” by Egerton R. Williams (1902). Also the presence of Saint Francis of Assisi in the magical stillness of Isola Maggiore added value to enlarge the visit across the lake and admire those places of meditation. After the Second World War the Lake Trasimeno, also called “the sea of Perugia”, it was discovered as a tourist destination by families mainly coming from Italy, but also from Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium. The total bed nights were in the last ten years about 1 million, 16% of the UHJLRQDOLQFRPLQJ'XWFKWRXULVWVKDYHEHFRPHODUJHO\WKH¿UVWJURXSRIIRUHLJQYLVLWRUVZLWK an average of more than 160.000 bed nights per year.

Lake Trasimeno – Distribution of bed nights for foreign tourists

NL D USA B UK F A RO SW AUS PL

Source: Regional Tourism Observatory - Annual Report 2010 The area of Trasimeno is made up of eight communities: Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Magione, Paciano, Panicale, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Piegaro, Tuoro sul Trasimeno. 7KHIROORZLQJ¿JXUHVJLYHDQLPSUHVVLRQRIWKHORFDOWRXULVPDQGKRVSLWDOLW\VHFWRU  Ŷ QXPEHURIEHGV  Ŷ DFFRPPRGDWLRQV+RWHOVDQGRWKHUDFFRPPRGDWLRQVZKLFKDUHPDGHXSRI the following: 189 Agro-Tourism (Farm Holidays), 14 Camping Sites, 85 Holiday Homes, 4 Youth Hostels, 40 Bed and Breakfast, 143 Bedroom Rents, 1 Religious Organization Lodging, 18 Country Houses, 1 Study Residence Centre, 4 Luxury Charming Hotels, and 71 Apartments rented for tourists;  Ŷ QXPEHURIDUULYDOVDW+RWHOVDQGRWKHUDFFRPPRGDWLRQVRIZKLFK 120,000-130,000 are domestic and 80,000-90,000 are international.  Ŷ QXPEHURIEHGQLJKWVRIZKLFK,WDOLDQVDQG 450,000-600,000 foreigners (of which 40% from The Netherlands, about 20% from Germany and surrounding countries and 10% from Belgium & Great Britain). The average stay is 5 to 6 days.  Ŷ 7KHUHDUHVRPHUHVWDXUDQWVVSUHDGRYHUWKHHLJKWFRPPXQLWLHV 28 29 6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV The Lake Trasimeno is a tourism destination for a target of sport and outdoor leisure tourists, attracted by landscapes, natural sites, medieval villages, typical products, wine and extra- virgin olive oil. More than 1 million tourists are used to visit each year those areas with a strong focus on outdoor activities in large areas of natural sites and interest for good food, wine and traditional restaurants. The Mountain Community has been developing for many years a concept of sustainable tourism by involving local authorities, stakeholders, tourism operators and businesses under the common commitment constituted of the “Environmental &KDUWHU´DYROXQWDU\TXDOLW\WRXULVPDJUHHPHQWXQGHUFRQWURORIDWKLUGSDUW\FHUWL¿FDWLRQ body. Environmental protection and biodiversity saving are also issues connected to rediscover old species, like “Fagiolina del Trasimeno” (Vigna unguicolata) a little bean produced only at Lake Trasimeno area. Vineyards and olive trees are the traditional presence of the landscapes surrounding the Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Valley. The Mountain Community has experimented last years successful guided trekking walks, ZLWKSDWKVPDUNHGZLWKVLJQVDQG*36UHIHUHQFHZLWKSHRSOHSHUWULSDVDYHUDJH participation. Also biking and riding paths for cycling and horse tourism are going to be completed, with junctions with interesting scenic and cultural view points, such as the narrow path of Hannibal become part of the mountain bike circuit near Tuoro. An ongoing project is the walk connection between Assisi and Siena ending in correspondence of a junction near Monteroni d’Arbia with the Via Francigena.

30 31 /DNH9}UWVMlUY(VWRQLD For thousands of years, there has been a large lake, called Võrtsjärv, in the middle of Estonia. According to one legend, the lake fell from the sky to punish the disrespectful people and submerged many a household. The area of the lake is approximately 270 square kilometres (ca. 104.2 square miles). Võrtsjärv was named after its misty and greenish-yellow water. It is believed that it was once called Virtsjärv (‘virts’ is Estonian for ‘muck’), and the name was then altered later into the more decent sounding Võrtsjärv. The lake could also have been named for presence of the lush bulrush that is popularly called võrrits in Estonian. Scientists think that the creation of Võrtsjärv dates back to the last Ice Age, at the latest. Võrtsjärv is the biggest truly Estonian body of water. Lake Peipus, which is thirteen-fold larger in volume , is shared; almost half of it belongs to Russia. Võrtsjärv, however, is very shallow; the average depth is only 2.8 meters and its maximum depth is six metres. Võrtsjärv is 34.8 kilometres long and a maximum of 14.8 kilometres wide, with a shoreline of approximately NLORPHWUHV:DWHUÀRZVLQWRWKHODNHIURPDQDUHDWKDWLVFORVHWRIROGODUJHUWKDQWKH ODNHLWVHOI7KHUHDUHDWRWDOULYHUVVWUHDPVRUGLWFKHVWKDWÀRZLQWR9}UWVMlUY9}UWVMlUY belongs to the Natura 2000-Network and is a bird and a nature protection area of international importance. The lake and the shoreline area around it constitute the Võrtsjärv preservation area.

7RXULVPGHYHORSPHQWRIWKH/DNH9}UWVMlUYUHJLRQ The Lake Võrtsjärv region has attracted relatively little attention as a tourist destination, WKRXJKLWKDVJRRGFKDUDFWHULVWLFVIRUDUHFUHDWLRQLQGXVWU\'XULQJWKH¿UVW(VWRQLDQ5HSXEOLF and at the beginning of the Soviet times, summer holidays were largely spent on farms. The main trend in the 1960s in the Lake Võrtsjärv region was the construction of summer cottages and holiday complexes by various institutions. Due to the natural conditions, those taking holidays have usually been most interested in the high eastern shore between the Tamme and Sapi, where most of the summer cottages are located. During the re-establishment the Estonian Republic, traditional recreation centres were privatised. The 7 municipalities that border the lake have special natural and cultural-historical values, and they actively cooperate in the development of tourism and in the recreation industry. Recreational opportunities are being developed; hiking paths are being labelled and new views are being opened to the lake. Tourists are fascinated by the island of Tondisaar (Ghost Island), which is small and interesting, yet has a vulnerable ecosystem. As the weather FRQGLWLRQVRI(VWRQLDQVXPPHUVDUHLQFRQVLVWHQWWKHUHLVDQHHGWREHÀH[LEOHLQYHQWLYHDQG HI¿FLHQWDQGWRVHHNVXSSOHPHQWDU\VHUYLFHVDQGDFWLYLWLHVZKHQGHYHORSLQJWKHUHFUHDWLRQ industry there.

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV To soften the negative impact of tourism on the environment and to preserve the natural and cultural heritage and values in the region, the preferred method of developing tourism in the region is through the principles of ecotourism. The Lake Võrtsjärv Development Plan has established the so-called “The Gates of the Lake Võrtsjärv” in different lake areas. “The Gates of the Lake Võrtsjärv” form a network of information centres and recreational areas that improve visitor management and the dissemination of information. Attractive exhibits provide information on the natural values of the lake region to the tourists as well as information on the local and traditionally produced products and handicrafts. 30 31 Paula, a kale boat built in 2005 according to the instructions of one of the last living boat craftsmen, Väino Leiaru, is unique among its kind and offers sailing trips on Lake Võrtsjärv IRUDQFLHQWYHVVHODQG¿VKLQJHQWKXVLDVWV The Lake Vörtsjärv Foundation offers regular training courses on sustainable tourism for hotel managers and companies offering recreational activities.

32 33 :DWHU5HLMN:HHUULEEHQ:LHGHQ1HWKHUODQGV WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden is situated in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, in the province of Overijssel. Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of the largest freshwater marshlands in northwestern Europe, is included within WaterReijk Weerribben-Wieden. Surrounding WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden, scenic landscapes with stretches of water, reed beds, hay meadows and carr woodlands are interlaced with historic towns and villages. Visitors can explore the area on both the land and the water via a choice of hiking trails and silent electrically powered boats. Mainly in the 18th- 20th centuries (roughly until World War II), vast amounts of peat were extracted from the area. In the Wieden part of the national park, peat extraction resulted in the formation of large freshwater lakes as the small unexcavated strips of land were swept away in heavy storms. Because of this situation, strict regulations were imposed on peat- digging in the Weerribben. As a result, small strips of unexcavated land still alternate with small stretches of elongated turf ponds. As a result of natural succession and depending on the type of active management, these turf ponds transform into reed beds or hay meadows step by step. The mix of natural succession and natural processes on the one hand and active management on the other hand results in the formation of very special habitats and an extraordinary variety of birds and plant life. Some of the iconic birds include, for example, the hovering hay meadow birds: the Purple heron, Bittern, Curlew and Black tern.

Tourism development of the lake region Tourism in Weerribben and Wieden started to increase in the 1950s, especially after the UHOHDVHRIWKH¿OP³)DQIDUH´7KLV¿OPZKLFKIRFXVHGRQWZRULYDOOLQJRUFKHVWUDVVHWLQWZR ZDWHUERUQHYLOODJHVLQWKHDUHD DQG¿OPHGLQWKHYLOODJH*LHWKRRUQ ZDVPDGH\HDUVDJR DQGLVVWLOOWKHPRVWYLVLWHG¿OPORFDWLRQHYHULQWHUPVRI'XWFK¿OPLQGXVWU\KLVWRU\ERRVWHG visitor numbers. Presently, there are more or less two motives for visiting the area: Visiting the village of Giethoorn (also referred to as the “Venice of the north”) and visiting the National Park. Currently, roughly 1.500.000 visitors come to WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden per year. The majority of these visitors come from the Netherlands. Besides these Dutch visitors, Belgium, German, British, Italian and Chinese visitors come to the area in relatively large numbers.

6XVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWREMHFWLYHV Tourism is an important ecosystem service, and most people realise that the quality of the natural environment is at the heart of this development. This concept was underpinned in an extensive study on the economics of Weerribben Wieden National Park, which clearly indicated the importance of intact natural environment. This study, together with the realisation of one large national park, was a focal point for establishing one shared vision of the future for the area. Sustainable tourism is at the heart of this vision. This vision is stated in various documents:

 Ŷ 7KH:HHUULEEHQ:LHGHQ1DWLRQDO3DUNPDQDJHPHQWSODQ

 Ŷ 7KHYLVLWRUPDQDJHPHQWSODQ

 Ŷ 7KH6WHHQZLMNHUODQG0XQLFLSDOLW\WRXULVPSROLF\SODQ 32 33  Ŷ 7KHWRXULVPSROLF\SODQRIWKH5HJLRQDO%XUHDXIRU7RXULVPZKLFKEUDQGHGWKHDUHDDV WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden

:HHUULEEHQ:LHGHQ1DWLRQDO3DUNLVWKH¿UVWQDWLRQDOSDUNLQWKH1HWKHUODQGVWRPHHWWKH criteria of the Europarc Charter for Sustainable Tourism (www.european-charter.org). In 2010, WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden won the Eden Award. The jury stated that “WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden realises that maintaining the quality of the landscape and cultural-history is critical for future eco-system services. This conclusion is not only a theory, but WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden is also acting consequently.”

34 35 List of contacts at the lakes: Lake Balaton Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency 8600 Siófok, Batthyány u. 1., Hungary Tel. + 36-84-317-002 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.balatonregion.hu Lake Constance Bodensee-Stiftung Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4 78315 Radolfzell, Germany Tel. +49 77 32-99 95-40 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.bodensee-stiftung.org Lake Chiemsee Landratsamt Traunstein Papst-Benedikt-XVI.-Platz 83278 Traunstein, Germany Tel.: +49 861-58-298 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.traunstein.com Lake Garda Comunità del Garda Villa Mirabella - Via dei Colli, 15 I - 25083 Gardone Riviera (BS), Italy Tel.: +39 - 03 65 - 29 04 11 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.lagodigarda.it

La Mancha Wetlands Consorcio Alto Guadiana &'U-HVXV*RQ]DOHV0HULR/RFDO 13600 Alcazar de San Juan, Spain Tel.: +34 926 54 62 55 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.altoguadiana.es

Milicz Ponds Stowarzyszenie Ekologiczne “Etna” &KRSLQD 55-200 Olawa, Poland Tel.: +48 713432184 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.etna.eko.org.pl 34 35 Lake Peipsi Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation Puiestee 71A, 51009 Tartu, Estonia Tel.: + 372 - 7 - 302 302 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ctc.ee Steinhuder Meer Ökologische Schutzstation Steinhuder Meer (ÖSSM) Hagenburger Straße 16 31547 Rehburg-Loccum, Germany Tel.: +49 5037-967-0 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.oessm.org Lake Trasimeno Comunità Montana - Associazione dei Comuni “Trasimeno - Medio Tevere” Viale D. Alighieri, 2 06063 Magione, Italy Tel.: + 39 - 0 75 - 84 74 133 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.montitrasimeno.umbria.it /DNH9}UWVMlUY Lake Võrtsjärv Foundation Rannu 61101 Tartu County, Estonia Tel.: + 372 - 7 - 356 084 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.vortsjarv.ee :DWHU5HLMN:HHUULEEHQ:LHGHQ WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden Marketing Markt 60 8331 HK Steenwijk, The Netherlands T: +31 (0)521-520351 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ervaarhetWaterReijk.nl

36 37 1.3 Visitor and tourism offer survey 1.3.1 Overall results from the visitor survey Of the participating lakes, a lake destination was recorded for 1770 respondents (see table). Lake Trasimeno, Lake Constance and Lake Balaton received large numbers of responses and are therefore compared with the overall results, particularly when there is a strong deviation from an overall result. The complete visitor survey results for lakes with at least 70 responses can be found in the Annex Report section 3.4. Section 3.4 also includes all of the GIS and management data gathered, including for lakes with less than 70 visitor responses, thus providing the most comprehensive set of data available for each lake destination area. Table 1: Visitor survey response

9LVLWRUSUR¿OH )RUDEHWWHUXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIYLVLWRUUHVSRQVHVLWLVXVHIXOWRFRQVLGHUDEULHIYLVLWRUSUR¿OH The table below lists a number of key characteristics of the respondents for all of the lakes combined as well as individually for Constance, Balaton and Trasimeno. Nearly one third of all of the respondents were German. Visitors from Hungary, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Spain also responded in large numbers, which can partly be attributed to the countries in which the survey was set out in. Hence, the majority of respondents at Lake Constance were Germans, and the majority at Lake Balaton were Hungarians. At Lake Trasimeno, there is a mix of four nationalities that together represented 80% of the respondents from there. A slight majority (53%) of all of the respondents is female; 47% is male. The average age of all of the respondents is 44, but this age differs considerably between Lake Balaton and Lake Trasimeno. The average household income is approximately 25,000 Euros, but the income is much lower for the Lake Balaton visitors and much higher for the Lake Constance visitors (note that except for visitors to Lake Constance, relatively few visitors wrote down their household income). Two thirds (67%) of all respondents visited these lakes on a holiday trip and 16% on a day excursion. The visitors of the three individual lakes had a higher share of those on holiday, up to 82% at Lake Trasimeno. Almost half of all of the visitors reported a length of stay (LoS) of between 1 and 3 days, with another third staying between 4 and 7 days. However, there are considerable differences between the lakes. Table 2: Respondent characteristics

36 37 *VFR = Visiting Friends and Relatives; **LoS = Length of Stay

Source of awareness Most visitors became aware of the lake they were visiting through their own or others’ experiences. The internet was mentioned by over 20% of the respondents, while guide books and other media were less important. The visitors of Constance and Balaton matched this RYHUDOOSUR¿OHTXLWHZHOO DQGRIWKHYLVLWRUVZHUHUHSHDWYLVLWRUVUHVSHFWLYHO\ EXW the top sources of information for the Lake Trasimeno visitors were travel guides (25%), the internet (21%), and travel brochures (19%). Only 5% of the respondents from there had visited that lake before.

Figure 1: Source of awareness, all lakes (multiple response)

Group composition Just over a quarter (27%) of all of the lake visitors travelled in an organised group. In contrast, for Lake Trasimeno respondents, 73% travelled with organised tours. The percentages of lake visitors that travelled with their family (31%) or with their partner (28%) were almost the same. The third-largest group consisted of those who travelled with friends (16%). Travelling alone (11%), travelling with family and friends (9%), and other types of travel (5%) comprise 38 39 other groups. At Lake Constance and Lake Balaton, the shares of those travelling with family (47 and 40%) are larger than the overall percentage, while at Lake Trasimeno those travelling with their partner form the largest group (40%). The majority of lake visitors (71%) travelled without children. At Lake Balaton, this share was lower (60%), and at Lake Trasimeno it was higher (81%). Travelling with two children was the most common response for all the lake visitors (14%). Ten percent of visitors travelled with one child, whereas 5% of visitors travelled with 3 or more children. Transport The majority of respondents travelled to their lake destination by car (58%). Other important PRGHVRIWUDQVSRUWZHUHEXVHV  WUDLQSXEOLFWUDQVSRUW  DLUSODQHV  DQGFDUV with a caravan or that were campervans (6%). The graph shows the considerable differences between the lakes. Most notably are the high share of train travellers (22%) to Lake Balaton and the extremely high share of respondents who took a tour bus (53%)1 or airplane (14%) to Lake Trasimeno.

Figure 2: Main mode of transport to lake destination Overall, 81% of all respondents rated the quality of their trip between their home and lake destination as “good” or “excellent”. A minority rated this trip as “fair” (14%) or “poor” (2%), while 3% had no opinion. There were no differences between the three lakes for this variable. Those who gave a rating of fair or poor were asked to explain this low rating (multiple UHVSRQVH 7KHPRVWFRPPRQUHDVRQZDV³WRREXV\WUDI¿F´ RIWKHVHUHVSRQGHQWV 7KLV reason was particularly important for Lake Constance respondents (77%). Other relatively KLJKVKDUHVRIUHVSRQVHVZHUHUHFRUGHGIRU³WRRPDQ\GHOD\VXQUHOLDEOH´DW/DNH%DODWRQ  DQG³WRRGDQJHURXVWUDI¿F´DW/DNH7UDVLPHQR   Respondents were allowed to provide multiple responses for the transport mode(s) they used for moving around the lake area. Thus, the graph does not display the real modal split, but instead shows what transport modes were used at least once. On average, the car is the most often mentioned mode of transport, but other modes such as walking, boating and cycling are also frequently used (see graph below). Visitors to Lake Constance appear to be more mobile than those at the other lakes; ships, cars and walking were all used by over 50% of Lake Constance respondents and cycling by over 30% of all visitors there. At Lake 1 The share of tour bus travellers is very high in comparison to the European data. This high rate of re- sponse is probably partly due to the way in which the respondents were sampled 38 39 Balaton, local transport is dominated by cars and walking, whereas at Lake Trasimeno the tour bus is the main transport mode. This result can be explained entirely by the high share of respondents also arriving by tour bus2 in the area.

Figure 3: Local transport modes (multiple response) Most visitors (77%) rated the local transport as “good” or “excellent”, and 17% chose “fair” or “poor” (less at Balaton and Constance). The most common explanations (>25%) for low UDWLQJV IRU WUDQVSRUW DW DOO RI WKH ODNHV ZHUH ³LQVXI¿FLHQW WUDQVSRUW PRGHV RIIHUHG´ ³EDG VLJQSRVWLQJDURXQGODNH´DQG³LQVXI¿FLHQWSDUNLQJ´7KHORZUDWLQJVIRU&RQVWDQFHZHUHPDLQO\ DWWULEXWHG WR ³EDG YDOXH IRU PRQH\´   DQG ³LQVXI¿FLHQW SDUNLQJ´   /DNH %DODWRQ visitors generally had very few complaints. Lake Trasimeno is an exception, with 26% of respondents rating the local transport as “fair” or “poor”; these responses were attributed to ³EDGVLJQSRVWLQJ´  ³LQVXI¿FLHQWWUDQVSRUWPRGHVRQRIIHU´  ³LQVXI¿FLHQWSDUNLQJ´ (32%) and “bad road conditions” (31%). Accommodation Hotels, motels and guesthouses are the most common types of accommodation used by the lake visitors of this study (37%), particularly at Lake Trasimeno (64%). The latter could be the result of the large share of bus visitors, most likely on a package tour. Lake Balaton is an exception, with more people staying in apartments and holiday homes or private homes and with friends and relatives.

Figure 4: Accommodation types used at lake destinations 2 Note that the data on tour bus users is probably distorted (see the previous footnote). 40 41 Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a number of factors for choosing their accommodation at their lake destination. Price and recommendations (by friends or relatives) are clearly very important factors for most visitors (“very important” for 71% and 63%, respectively). Rated as less important were the star rating and the possession of an ecolabel at the accommodation (“not important at all” for 47% and 44% of visitors, respectively).

Figure 5: Importance of factors for choosing accommodations for all lakes Lake Constance and Lake Balaton visitors responded similarly to the overall results. Lake Trasimeno visitors found all aspects slightly more important: ecolabels were “very important” for 54% of respondents. Clearly, the impression from a previous visit can only be important for repeat visitors. Respondents were then prompted to acknowledge which environmental protection measures they had noticed at their accommodation (multiple response). Four measures were noticed by over 50% of all respondents. Recycling seems to be the most common measure that has been implemented at lake accommodations. However, it should be noted that a quarter to a third of the respondents indicated that they had not looked for these measures. Lake Trasimeno visitors are well represented by the overall percentages shown in the graph. At Lake Constance, all of the environmental protection measures were noticed by a greater share of visitors, while at Lake Balaton percentages noticed per measure were lower than those overall.

Figure 6: Share of visitors that noticed environmental protection measures at their accommodation, all lakes Activities The following table presents the most frequent activities performed by lake visitors. It is remarkable that, with 26 activities to choose from, the results for the top ten activities are 40 41 nearly equal for all of the lakes, though not for their exact ranking. Walking in the countryside or nature is by far the most popular activity. In contrast, apart from a lake cruise and swimming, DOORWKHUZDWHUEDVHGDFWLYLWLHVDUHPRUHPDUJLQDODFWLYLWLHV HJ¿VKLQJFDQRHLQJURZLQJ sailing, motorised boat trips, diving, water-skiing, jet-skiing, and kiting). Booking a trip by airplane or helicopter was the least chosen activity (0.6%). Table 3: Top 10 activities in percentage of visitors (multiple response)

Walking and cycling routes around the lake areas were largely rated as “good” or “excellent”. 5RXWHDFFHVVVFRUHGEHVWZLWKFRQVLGHULQJLWJRRGH[FHOOHQWDQGIDLUSRRU7KH TXDOLW\RIURXWHVZDVUDWHGDVJRRGH[FHOOHQWE\ IDLUSRRU DQGURXWHVLJQSRVWLQJ ZDV FRQVLGHUHG DV JRRGH[FHOOHQW E\  IDLUSRRU E\  $ VKDUH RI  WR  RI respondents had no opinion about these aspects of walking and cycling. At Lake Constance and Lake Balaton, the visitors rated all of these route aspects more positively than the overall UDWLQJVH[FHSWIRUDIDLUO\KLJKIDLUSRRUUHVSRQVHUDWH  IRUWKHURXWHTXDOLW\DW/DNH Balaton. At Lake Trasimeno, the number of no opinion responses (~25%) was greater than WKHRYHUDOOSURSRUWLRQEXWWKHIDLUSRRUUDWLQJVIRUURXWHDFFHVV  URXWHTXDOLW\   DQGURXWHVLJQSRVWLQJ  ZHUHDOOJUHDWHUDVZHOOKHQFHWKHSHUFHQWDJHRIJRRGH[FHOOHQW responses were under 50% for all route aspects. Daily spending Visitors were asked to estimate their daily expenses during their stay at the lake, at the least LQWRWDOEXWSUHIHUDEO\DOVRSHUFRPSRQHQW HJDFFRPPRGDWLRQ 0RUHUHVSRQGHQWV¿OOHG LQDWRWDODPRXQWWKDQVLQJOHFRPSRQHQW¿JXUHV7KHUHIRUHWKHWRWDO¿JXUHVDUHWKHPRVW meaningful, and the sum of the single components does not amount to the totals shown. On average, this total was € 96.70 per day across all the lakes (other currencies were converted to euros). Examining the single components, the accommodation constitutes approximately RQHWKLUGRIWKHWRWDOH[SHQVHVDQGIRRGDQGEHYHUDJHFRVWVDUHDQRWKHUVLJQL¿FDQWSRUWLRQ of total spending. The percentages of each component of the total are very similar for all the lakes, but as the table shows, there are considerable differences in the total amount of spending among the lakes. 7DEOH'DLO\H[SHQGLWXUHV PHDQ¿JXUHVSHUFRPSRQHQW

42 43 Visitor satisfaction To monitor visitor satisfaction, respondents were asked to agree or disagree with a number of statements regarding aspects of quality, environment and culture (see table). The answers “neither disagree nor agree” and “not applicable” are not shown to highlight the positive and negative experiences of the visitors. Colours have been added to highlight issues that should worry tourism managers. As a rule, statements that met with less than two thirds of agreement are coloured orange and those that were agreed upon by less than 50% are coloured red. Likewise, more than 20% disagreement is coloured orange and more than one- third disagreement is coloured red. In general, quality statements that received high approval ratings largely had to do with the overall experience (e.g., safety, feeling welcome) and factors that depended on this overall experience (e.g., repeat visits and recommending the destination). Despite this overall level of approval, issues such as the quality of services and the value for money were given more neutral ratings. A majority of all lake visitors perceived the environment, regarding the aspects included in the survey, as good or interesting. However, 12 to 13% of the respondents were bothered by noise, garbage or poor water quality (a higher share at Trasimeno). Obviously, not all lake visitors were interested in cultural sites, as the large shares of “not applicable” for all the lakes combined demonstrate, and hence, the lower percentage of those that “agree” for cultural items. Regardless of this, those that are interested in culture were generally VDWLV¿HGHVSHFLDOO\FRQFHUQLQJJDVWURQRPLFDOH[SHULHQFHV

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42 43 1.3.2 Overall results of tourism offering survey This section presents the combined results of the SLOWTOUR tourism offering survey sent to all of the participating lakes. A lake destination was recorded for 215 respondents (see table). Lake Trasimeno and Balaton received the greatest numbers of responses (80% of the total) and are therefore also examined individually, particularly when there is a strong difference between the two or in comparison to the combined lakes sample. The questionnaire is divided into four parts (general data; the evaluation of tourism offerings and the quality of tourism services; the sustainability of tourism services; and the investment and improvement in tourism services), and the most important results for each section are reported. Some of the results of the SLOWTOUR tourism offering survey are used for a comparison between the available offerings and visitor demands in the next section, which focuses only on Lake Trasimeno and Lake Balaton, the two most well-represented lakes.

First section: general data TKLV ¿UVW VHFWLRQ GHVFULEHV WKH W\SH ORFDWLRQ DQG FKDUDFWHULVWLFV RI WKH EXVLQHVVHV DQG also includes the main characteristics of the respondents (age and gender). Information FRQFHUQLQJWKHSUHVHQFHDEVHQFHRIFHUWL¿FDWLRQLVDOVRUHTXHVWHG,QWKHWRXULVPRIIHULQJ sample, the respondents are equally distributed between women and men (47%-50%), except for the Lake Balaton respondents, who are predominantly women (61%). About one third of respondents are under 40 years old, while another third are aged between 40 and 7KHPRVWUHSUHVHQWDWLYHEXVLQHVVW\SHLVDOZD\VWKH³+RWHOPRWHOJXHVWKRXVH´FOXVWHU while there are differences in the responses for the other most abundant business types (see ¿JXUHEHORZ ,QSDUWLFXODU%DODWRQDQG7UDVLPHQRGLIIHULQWKHSHUFHQWDJHVRIUHVSRQVHV IRU³3HQVLRQEHG EUHDNIDVW´ IRU%DODWRQYVIRU7UDVLPHQR DQG³&DPSLQJ´ (13.73% for Trasimeno vs. 5.71% for Balaton). The number of stars for the businesses are usually three or less, and two stars are represent most common response. Considering the number of employees, the average number of employees is higher for the Balaton responses than for the combined lakes sample (24.22% vs. 11.79%), although the proportion of tourism offering service by only one employee or no one is very high (37.14%), as it is for the combined lakes sample

44 45 7KHPRVWDEXQGDQWW\SHRIFHUWL¿FDWLRQRIDFFRPPRGDWLRQVLVWKH(FRODEHOIROORZHGE\WKH ,62FHUWL¿FDWLRQ DOOODNHV /DNH%DODWRQGLIIHUV,62LVUHSRUWHGWZLFHDVRIWHQ as in the all lakes sample, while the Ecolabel is less abundant.

44 45 Section two: evaluation of tourism offer and quality of tourism service In this section, the responses to several questions about the tourism offerings, both at the local and the regional level, are presented. Information on the activities in which tourists can participate in the area was requested. The principal differences between Lake Trasimeno and Lake Balaton Lakes concerned the degree of information available for the tourists. Tourism businesses indicate that less information is available for tourists at Trasimeno than at Balaton. In particular, the percentage of responses, indicating that a low level of information is available for Events, Activities to do, Public transport and Environmental issues, at Trasimeno are roughly twice that at Lake Balaton. 7KH¿JXUHEHORZUHSRUWVWKHUHVXOWVIRUOHLVXUHDFWLYLWLHVIRUDOORIWKHODNHVFRPELQHG6RPH differences are evident between Lake Balaton and Lake Trasimeno. At Balaton, the evaluation of beaches reveals good or high quality ratings for 90% of the respondents, while at Trasimeno the same level of quality is only indicated by 59% of respondents. Other activities are more highly regarded at Balaton than at Trasimeno (walking DQGKLNLQJDFWLYLWLHVLQWKHDLU¿VKLQJDQGKXQWLQJDFWLYLWLHV QDWXUDOKHULWDJHVLWHVIHVWLYDOV and events are all considered slightly better at Trasimeno.

46 47 Section three: sustainability of tourism services In this section, the analysis of the overall sustainability of tourism service offerings is presented. For all of the themes considered (transportation, waste, energy, water quality, biodiversity, local production, and overall) the respondents are asked to state their satisfaction level, from low to very high. The Lake Balaton and Lake Trasimeno respondents differ in their evaluations of water quality and food. At Balaton, water quality is rated higher (levels of high and very high), while at Trasimeno the food and restaurant services are rated the highest. The worst level of sustainability is always related to transportation, both at the local and the regional levels.

7KH¿JXUHDERYHSUHVHQWVWKHJHQHUDOUDWLQJVRIWKHVXVWDLQDELOLW\RIWRXULVPDWWKHODNHV by the tourism businesses. The combined lakes sample provides a better evaluation of the general level of sustainability across the region. Lake Trasimeno has a low percentage of the Very high rating, but the High rating is very common.

Section four: investment and improvement in tourism services This last section is dedicated to the need for investments in several areas. The areas considered are transportation (at different levels), tourism information, leisure activities, environmental SURWHFWLRQDQGUHFRYHU\WKHUROHRIWRXULVPWHUULWRULDOEUDQGV ORFDOUHJLRQDODQGQDWLRQDO LV also noted. In general, the respondents of the tourism offering survey have a high or very high preference for all of the investments considered. There are only two exceptions. At Balaton, the need for a new local bus is rated low or very low, while at Trasimeno the need for investments in the improvement of air quality has a homogeneous distribution among UDWLQJVOHYHOVZLWKTXLWHDODUJHQXPEHURIORZRUIDLUUDWLQJV,QWKH¿JXUHEHORZWKHGDWD concerning the need for more investment are reported in a general way (including the need for national and regional branding). It is clear that there is a high or very high preference for all kinds of investments. At Lake Balaton, the need for more investment in restaurant and accommodation facilities also receives a large number of low ratings. 46 47 1.3.3 Comparison visitor and tourism offering survey This section presents a comparison between the visitor and tourism offering surveys. The analysis is based only on the responses for Lake Balaton and Lake Trasimeno, as the responses from the offering surveys completed at other lakes did not meet the minimum number requirement to be analysed (see Chapter 1.3.1.). 7KH GHJUHH RI HQYLURQPHQWDO FHUWL¿FDWLRQ VHHPV WR EH SDUWLFXODUO\ LQDGHTXDWH DW /DNH 7UDVLPHQR7KH YLVLWRUV VWDWH WKDW (FRODEHO RU RWKHU JUHHQ FHUWL¿FDWLRQV IRU WKH FKRLFH RI accommodation have a high or very high importance in 54.4% of the visitor surveys. Only 12.74% of structures considered in the tourism offerings survey have obtained the Ecolabel RU,62FHUWL¿FDWLRQVDW/DNH7UDVLPHQRZKLFKLVDKLJKHUSHUFHQWDJHWKDQWKHRYHUDOO percentage of our combined lakes sample.

7KH¿JXUHDERYHSUHVHQWVWKHRSLQLRQVRIWKHVWDNHKROGHUV LQWRXULVPRIIHULQJV FRQFHUQLQJ how they think tourists would rate the local mobility, accommodations, food, nature and ecosystems, recreational facilities and overall tourism in their area. These data are compared with the visitor surveys. Local mobility is rated better by the tourists than by the 48 49 tourism operators, while the two groups rate the accommodations and the food similarly. Nature, landscape and the environmental in general are rated better by the tourists then the stakeholders envisage them. When considering the overall evaluation of the area and of the stay, the stakeholders’ estimates of tourists’ feelings are too pessimistic for Lake Trasimeno. One aspect of tourism investigated by the surveys is the level of information available for the tourists concerning several aspects related to the tourism offerings. The tourists rated the amount of information available as mediocre at both Trasimeno and Balaton. At Lake Trasimeno, the tourism offering surveys answered by tourism operators also indicate a mediocre level information availability, and in some cases, the ratings are even worse than mediocre. At Balaton, tourism businesses rated the availability of information better than visitors’ ratings. The main tourist activities performed at Trasimeno and Balaton are the same, although they are not ranked in the same order of popularity for tourists. The ten most popular activities at HDFK%DODWRQDQG7UDVLPHQRDUHUHSRUWHGLQWKH¿JXUHVEHORZ:HFRQVLGHUHGWKHIUHTXHQF\ of activities completed as a proxy for tourists’ preferences.

At Balaton, the tourism offering surveys answered by tourism providers rated the beaches, VKRSSLQJ DLU DFWLYLWLHV ODNH DFWLYLWLHV ¿VKLQJ DQG KXQWLQJ DV ³JRRG´ ZKLOH EDG UDWLQJV were given to the museum and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) facilities. The three main tourism activities at Balaton, per the tourist survey, were visiting a

48 49 beach, walking and swimming. It seems that the tourism facilities owners understand the visitors’ preferences quite well.

At Trasimeno Lake, the tourism providers rated several leisure activities more poorly than the Balaton providers, and in some cases, the activities preferred by the tourists did not receive a good rating by the tourism professionals. For example, walking activities only received a rating at least as high as good by less than the 40% of the tourism providers; yet, it is the most common activity. The situation is similar for the ratings for cultural heritage or museum sites. On the other hand, shopping is the most highly rated activity by the stakeholders, but it LVRQO\WKH¿IWKPRVWFRPPRQDFWLYLW\RIWKHYLVLWRUV

50 51 1.4 Sustainability Impact Assessment tool & outcomes 1.4.1 Introduction As outlined in section 1.1, the assessment of sustainability is quite a challenge. For Slow Tour, a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) tool has been developed that combines data from many sources and calculates indicators for all three main sustainability components (ecological, economic and social). It is based on 123 ‘raw’ data entries that are condensed into 20 indicators distributed among the three main components of sustainability. Table 1 in section 3.3 provides an overview of all of the data inputs. The raw data are obtained from geographical information system (GIS) data from the European Environmental Agency (EEA), a visitor questionnaire and a multitude of local and European databases that are accessed by the destination management. The data are divided among the following 12 groups (the number between parentheses indicates the number of data inputs): $(FRQRPLFHPSOR\PHQW  B. Biodiversity and landscape (9) C. Land use (22) D. Air quality (8) E. Water (4) F. Waste management (2) G. Energy (2) H. Tourism (12) I. Transport (28) J. Tourism Economy (11) K. Social aspects (3) L. Sector management measures (8) We used the DPSIR environmental assessment system as a guideline to choose a relevant mix of data. DPSIR is an acronym for Drivers-Pressures-States-Impacts-Responses ((EEA, 2011b; Gabrielsen & Bosch, 2003) and is used in the European context, among others for transport assessments (Eurostat, 2002) and in tourism studies (European Commission, 2006a, 2006b).

Figure 7: The DPSIR environmental assessment system (source: (Gabrielsen & Bosch, 2003)). Figure 7 shows the relationships between the pressures ((Gabrielsen & Bosch, 2003)). Drivers (or Driving forces) describe the social, economic, and demographic developments that cause increases in volumes and thus environmental Pressures by emissions to air, water and soil. These Pressures affect the State of the environment such as the concentrations of air and water pollutants, which have an Impact on ecosystems and human health. Finally, policy Responses to the Impacts may reduce the strength of the Driving forces, improve the HI¿FLHQF\UHGXFHWKH3UHVVXUHLPSURYHWKH6WDWHRIWKHHQYLURQPHQWDQGUHGXFHWKH,PSDFWV 50 51 ,QWKH6,$PRGHOZHGLVWLQJXLVKEHWZHHQDOO¿YH'36,5HOHPHQWVDQGZHSUHVHQWthe results not only in an SIA pie diagram (see below) but also in bar graphs per DPSIR element; thus, WKHPDQDJHUPD\GHGXFHZKDWFDXVHVWKHVSHFL¿FRXWFRPHRIWKH6,$IRUWKHDUHDXQGHU consideration from these bar graphs. Both SIA and DPSIR graphs help the user of the model to determine where the largest problems are encountered and to prioritise policies. The main outcome of the SIA tool is an SIA pie diagram. Table 6 gives an overview and short explanation of the 20 sustainability indicators that are calculated using the 100-plus data entries and the method described in section 3.3. Table 6: Overview of the 20 SIA sustainability indicators. All of the indicators are assigned a value between 0 and 1 based on the full range of the real values for the 12 lakes. The codes refer to the same codes given in Table 20 of section 3.3.2.

52 53 Figure 8 shows an example of such a diagram and presents the results for the metric average scores of all 12 Slow Tour lake destination areas. It shows the three main sustainability components (economy, ecology and social) and the indicators that are part of each of these components. The legend for the colours is given in Table 7. Clearly, the 12 Slow Tour lake destinations exhibit moderate scores, which, of course, should be expected and is proof of a well-functioning SIA model. For all of the lakes combined, the value of the Economic component is just above neutral3. In addition, the Ecology and Social components are scored as just higher then neutral. Overall, across all of the lake destination areas, public transport is an issue that needs improvement. The proportion of protected areas is also clearly lower than neutral. The “tourism opportunity index” provides a proxy for the viability of increasing JURZWKLQWKHWRXULVPVHFWRUWRLPSURYHWKHRYHUDOOHFRHI¿FLHQF\RIWKHUHJLRQV¶HFRQRP\

Figure 8: Example of an SIA pie diagram that depicts the metric averages of all 12 Slow Tour lake destination areas.

Table 7: Legend to the SIA graphs.

3 ‘Neutral’ means the metric middle score of the index, that is, 0.5; as the colour coding has six scores (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), all scores are either below or above neutral. 52 53 Finally, the model provides charts for each DPSIR component, as shown in Figure 9 through Figure 13, for the metric averages of the lake destination areas. The indicators do sometimes have a reversed scale of importance (that is, high scores indicate a low impact and vice versa) because they need to be interpreted for their ecological and social impacts only (see also, the section about benchmarking, 2.2).

Figure 9: Drivers for all 12 lake destination areas (metric averages). The higher the driver index, the more it will drive the area into a lower ecological state.

Figure 10: Pressures for all 12 lake destination areas (metric averages). The higher the pressure index, the more it will drive the area into a lower ecological state. 54 55 Figure 11: States for all 12 lake destination areas (metric averages). The higher the state index, the better it is for the ecological state.

Figure 12: Impacts for all 12 lake destination areas (metric averages). The higher the impact index, the better it is for the ecological state.

54 55 Figure 13: Responses for all 12 lake destination areas (metric averages). The higher the response index, the better it is for the protection of the ecological state.

1.4.2 Method The methods used to process the raw data entries to calculate the 20 main SIA sustainability indicators are mainly based on the multi-criteria analysis method. An excel model (which runs on Excel 2007 or higher) has been designed that basically executes the following steps: 1. From the initial data entries, a smaller indicator list is created consisting of 51 intermediate sustainability indicators. These indicators consist of combinations of the data entries and have the purpose of supplying dimensionless (more or less) indicators, making the entries for different lakes more comparable. For example, the total number of people living in an area does not indicate anything without referencing it to the size of the lake destination area. Hence, in this case, the   QXPEHURISHRSOHLVGLYLGHGE\WKHWRWDOVXUIDFHDUHDWRREWDLQFDSLWDKDDQLQGLFDWRU that is comparable between lake destination areas of very different sizes. The same concept is applied to the social pressure of tourism, e.g., as the number of tourists per capita is used as an indicator.  7KHUHVXOWLQJVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVDUHUHVFDOHGDQGXQL¿HGWRDQLQGH[EHWZHHQ 0.0 and 1.0 (see section 3.3 for details). 3. From the 51 remaining indicators, the 20 most informative indicators are presented   DV¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVLQWKH6,$SLHGLDJUDP VHH7DEOH 6RPHRIWKH indicators are composed of multiple indicators. Most of the initial data entries are   XVHGIRUFDOFXODWLQJWKH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUV  7KH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVDUHUHVFDOHGDQGURXQGHGWRDZKROHQXPEHU between 1 and 6 in such a way that the lowest value means “not at all good” and  LQGLFDWHV ³YHU\ JRRG´ IRU VXVWDLQDELOLW\ 7KH ¿QDO VFRUHV EHWZHHQ  DQG     LQGLFDWHVµLQVXI¿FLHQWGDWD¶ DUHWKHQWUDQVODWHGLQWRFRORXUVLQWKHSLH6,$GLDJUDP (see Table 7 and Figure 8). 5. The last processing step sorts all of the intermediate sustainability indicators into tables for each DPSIR element (e.g., Driving forces, Pressures) and creates graphs from them. Twenty-eight of the 123 data entries were not used to calculate the intermediate sustainability indicators and create the SIA pie diagrams. The 28 unused entries include 5 of the administrative entries (e.g., A1, name of the lake), 19 for which data were available for less than half of the lakes, 3 that appeared to be easily calculable with other data entries, and 1 56 57 HQWU\ZDVQRWXVHGDWDOOZLWKLQWKHPRGHO WKHTXDOLW\RIF\FOHKLNLQJURXWHVZKLFKGLGQRW YDU\PXFKEHWZHHQWKHODNHV +HQFHWKH¿QDO6,$ZDVUXQZLWKGDWDHQWULHV An important part of the multi-criteria analysis method is the weighting of data when combining them into integrated sustainability indicators and the subsequent disaggregation of these indicators into the three sustainability components. Section 3.3.5 provides an extensive overview of all of the weighting factors. Here, we only list the weights applied to calculate the index for the three main sustainability components as shown below.

1.4.3 Data sources and coverage Sustainability is often ‘measured’ using qualitative data, e.g., in terms of the existence of certain forms of environmental or social policies and measures or in terms of the proportion of businesses with eco-labels. Unfortunately, the relationships between such policies and the actual pressures, states and impacts are generally loose, indirect and sometimes even adverse. Therefore, in Slow Tour, the choice was made to develop a more quantitative approach that measures the roles of biodiversity, air quality, water quality and tourism in the economy. The obvious disadvantage of this approach is the strong requirement for reliable GDWDZKLFKLVGLI¿FXOWWRPDQDJHE\GHVWLQDWLRQDQGREWDLQIURPQDWXUHPDQDJHUVRURWKHU stakeholders in the lake destinations. Part of the Slow Tour project was aimed at determining the extent to which local managers and stakeholders are able to gather reliable data and what other means of data collection could be implemented. To explore this issue, a list was created that required a maximum of 123 data entries. This list constituted a long list of all sorts of data that we envisaged might be needed to create a quantitative SIA model. Some data relate to the same subject, allowing for some redundancy in the model or for reductions in the number of required data entries depending on the ability of the stakeholders to provide certain data. Obtaining data about energy saving and renewable energy use, organic agriculture, local 56 57 QRLVH OHYHOV ORFDO WUDI¿F YROXPHV DQG WUDI¿F JURZWK UDWHV ZDVWH DQG UHF\FOLQJ WRXULVP VSHFL¿FVDQGWRWDOHPSOR\PHQWDQGVHDVRQDOLW\HFRODEHOOLQJRIDFFRPPRGDWLRQVDFFHVV for disabled visitors, accommodation growth, and local water consumption was problematic. It was concluded that the energy and waste issues had to be dropped from the current SIA model and that the noise and social aspects are rather weakly covered, not because these LVVXHVDUHXQLPSRUWDQWEXWEHFDXVHLWDSSHDUHGYHU\GLI¿FXOWWRREWDLQUHOLDEOHGDWD Regarding the data entry, a prototype Slow Tour SIA User model (SLOW-SIA v. 1.0.0) was developed that shows the procedure. The model is a prototype, demonstrating a proof of concept, and it will require further development to enter the latest data from EU agencies and to improve the user-friendliness of the user interface. In addition, some development of the index calculation procedure, including the procedure that determines the extreme values on which the SIA index is based, will need to be updated to improve the ability of this model to accommodate virtually all of the lakes in the EU. The SLOW-SIA prototype can be found in Annex 3.4 (the CD-ROM). More information about SLOW-SIA can also be requested by sending an email to [email protected].

1.4.4 SIA outcomes per lake 7KH¿QDO6,$GLDJUDPVIRUHDFKRIWKHODNHVDUHSUHVHQWHGDQGEULHÀ\GLVFXVVHGLQWKLV VHFWLRQ$GGLWLRQDOO\VRPHUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVDUHJLYHQIRUHDFKODNHEXWZH¿UVWSURYLGHDQ overview of all of the results for the three main sustainability components (see Table 8). At ¿UVWJODQFHRQHPLJKWFRQFOXGHWKDWWKH(VWRQLDQVDW/DNHV9}UWVMlUYDQG3HLSVLDUHGRLQJ very well in promoting sustainability, whereas those at Lago di Garda are not. However, that would be a serious misinterpretation of what this SIA indicates. As the indices consist of many driving forces, pressures, states and impacts that are often beyond the power of those who manage the area, the SIA is not a game with winners, but an instrument that may help to guide policies to improve sustainability within the area. Therefore, a low score must be interpreted as a high risk for the area with respect to sustainable development. In this case, additional measures might be introduced and prioritised using the detailed outcomes of the SIA diagram and even the sustainability indices behind the diagram. Table 8: Overview of the SIA results by sustainability component for all 12 lakes. The two missing indices for the Lake District were caused by the unavailability of more than 50% of the items, which cause the result to be too unreliable. The column Prospects was calculated by adding the scores for Social and Ecology and subtracting the score for Economy.

58 59 Figure 14: Spider diagram showing all of the SIA sustainability components, their averages and the prospects scores. The higher the score is, the more sustainable the component.

Another issue that should be considered is that a ‘green’ economy is based on a mix of economic growth and economic contributions from tourism that can create pressures to the environmental or social scores. That Lake Võrtsjärv has a high economic score and the highest ecological score is caused by the fact that the current economic activities in the area are very small in scale, while the natural characteristics are still in very good condition. However, rapid economic growth may become a threat to this in the future. Therefore, we added the column “Ecological Prospects” in Table 8 and also in Figure 14. This index is the VXPRIWKHVRFLDODQGHFRORJLFDOLQGLFHVPLQXVWKHHFRQRPLFLQGH[7KLVIRUPXODVSHFL¿FDOO\ EHQH¿WV WKH 3RVSHFWV IRU /DNH %DODWRQ ZKHUH HFRQRPLF VWDJQDWLRQ LV FRPELQHG ZLWK relatively high social and ecological scores. For the Lagunas de Ruidera, the high level of economic growth might be a problem to maintaining the area’s natural beauty in the future. 58 59 Lake Balaton shares the second highest average ranking of the 12 Lakes and has the highest score for the social component because of the relatively low population density DQG SRSXODWLRQ JURZWK DQG JRRG DFFHVV WR ORFDO SXEOLF WUDQVSRUW ZKLFK EHQH¿W WKH ORFDO population. Only the total social pressure of tourism (tourists per inhabitant) is rather high. The economic prospects are not very good because of a lack of growth, including the tourism industry. On the other hand, the tourism offerings are attractive, and the quality of the local transport is good. The local and regional character of Lake Balaton’s inbound tourism helps to keep the carbon footprint of the area small, as does the high quality of public transport. The score for ecology is just above neutral and mainly hampered by the lack of opportunities for any further sustainable development of tourism because tourism already accounts for a very high share of the region’s GDP. Protected areas and land-use could be areas in which further policies can improve the SIA outcome.

Even with a very high score for water quality, Bodensee scores just below neutral for ecology but above neutral for both economy and ecology. The relatively regional and short haul characteristics of the inbound tourism result in high climate index scores. The prospects for mutual economic and ecological development by way of tourism are not very good because tourism is already important in the region’s economy. Improvements could be envisaged in the proportion of protected areas. The quality of the public transport system is relatively low 60 61 IRUDKLJKO\SRSXODWHGUHJLRQVSHFL¿FDOO\UHJDUGLQJWKHLQWHUFLW\DQGLQWHUQDWLRQDOUDLODFFHVV however, as the infrastructure is basically available, there is room for improvement.

The Chiemsee SIA diagram is well balanced in terms of the three sustainability components, all of them score a bit above neutral. The overall biodiversity, tourist attraction and low tourism carbon footprint indices scored very well. The tourism opportunity index indicates a problem as the share of tourism in the region’s GDP, at 18%, is already high. On the other hand, because the carbon footprint of the current tourism industry and the attraction of tourism scored well, from this point of view, further tourism development may be still be desirable in the light of its sustainable development. The access to public transport could be improved, and the current state of land-use poses some risk.

The results for Lago di Garda are not very reliable due to several gaps in data (the white items). The remaining available data rank the area as the second most risky place in terms of sustainable development, as shown by Table 8. The tourist attraction index is relatively low. The water quality, biodiversity, air quality and economical spatial pressure all pose problems for this lake destination, causing a low ecological score. Some of the low scores in the ecological component are certainly related to the high population density of this lake area, which, of course, is a given for the lake area and nature management here. The tourism attraction index was based only on the bathing water quality because the response to the 60 61 visitor survey was too low and thus did not provide data about the visitors’ satisfaction and experiences in terms of water quality, beach attraction, and other tourism offerings.

Lake Võrtsjärv received the second highest SIA score of all of the lake destination areas and thus has the best prospects for sustainable development. Additionally, Lake Võrtsjärv received the highest ecology score because of the low economic pressure, low tourism carbon footprint per visitor, high air quality and high tourism sustainable development opportunity scores. However, the biodiversity is below neutral, and the amount of protected areas could be increased. As both the population and the economy are in decline, these declines pose risks for the social and economic sustainability of the area. The quality of public transport is problematic, which is to some extent related to the low population density, which results too low of a demand for high quality and frequent public transport.

There was rather high variability among the main sustainability indicators for the Tablas de Ruidera. There are low and high scores for items within all of the components. The scores IRUHFRQRPLFJURZWKMREVSHUFDSLWDDQG2' RULJLQGHVWLQDWLRQ WUDQVSRUWDFFHVVIRUWKH region are low, while the tourism economy score within the economy component is high. For the ecology component, the land-use, public transport, overall biodiversity and protected areas are unfavourable, while the tourism carbon footprint per visitor and economic spatial pressure are favourable, and the air quality is above neutral. Socially, the population density and growth are good, but the tourism pressure and the quality of public transport fail to support sustainable development. The SIA points towards establishing policies to improve 62 63 public transport, increase the share of protected areas and consider if land-use changes could make the current land-use more favourable.

The SIA for Lake Steinhuder indicates a favourable social situation and slightly unfavourable economic and ecological situations. For the economy component, the local transport quality and the economic growth scores are low, while the scores for tourism attraction and GDP per capita are high. Within the ecology component, the air quality and the carbon footprint per visitor are favourable, while the land-use and the public transport are the most problematic. There is also some scope for increasing the amount of protected areas. Socially, the spatial access to public transport should receive more attention because public transport is not well integrated into the destination’s transport system.

7KH0LOLF]3RQGV6,$DOVRVXIIHUVWRDQH[WHQWIURPLQVXI¿FLHQWGDWD7ZHQW\¿YHSHUFHQW of all items are white, which causes the results to be less reliable. Economic growth and population growth may pose a challenge to the environmental and ecological aspects of the area in the future. The public transport to and within the area did not score well and can be observed as an opportunity to maintain or improve sustainability. The score for protected areas is high, and the current economic pressure is relatively low, while the land-use scored just under neutral. However, the overall biodiversity score is relatively low and should be considered an area of concern. 62 63 Lake Peipsi received the highest sustainability score, with particularly high scores for the social and economic components. Unfortunately, the economic score is not very reliable, DVLWLVUDWKHULQFRPSOHWHZLWKWKUHHRXWRIVHYHQLWHPVPLVVLQJGXHWRLQVXI¿FLHQWGDWD7KH tourism social pressure (the proportion of tourists out of the total population) and both the population pressure and population growth are responsible for the high social score. The land-use, air quality and economic spatial pressure provide some counterweight to the low scores for the other items comprising the ecology component. The high carbon footprint is mainly caused by a relatively large proportion of long haul visitors in the visitor survey. Increasing the marketing for domestic tourists and tourism originating from neighbouring countries and providing better public transport could help to maintain or even improve the sustainability of the area through tourism development.

The Tablas de Daimiel SIA scores the social and ecological components just above neutral and the economic sustainability just below neutral. The local economy is not fairing very well, but the tourism economy prevents the area from receiving a very low overall economy component score. For the ecology component, the economic spatial pressure and the tourist FDUERQIRRWSULQWDUHEHQH¿FLDOZKLOHWKHRYHUDOOELRGLYHUVLW\LQGH[DQGSXEOLFWUDQVSRUWVFRUHV are low. The low quality of public transport is also a negative factor in the social component. Policies could be directed towards improving the public transport, protecting a larger share of

64 65 the area and shifting the land-use towards more favourable uses.

7KHRYHUDOO6,$VFRUHIRU7UDVLPHQRFOHDUO\LQGLFDWHVWKHGLI¿FXOWLHVIRUWKLVODNHDVDQDWXUDO area and a tourism destination. The economy is stagnant, and the water and air quality are low compared to most of the other lakes; the biodiversity score is relatively low, and the tourism industry depends on medium and long haul visitors too much, causing a large carbon footprint DQGFUHDWLQJDVLWXDWLRQLQZKLFKLWLVGLI¿FXOWWRGHYHORSWRXULVPDVDPHDQVWRLPSURYHWKH sustainability of the area. Additionally, the current hydrological and physical situation of the lake, with its large variations in water level, low rates of water recharge and relatively high GHPDQGV IURP WKH DJULFXOWXUDO VHFWRU PDNHV LW GLI¿FXOW WR VXEVWDQWLDOO\ LPSURYH WKH ZDWHU quality to the levels reached by other lakes, e.g., Waterreijk and Bodensee. On the other hand, the social component and indices are clearly above neutral, except for the score for public transport access. Obviously, the management at Lago di Trasimeno should try to improve the sustainability of the tourism industry by focusing on increasing short haul international and domestic tourism, improving public-transport-based tourism and moving away from air- transport-dependent tourism. Improvements in public transport are available (see the Trasimeno transport case description in 2.3). Factors such as improvements in air quality heavily depend on large-scale policies both within and, to an even greater extent, outside of the area.

Finally, the wetlands of Waterreijk in the Netherlands exhibit a balance between the Social and Ecology components and a somewhat better Economy component. Among these 64 65 components, the variance of the indices for the sustainability indicators is largest for the ecology component, for which the public transport scores are very low, and the scores for the tourism carbon footprint, the water quality and the tourism opportunity are very high. The economic score is dominated by the high scores for the tourism-related items and jobs per capita. Socially, only the public transport score is below neutral. Efforts could be undertaken to improve the public transport, carefully monitor the land-use changes, and increase the share of protected areas to simply maintain or even improve the current degree of sustainability of the area.

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$YLVLRQZLWKRXWDFWLRQLVMXVWDGUHDP$QDFWLRQZLWKRXWYLVLRQMXVWSDVVHVWLPH A vision with action changes the world! Nelson Mandela This wise quote by Nelson Mandela is not only true for a country but also for our lake regions. They are of special ecological and cultural importance and have a high sensitivity. Therefore, sound management is of great importance for lake regions and for tourism development in lake regions. Often beautiful publications and charters include ambitious visions and guidelines but lack concrete actions and management systems behind them. A lack of information cannot be the reason; many model projects and guidelines on management systems and tools are available, and lake or tourism managers can select the best option for their region. The responsible use of natural resources and ecosystem services is the basis for sustainable regional development, in which tourism plays an important role. The tourism industry is very fragmented, and this fragmentation also holds for lake regions. There is not one “tourism manager” nor one “lake manager” but different levels of administrations and a variety of stakeholders involved. There is a clear need for governments to take a leading role if truly VLJQL¿FDQWSURJUHVVLVWREHDFKLHYHGLQPDNLQJWRXULVPPRUHVXVWDLQDEOH

The ideally managed lake region …. Does not exist, but if there was one, it would be managed in the following way: The regional government as well as the local authorities of the region would have implemented an integrated sustainability management programme that was developed based on EMAS III or ISO 14.001. Tourism development is managed as an integrated part of regional development and based on a sound evaluation of the current situation (Sustainability Impact Assessment) and concrete and measurable aims. Monitoring plays an important role, and monitoring results are regularly evaluated and published. Stakeholders are actively involved in all management steps according to transparent participation rules. Accommodations and recreational tourism activitieswould have agreed to approach a credible and ambitious eco-label that is known by the main consumer target groups. The REMHFWLYHLVWRKDYHRIWRXULVPRIIHULQJVFHUWL¿HGZLWKLQDUHDVRQDEOHWLPHIUDPH7KH regional government supports this objective by providing supporting programmes (e.g., for ¿QDQFLDO LQYHVWPHQWV  RIIHULQJ HFRQRPLF LQFHQWLYHV RIIHULQJ WUDLQLQJ DQG SURPRWLQJ WKH FHUWL¿HGWRXULVPRIIHULQJVWKURXJKSUHPLXPRIIHUVDQGEXVLQHVVFDUGVIRUWKHUHJLRQ 7KH OHDGLQJ HFRODEHO RUJDQLVDWLRQ UHYLVHV LWV FULWHULD UHJXODUO\ DQG RIIHUV FHUWL¿HG DQG LQWHUHVWHG FRPSDQLHV DVVHVVPHQWV DQG NQRZKRZ VXFK DV LQIRUPDWLRQH[SHULHQFH RQ environmental technology. The eco-label organisation provides sound marketing support DQG LQYHVWV LQ SURPRWLQJ WKH FHUWL¿HG RIIHULQJV WKURXJK LQWHQVLYH PHGLD H[SRVXUH MRLQW presentations on fairs, attractive internet presentations, and other means.

66 67 Is your lake region still far from being an ideally managed tourism destination? The following pages offer a short overview of the most reliable systems and tools available to help achieve sustainable tourism development.

Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Council, with more than 40 international and national organisations, promotes the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) as a set of universal SULQFLSOHVWKDWGH¿QHVXVWDLQDEOHWRXULVP7KH\EULQJWRJHWKHUWKHSULQFLSDOLGHDVDQGDFWLRQV that have been expressed in many documents and standards around the world since the term “sustainable tourism” was introduced in 1992. The 38 criteria are oriented towards hotels and tour operators and should be considered as a baseline for a tourism businesses looking to implement more sustainable business practices RUIRUDFHUWL¿FDWLRQSURJUDPPHORRNLQJWRHVWDEOLVKFUHGLEOHJOREDOO\UHFRJQLVHGVWDQGDUGV DQGGH¿QLWLRQV(DFKRIWKHFULWHULDLVVXSSRUWHGE\LQGLFDWRUV )RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWKWWSQHZJVWFRXQFLORUJ

Environmental Management Systems An environmental management system (EMS) provides the structure for environmentally IULHQGO\WRXULVPGHYHORSPHQW$Q(06GH¿QHVWKHSURFHVVHVDQGWKHUROHVLPSOHPHQWHGWR achieve a continuous improvement in environmental performance. All types of organisations can implement an environmental management system no matter what their starting point is. 7KH PRVW UHOLDEOH DQG ³RI¿FLDO´ HQYLURQPHQWDO PDQDJHPHQW V\VWHPV DUH (0$6 ,,, the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, and ISO 14001 - the international environmental management standard. Both systems are very similar and include the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle. They can be implemented by all types of organisations, e.g., travel agencies, hotels, recreational infrastructure and public administrations. EMAS and ISO 14001 provide strategic approaches

! to identify and control the environmental impact of tourism products or services, ! to continually improve environmental performance, and ! to implement a systematic approach to determine environmental objectives and ! targets, as well as achieving these objectives or targets, and to demonstrate that they have been achieved.

EMAS III and ISO 14001 provide transparency in regards to environmental issues to external stakeholders, such as citizens, clients, communities and regulatory agencies, as well as an increased responsibility to comply with environmental regulations (e.g., legal compliance). They support the organisation’s claims and communications about its own environmental SROLFLHVSODQVDQGDFWLRQVDQGWKH\SURYLGHDFHUWL¿FDWLRQRIWKHHQYLURQPHQWDOVWDWHPHQW E\DQLQGHSHQGHQWFHUWL¿FDWLRQERG\

66 67 (0$6DQG,62UHTXLUHWKHLGHQWL¿FDWLRQRI³VLJQL¿FDQWHQYLURQPHQWDODVSHFWV´7KH\ also distinguish between a “direct environmental aspect” over which the organisation has direct management control and an “indirect environmental aspect,” one which can to a UHDVRQDEOHGHJUHHEHLQÀXHQFHGE\DQRUJDQLVDWLRQ

:KDWDUHWKHVLJQL¿FDQWGLUHFWRULQGLUHFWHQYLURQPHQWDODVSHFWVIRUWKHDFWRUVRIWKHWRXULVP sector? The following table gives an indication:

68 69 In some aspects, EMAS is more ambitious than ISO 14001 because it requires the participation of stakeholders, the development of the environmental capacity of staff and the publication of an “Environmental Statement”. In January 2010, EMAS III came into force. The revised regulation highlights the focus on environmental performance and requires measurable results of an organisation’s management of its environmental aspects. Therefore, key performance indicators have been LGHQWL¿HG DQG DOO FHUWL¿HG RUJDQLVDWLRQV PXVW UHSRUW RQ WKHLU HQHUJ\ HI¿FLHQF\ UHVRXUFH HI¿FLHQF\ZDWHUZDVWHHPLVVLRQVDQGELRGLYHUVLW\LQGLFDWRUV For small companies and other organisations, EMAS Easy has been developed with a UHGXFHGDPRXQWRIGRFXPHQWDWLRQ KWWSZZZHPDVHDV\  &XUUHQWO\DSSUR[WRXULVPFRPSDQLHVDUH(0$6FHUWL¿HGLQ(XURSH7KHQXPEHURI,62 FHUWL¿HGWRXULVPFRPSDQLHVLVPXFKJUHDWHUEXWQRRI¿FLDOUHJLVWHUH[LVWVDQGWKH H[DFWQXPEHURIFHUWL¿HGWRXULVPFRPSDQLHVLVQRWNQRZQSXEOLFO\ EMAS III and ISO 14001 can be integrated with other management functions and assist companies and public administrations in meeting their environmental, social and economic sustainability goals. Both systems are a good basis to expand the management approach towards a sustainable management programme. For further information, please visit: KWWSHFHXURSDHXHQYLURQPHQWHPDVLQGH[BHQKWP KWWSZZZLVRLVRHQYLURQPHQWDOPDQDJHPHQWFRP 68 69 Europarc’s European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas Europarc’s Sustainable Tourism Charter is one of the most prestigious management tools and is currently implemented in 78 protected areas in Europe. The Charter is not a typical quality or eco-label charter but a process-oriented methodology that can be used and applied in all types of protected areas. The focus is on initiating and assisting a process of sustainable tourism planning that will lead to sustainable development step by step. The Charter assists this process by providing a ‘strategy development kit’ that contains principles, a methodology and checklists for the protected areas to use. (XURSDUFSURYLGHVH[SHUWVWRDVVHVVWKHLPSOHPHQWDWLRQRIWKHFKDUWHUDQGFHUWL¿HGSURWHFWHG areas are members of the Charter network, which organises regular meetings, exchanges and study visits. Very often, lake regions include a protected area, but even if not, the methodology is also applicable to non-protected regions. )RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWKWWSZZZHXURSDUFRUJZKDWZHGRHXURSHDQFKDUWHUIRU

Ecocamping: Environmental and Quality Management for Camping Sites Ecocamping promotes a management system based on EMAS III, but specialised on camping sites. The objectives are the improvements of environment protection, nature conservation, VDIHW\TXDOLW\DQGWKHTXDOL¿FDWLRQVRIHQWUHSUHQHXUVDQGVWDIIDVZHOODVWKHLPSURYHPHQWV RI LPDJH DQG UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK VWDNHKROGHUV DQG DGPLQLVWUDWLYH RI¿FLDOV ([SHUWV IURP the Ecocamping Association visit the camping sites at least two times and determine if an HQYLURQPHQWDOSURJUDPPHKDVEHHQGHYHORSHGDQGLVEHLQJLPSOHPHQWHG$FHUWL¿FDWHLV allocated for 3 years. Currently, approximately 240 camping sites (mainly in Germany) have UHFHLYHGWKH(FRFDPSLQJFHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGDUHPHPEHUVRIWKH(FRFDPSLQJ1HWZRUN For further information, please visit: www.ecocamping.net

Integrated Sustainability Management (IMS) for local and regional administrations Cities and regions are complex and dynamic, and local and regional authorities have various UROHVDQGLQÀXHQFHVRQHQYLURQPHQWDODVSHFWVDQGVXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQW Within the Managing Urban Europe Initiative, a sustainability management system for administrations has been developed for the management of the whole urban area and all of the associated aspects of sustainability according to the Aalborg Commitments. The system is based on EMAS III, but includes the concept of political commitment to all relevant elements of the IMS. It provides a framework to integrate existing management tools and to coordinate the different policies, strategies and programmes of local or regional administrations to LQÀXHQFHVXVWDLQDEOHGHYHORSPHQW7RXULVPSROLF\LVRQHRIWKHDVSHFWVWREHLQWHJUDWHG Further information and guidelines: www.localmanagement.eu

Eco-labels for tourism offerings, services and destinations During the last 20 years, many eco-labels for all of the main tourism services and destinations have been developed, and currently, there are approximately 50 different regional, national or international labels on the market in Europe (Hamele, 2011). Two thirds of the eco-labels are conferred by private tourism associations and other non-governmental organisations or FRQVXOWDQFLHVLVFRQIHUUHGE\JRYHUQPHQWDORUJDQLVDWLRQV The labelling approach differs from that of environmental management systems. For labelling, PRUH RUOHVV FOHDUO\GH¿QHGSHUIRUPDQFHFULWHULDQHHGWREHIXO¿OOHGVRPHHFRODEHOVKDYH a combination of necessary and optional criteria as well as management criteria. Sixty-three SHUFHQWRIWKHHFRODEHOVDUHDLPHGH[FOXVLYHO\DWWKHFHUWL¿FDWLRQRIDEHWWHUHQYLURQPHQWDO SHUIRUPDQFH2WKHUVFKHPHVLQFOXGHFULWHULDIRUDEHWWHUVRFLDODQGRUUHJLRQDOHFRQRPLF 70 71 SHUIRUPDQFH$QLPSRUWDQWREMHFWLYHRIDOORIHFRODEHOVLVWRVHUYHDVDQLGHQWL¿DEOHDWWULEXWH for tourists. Eco-labels for businesses (e.g., accommodation) intend: ! to stimulate the implementation of environmental management measures ! to raise the awareness by the staff, the tourists and the public ! to promote a high level of environmental performance ! to contribute to the development of common standards An eco-label is a valid instrument for establishing a sound environmental and social quality of the tourism offerings in a lake region. The criteria serve as a benchmark and a concrete objective for those offerings and services that still need to improve their performances. The European Commission launched the EU Eco-label (EU-Flower) in 1992, and it is currently available to hotels and camping sites. The criteria aim to limit the main environmental impacts from the three phases of the service’s life cycle (purchasing, provision of the service, waste). In particular, these criteria aim to: ! limit energy consumption, ! limit water consumption, ! limit waste production, ! favour the use of renewable resources and substances that are less hazardous to the environment, ! promote environmental communication and education. The criteria are divided into required and optional criteria. Competent national bodies are UHVSRQVLEOHIRUWKHFHUWL¿FDWLRQWKHODEHOLVDOORFDWHGIRUWKUHH\HDUV )RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWKWWSHFHXURSDHXHQYLURQPHQWHFRODEHOHFRODEHOOHGB SURGXFWVSURGXFWBFDWHJRULHVBHQKWP

EU Blue Flag The Blue Flag Label, created in 1987, is one of the oldest and most well-known labels in Europe. Today, approximately 3.650 beaches and marinas, both on sea- and lake-shores, LQFRXQWULHVDUHFHUWL¿HG%HDFKHVDUHDZDUGHGWKH%OXH)ODJEDVHGRQWKHLUFRPSOLDQFH with 32 criteria that concern Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Other Services. Marinas need to comply with 24 criteria. All Blue Flags are awarded for one season at a time. )RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLWKWWSZZZEOXHÀDJRUJ0HQX&ULWHULD

Green Globe *UHHQ*OREH&HUWL¿FDWLRQLVWKHWUDYHODQGWRXULVPLQGXVWU\¶VZRUOGZLGHFHUWL¿FDWLRQODEHO for sustainable management and operations. The Green Globe Standard is a structured assessment of the sustainability performance of travel and tourism businesses and their supply chain partners. Businesses can monitor improvements and document achievements OHDGLQJWRWKHFHUWL¿FDWLRQRIWKHLUHQWHUSULVHV¶VXVWDLQDEOHRSHUDWLRQDQGPDQDJHPHQW The Green Globe Standard examines a collection of 337 compliance indicators applied to 41 individual sustainability criteria. These criteria encompass sustainable management, social economic development, cultural heritage and the environment. The applicable indicators YDU\E\W\SHRIFHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGJHRJUDSKLFDODUHDDVZHOODVORFDOIDFWRUV7KH*UHHQ*OREH Standard is reviewed and updated twice per calendar year. To guarantee compliance with the Green Globe Standard, a third-party independent auditor is appointed to work with clients on-site. 70 71 )RU IXUWKHU ,QIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH YLVLW KWWSZZZJUHHQJOREHFRPJUHHQJOREHFHUWL¿FDWLRQ standard

Overview on the most relevant eco-labels, awards and standards: Destinet – Sustainable Tourism Information and Communication Portal KWWSGHVWLQHWHXWRROV

Destinet is a comprehensive technical web-based communications platform and a working partnership between the European Environment Agency (EEA), the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and ECOTRANS. It was established for tourist destinations and their stakeholders and contains selected, quality-assessed information that discusses the ways in which tourism is being made more sustainable. For more information on Tourism and Travel in the Green Economy, VHHKWWSGHVWLQHWHX

72 73 CHAPTER II

72 73 2.1 Compendium of best practices from European lakes This chapter describes some examples of best practices regarding tourism management and tourism offerings. The criteria for the selection were not the level of innovation but the demonstration of best practices and their transferability to other (lake) regions. One really important step towards sustainable development, including tourism development, is to extend the existing model projects and to make them common practice in all lake regions. A great deal of knowledge, transferable experience and lessons learned is available – its implementation is needed now!

2.1.1 Implementing an Integrated Decision Support System for the Sustainable Management of Tourism in the Lake Balaton Region The Lake Balaton Integrated Monitoring System is the prototype of a monitoring system that was established within the framework of a territorial cooperation of regional partners between 2005 and 2006. The monitoring system has been continuously operated since then. The overall aim of the project was to develop an action programme based on an innovative and integrated Decision Support System (DSS) to promote sustainable tourism, regional development and management in Europe. Therefore, one important main objective was to establish an environmental and socio-economic monitoring system, consisting of the PRQLWRULQJRIRQOLQHWUDI¿FDQGZDWHUTXDOLW\DQGDVXLWHRIUHOHYDQWPRQLWRULQJLQVWUXPHQWV Another important objective was to outline an action programme for the sustainable development and rehabilitation of the region. The goals of this system are to collect and automatically manage information for regional decision-making and tourism industry decisions. One of the most important functions is to collect quantitative data that are useful for not only academics and professionals but also for the general public and tourists. ■ System components ! Environmental Monitoring Equipment ■ Water quality monitoring stations in Lake Balaton ■ Water-level and inlet monitoring stations ■ Hydro-meteorological stations ■ Meteorological stations ■ Information stations at beaches ■ Manual storm-signal units ! 9HKLFXODU7UDI¿F0HDVXUHPHQW8QLWV ■ ,QURDGWUDI¿FGHWHFWLRQXQLWV ■ Speed monitoring units ■ 7UDI¿FKD]DUGVLJQDOV ! Tourist Counting Units ■ Rotating gates and ticket booking systems at beaches ■ Infrared gates ■ Ferryboats ■ Video estimation system 7KH SURMHFW KDV VLJQL¿FDQWO\ LQFUHDVHG DQG IDFLOLWDWHG WKH RYHUDOO DFFHVV WR LQIRUPDWLRQ ,QIRUPDWLRQLVQRZZLGHO\DYDLODEOHWRWKHSXEOLFDQGPRUHVSHFL¿FGDWDDUHDYDLODEOHWR decision makers and experts. The public are particularly concerned with receiving accurate 74 75 information on water levels and water quality, as well as the amount of water released through the Sió weir. Additionally, more accurate weather and storm forecasts are now available in a more timely fashion.

Recent status of the system  Ɣ 6LQFH WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH LQWHJUDWHG PRQLWRULQJ V\VWHP VHYHUDO FKDQJHV DQG   PRGL¿FDWLRQVKDYHEHHQLPSOHPHQWHGFRQFHUQLQJWKHFRPSRVLWLRQDQGORFDWLRQRIWKH sensors. In addition, the data transfer tools, the data processing units, and the   YLVXDOLVDWLRQHTXLSPHQWKDYHDOVREHHQVLJQL¿FDQWO\XSGDWHG  Ɣ 7KH GDWD WUDQVIHU HTXLSPHQW DQG FKDQQHOV KDYH EHHQ LPSURYHG 7KHUHIRUH WKH operation has become more stable and sound. However, the data storage and processing tools still need to be updated. It is essential to improve this equipment and supplement them with additional storage units as soon as possible. A critical part of the system is the analysis and utilisation of the data collected, which depends mainly on the involved stakeholders. Thereby, the effectiveness of the system can be improved both in terms of the institutional and the technical resources.  Ɣ &RQFOXVLRQWKHUHLVDVWURQJQHHGIRUWKHFRQWLQXRXVPDLQWHQDQFHDQGGHYHORSPHQW of the Lake Balaton Integrated Monitoring System. Because the system is very useful   DQG EHQH¿FLDO LW LV HVVHQWLDO WR PDLQWDLQ DQG IXUWKHU GHYHORS LW ZKLFK UHTXLUHV   DSSURSULDWH¿QDQFLDOUHVRXUFHV

Operator of the monitoring system Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency (LBDCA) Gabor Molnar, Director [email protected]

For access to the system and for further information, see: bir.balatonregion.hu

2.1.2 Lake Chiemsee: the Chiemsee ring line ,QWKH&KLHPVHHULQJOLQHZDVWKH¿UVWODNHUHODWHGORFDOWUDI¿FPHDVXUHZLWKLQWKHLQLWLDWLYH Chiemsee Agenda. Before the introduction of the ring line, people could only drive around Lake Chiemsee with a private car. Today, locals and tourists use the attractive ring line alike. The ring line is composed of two busses that circulate around the lake from May until October with the departures at Prien in the west and Chieming in the east of the lake. The bus service is operating ¿YHWLPHVDGD\DQGRIIHUVDZHOFRPHGWUDQVSRUWDOWHUQDWLYHIRUWKHUXUDOORFDOWUDI¿FDWZHHNHQGV

Increased variety of nature friendly tours Lake Chiemsee is surrounded by a highly frequented loop road that is used by bikers and visitors of the lake. Both busses of the ring line are equipped with a hanger that has space for 18 bikes and therewith allows the visitors to combine hiking and biking excursions along the loop road. Especially visitors that are staying in the lake communities frequently use the ring line as they do not have to pay for it thanks to their guest card. (They only have to pay a fee of one Euro for the bike transport.) One of the busses has been transformed and is running with natural gas now. Thanks to the hangers for the bikes, visitors of Lake Chiemsee can even expand their variety of tours while using the numerous boat lines on the lake. Due to a decrease in the use of the general regional local public transport there were some skeptical voices in the beginning of the start of the ring line. But, the number of passengers within WKHODVW¿YH\HDUVPDGHWKRVHYRLFHVIDOOVLOHQWWKHQXPEHURISDVVHQJHUVLQFUHDVHGIURP (2007) up to 16,000 (2011). 74 75 Marketing to promote the ring line In cooperation with the Chiemsee Association for Waste Water and Environment, Lake Chiemsee is steadily being developed in a sustainable way, combining nature oriented tourism and environment-friendly mobility. On its loop road, the ring line stops at nature observation towers and at the starting points of the Chiemsee nature tours. The quality of the bike and hiking trails around the lake shall be further developed and connected to the ring line. Furthermore, there are infrastructure measures that are in the process of development like information boards for the local public transport as well as more marketing for attractive hiking and biking tours that can be combined with the ring line.

Long term plans One of the challenges is to run the busses emission free and to introduce hangers that enable an easy loading and unloading of E-bikes. In the long term, a business concept shall be developed in order to enable a more frequent tact of the busses and to offer a low priced alternative to the car for the locals that are living in the communities at the lake.

Partners Involved in the project are all nine association communities Rimsting, Breitbrunn, Gstadt, Seeon-Seebruck, Chieming, Grabenstätt, Übersee, Bernau and Prien as well as the neighboring communities Grassau, Aschau and Bad Endorf, the Tourism Associations Chiemgau and Chiemsee-Alpenland, both administrative districts and the Chiemsee Association for Waste Water and Environment.

Initiator The project has been implemented by the transport working group of the Chiemsee Agenda, an initiative of the Chiemsee Association for Waste Water and Environment in order to enhance the participation of locals and experts for a sustainable development. The responsible institution is the Tourism Association Chiemsee-Alpenland, the regional transport company Rosenheim holds the licence. The majority of the yearly costs of ca. 67,000 Euros are being paid by the participating partner communities and the Rosenheim Transport Association (administrative district Rosenheim).

Contact for further information Abwasser- und Umweltverband Chiemsee (Chiemsee Association for Waste Water and Environment)  [email protected] Abwasser- und Umweltverband Chiemsee Marlene Berger-Stöckl [email protected] www.chiemseeagenda.de

+(/,2±DÀRDWLQJSODWIRUPRQ/DNH&RQVWDQFH +(/,2 LV D ODUJH VRODU ERDW PDQDJHG ZLWKLQ D ÀHHW RI  VRODU ERDWV WKDW FURVV /DNH Constance. This solar catamaran has a capacity of up to 48 passengers and is used for thematic excursions, environmental education and private events in the western part of Lake Constance. The port of registry is Radolfzell. HELIO was inaugurated in 1996 as part of the “Zero-Emission Initiative” of the Lake Constance Foundation. In those times, curved solar panels were a real innovation and the design was very futuristic. The boat is equipped with 4,2 kWp solar panels that produce a maximum of 76 77 4.500 kWh, equivalent to approx. 2,5 tons of CO2. The energy is stored in batteries that provide HELIO up to 8 hours of power if the sun is not shining. Two motors with a capacity of N:HDFKPRYHWKHVRODUFDWDPDUDQDWDPD[LPXPVSHHGRINPK+(/,2LVDSURWRW\SH constructed of stainless steel, which made the boat very expensive. The advantage is its long-term durability and its low maintenance costs, which are approx. 1.000€ per year.

HELIO business model Originally, the boat was used as a ferry to connect the German and the Swiss shorelines. However, it would only be possible to offer attractive prices for public transport with continuous subventions – not a good basis for a sustainable business model. Since 2001, the disabled-accessible HELIO serves as a platform for private events such as weddings, festivities, birthday celebrations or business meetings. On chartered excursions, WKH ERDW WXUQV LQWR D ÀRDWLQJ UHVWDXUDQW ZLWK FXOLQDU\ GHOLFDFLHV RI %RGHQVHH FXLVLQH ,Q addition, HELIO is used for cultural events like concerts and lectures and offers scheduled round-trips, starting at Radolfzell port. It does not matter if people attend a chartered trip or a scheduled one, the boat trip transforms passengers’ objections towards renewable energies into positive memories. The tourists are often concerned that the boat will become lost on Lake Constance if the sky is very cloudy and the solar panels cannot work properly, as they imagine it. They are impressed by the autonomy of the boat and the total lack of any engine noise or smell. Because of the silence of the solar boat, riders can observe water birds at close range or enjoy concerts in the middle of the lake. HELIO operates from April until the end of September. The price for a tour starts at 4 € and increases up to special prices for special events. The boat can be rented together with the crew for approximately 270 € per hour. In 2011, approximately 8.000 passengers experienced a trip on the HELIO.

Floating classroom HELIO is an excellent tool for environmental education. Within the programme “Schwimmendes Klassenzimmer” (Floating classroom), a cooperative effort with Allianz Umweltstiftung, 30 school classes consisting of 1.000 pupils per year experience the Lake Constance HFRV\VWHPDQGOHDUQDERXWWKHIXQFWLRQVRIWKHODNHWKHZDWHUTXDOLW\WKHIDXQDDQGÀRUD and other topics, including renewable energy of course. Children enjoy the two hours on the HELIO s much as the adults during educational trips with an experienced guide on the peninsula Mettnau. The excursion to the most ancient reservation of the Baden-Württemberg is conducted in cooperation with the Nature Information Center of Mettnau.

Owner Bodensee-Solarschifffahrt GmbH, Radolfzell Contact: Dimitri Vedel E-Mail: [email protected] )DFHERRNKWWSVZZZIDFHERRNFRP+HOLR6RODUVFKLII%RGHQVHH

Partners Bodensee-Stiftung, Allianz-Umweltstiftung, BUND-Möggingen and various local companies and bank institutes.

2.1.4 Island of Mainau, Lake Constance (Germany): Environmental Management for a complex tourism attraction The island of Mainau is one of the main tourism attractions of the Lake Constance region.

76 77 Each year, over 1.2 million visitors enjoy the Arboretum, which contains approximately 500 different species of trees, some of them very rare species. The highlights of the island include WKHÀRZHUJDUGHQVZKLFKFKDQJHDFFRUGLQJWRWKHVHDVRQODUJH¿HOGVRIWXOLSVKXQGUHGVRI different species of roses, azaleas, dahlias, and more. Visitors are fascinated by their colours and aesthetic arrangements. The island of Mainau employs 180 individuals permanently and 220 additional individuals during the busy season (2009). The tourism services include 7 restaurants with a capacity IRUSHUVRQVVRXYHQLUVKRSVDEXWWHUÀ\KRXVHZLWKWURSLFDOEXWWHUÀLHVDQGWKHFDVWOH of the royal owners of the island, which hosts exhibitions and concerts.

EMAS Environmental management In 1998, the island implemented the EMAS environmental management system (EMS) for the whole island and all of the functional areas and services. The environmental programme includes more than 50 measures focusing on: ! (QHUJ\FRQVXPSWLRQUHQHZDEOHHQHUJLHVHQHUJ\HI¿FLHQF\ ! 5HGXFWLRQRIIXHODQGHPLVVLRQVSURGXFHGE\WKHÀHHWRIYHKLFOHV ! Reduction of noise ! Reduction of (drinking) water consumption, waste water volume and emissions of water by cleaning products ! Biodiversity protection The main objectives of the environmental policy of Mainau are 100 % renewable energy FRQVXPSWLRQE\WKHHQGRIDQGDVLJQL¿FDQWFRQWULEXWLRQWRWKHSURWHFWLRQRIELRGLYHUVLW\ by a wide range of measures including: The extension of organic agriculture and wine SURGXFWLRQVXVWDLQDEOHIRUHVWU\ )6&FHUWL¿HG WKHFUHDWLRQRIKDELWDWVIRUVRQJELUGVDQG bats, the installation of nesting boxes, the protection of insects by increasing the number of insect friendly street lights, the de-sealing of roads, the reduction of peat cutting by purchasing RQO\SODQWVIRUÀRZHUEHGVJURZQRQDFRPSRVW $( VWUXFWXUHWKHUHGXFWLRQRIPLQHUDO IHUWLOLVHUWKHLQFUHDVHRIFHUWL¿HGRUJDQLFPHQXVDQGWKHVDOHRIIDLUWUDGHFRIIHHLQDOO Mainau restaurants.

78 79 In 2006, the island of Mainau was awarded the European EMAS Award for small and medium organisations because of the excellent internal and external communication of the environmental management system and the achievements..

Contact for further information: Mainau GmbH Heinrich Straub Environmental Management D-78465 Insel Mainau Telefon +49 (0) 7531-303 - 252 Telefax +49 (0) 7531-303 - 411 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mainau.de

2.1.5 Implementing a regional tourism brand to help protect the environment at the Milicz Ponds This Milicz Pond project was initiated by environmental NGOs as a tool to create bonds between the economic and environmental aspects of Barycz Valley. The rich natural environment in Barycz Valley strongly depends on human activities. The relationships between the regional economies such as aquaculture, agriculture and forestry were always strong but unidirectional. Especially since the accession of Poland into the EU, there has been an increase in the pressure to intensify the economic activities of the region, resulting in a threat of increasing negative impacts on the area’s natural resources. The main objective of the Barycz Valley Recommends branding project is to stimulate economic activities that respect and support the preservation of nature. The brand and organisational establishments were designed to support and promote the users of the brand.

Development of the brand The environmentalists striving for economic development that might support the environment indicated several potential “green economies”, including some sectors of tourism. Tourism was close to non-existent in the Barycz Valley because the potential of the area for nature watching excursions was portrayed as a very narrow niche within tourism. Thus, there was some pressure to develop classical water recreational activities and sports offerings. Since 1995, before the brand was even created, some precursory activities laid the groundwork for developing nature tourism, starting with a conference workshop on the potential for bird watching tourism in the area. Later, some training was provided to the farmers on how to offer agritourism as a part of a project promoting green jobs. The establishment of the regional brand added new momentum to these earlier initiatives. Today, the main courses of action consist of the following: 78 79 ! Organising the annual user application requests: The right to use the brand and to receive other forms of support is granted for 12 months. Branded products and services   RIIHUJUHDWHUHQYLURQPHQWDOTXDOLW\WKDQWKHDYHUDJHSURGXFWVHUYLFH$WWKLVLQLWLDO   VWDJHWKHEUDQGUHTXLUHPHQWVDUHQRWSUHGH¿QHGWKHQWKH\DUHJUDGXDOO\LQFUHDVHG ! Promoting the brand via the internet (www.nasza.barycz.pl) and publications and by working with the media. ! Facilitating and supporting the participation of brand users in events such as fairs and   ORFDOIHVWLYDOVE\¿QDQFLQJWKHSDUWLFLSDWLRQFRVWVRUSURYLGLQJIUHHVWDQGV ! 'HYHORSLQJWKHDQQXDO³&DUS'D\V´DVHULHVRIHYHQWVWKDWSURPRWHFDUS¿VKLQJRQH of the main products of the area. ! Training for the users and potential applicants on rules for the use of the brand and common promotional activities. One of the requirements to join the brand is that users promote and help each other, even if they compete for the same customers.

Current results The system is designed solely for the products and services from the Barycz Valley region, and currently approximately 18 products and 20 services are labelled with the brand. The number is constantly increasing and the previously labelled businesses renew the brand every year. There are several tourism providers in this group and some of the products or services are related to the development of tourism indirectly. Souvenirs, local (sometimes) organic food, and educational offerings are supported by the mainstream of the accommodation providers, guides, and restaurateurs. The promotional effect on the users and consumers is hard to measure because the number RIWRXULVWVLVVWLOOYHU\ORZDQGLWLVYHU\GLI¿FXOWWRPHDVXUHWKHLPSDFWRIWKHEUDQG The brand is totally in line with the development of Barycz Valley by helping to increase the number of visitors and the environmental responsibility of the users. Additional measures have been initiated because of the brand, such as the organisation of regular litter removal activities in Barycz.

Initiator /Organiser The brand is owned by the Barycz Foundation. BVF functioned as the LEADER Local Action Group until the role was handed over to a new partnership, which now has some 150 members. Contact: Roman Guziak [email protected]

Partners The members of the Partnership for the Barycz Valley have been recruited from the local administration, NGOs and businesses.

2.1.6 The Onion Route at Lake Peipsi The Onion Route (Sibulatee) consists of a network of tourism service providers at the shores of Lake Peipsi that snakes from the banks of Emajõgi up to Kallaste. The fourth biggest lake in Europe has played a vital role in local life for centuries. Lake Peipsi feeds and clothes the people, but it also sometimes takes things from them. The main objective of the Sibulatee initiative is to maintain the cultural heritage of the region and offer this heritage to the visitors from around the world. The aim of the Onion Route is to expose the visitors to three different cultures that coexist in one area: 80 81 ! Russian Old Believers culture ! Baltic German manor culture ! Estonian peasant culture One area, two nationalities, three cultures The route is called the Onion Route because many Russian old-believers who grow vegetables, mostly onion, live in this area. The region is very popular for its onions and people from all over Estonia and even from Latvia come here every autumn to buy onions for the winter. The route is very well organised. In 2011, there were 23 entrepreneurs in the network. The Sibulatee network brings together entrepreneurs from the area, and the entrepreneurs JHWWRNQRZHDFKRWKHUSDUWLFLSDWHLQGLIIHUHQWWUDLQLQJVGHYHORSQHZSURGXFWVDQGEHQH¿W IURPDFRPPRQDQGZHOOHVWDEOLVKHGPDUNHWLQJSODWIRUP7KHSURMHFWLV¿QDQFHGWKURXJKWKH Leader project of the EU, membership fees and the sale of tourism services.

Partners In 2011, there were 23 small entrepreneurs in the Sibulatee network. Initiator 6LEXODWHHLVDQRQSUR¿WDVVRFLDWLRQ7KHGULYLQJIRUFHEHKLQGWKLV1*2FRQVLVWVRIWKUHH people who submit and lead the projects, perform the marketing, develop the network and also offer tours for guests and tourists.

Contact for further information www.sibulatee.ee ZZZIDFHERRNFRPVLEXODWHH 2.1.7 Circular path around Lake Steinhude Lake Steinhude is characterised by its exemplary sustainable use of natural resources. The natural biodiversity that visitors can experience at the lake has been developed over the past two decades by the Lake Steinhude Ecological Station (ÖSSM), in cooperation with the responsible nature conservation authorities, the Lake Steinhude Nature Park, the Steinhuder Meer Tourism GmbH and the recognised nature conservation associations., The visitors are invited to experience the natural biodiversity of the lake with the 32 kilometre long circular path around Lake Steinhude. The circular path has been developed in close cooperation with the above-mentioned institutions over the course of the last two decades. The partners have developed and adapted the path gradually, according to the visitors’ preferences and wishes. The nature- friendly path is one of the most popular attractions at Germany’s largest shallow lake. It is maintained by the Lake Steinhude Nature Park with means from the Hanover region. Following the circular path The visitor can start the circular path at the information centre of the Lake Steinhude Nature Park in the town of Steinhude. There, the tourists can take a guide of the circular path. At WKH¿UVWVWDWLRQ³WKHQHZSURPHQDGH´WKHWRXULVWV¿QGWZRLQIRUPDWLRQFHQWUHVZKHUHWKHUH is information on the ecological relationships in the lake and on the characteristics of Lake Steinhude. 7KH JXHVWV FDQ DOVR ERUURZ DQ ³DGYHQWXUH EDFNSDFN´ LQ ZKLFK KHVKH UHFHLYHV IXUWKHU information on the control of the water balance in the lake and the surrounding agricultural meadows and pastures. The next station is the “Tree Frog Pond”, where the visitor learns how the formerly native tree frog has been reintroduced after restoration measures and is LQYLWHGWR¿QGDIURJLQDFORVHE\SRQG 80 81 The circular walk then leads to the Meerbruch Adventure Trail. Four observation towers invite the tourists to experience the beauty of the natural diversity amidst the conservation area. ,QIRUPDWLRQDQGLGHQWL¿FDWLRQERDUGVLQWURGXFHWKHJXHVWVWRHFRORJLFDOFRQFHSWV$WWKHHQG RIWKHWUDLOWKHYLVLWRUDUULYHVDWDQREVHUYDWLRQWRZHUZKHUHKHVKHFDQVHHDKXJHQXPEHU of waterfowl and has a view of the entire lake. Numerous boards offer information on the White-tailed Eagle, the Osprey, water conservation by water buffaloes and the restoration of formerly intensively used meadows and pastures, as well as their development over the course of the last 15.000 years, including the shallow lake, its utilisation, the protection of the lakeshore and its animals. Finally, the path leads the visitor to a 30 square kilometre large upland moor in the eastern part of the lake and the “Moor Adventure Trail”. Here, visitors can have a close look at moorland vegetation and learn about the history of this endangered landscape and the necessity to protect it. The circular walk leads several kilometres across the high moor and invites the visitor, at the end of the Moor Adventure Trail, to walk across a siltation zone to the water area. From an observation tower, the visitor has a view of a siltation zone with numerous ecological niches and rare bird species and, at the same time, can learn about the siltation process. Afterwards, the guests can return to the starting point.

Initiator Lake Steinhude Nature Park

Partners Ökologische Schutzstation Steinhuder Meer (ÖSSM) in cooperation with the responsible conservation authorities, the Lake Steinhude Nature Park, and the Steinhuder Meer Tourism GmbH

Contact for further information Ökologische Schutzstation Steinhuder Meer (ÖSSM) Thomas Beuster, Executive Director [email protected]

2.1.8 Lake Trasimeno: sharing principles on sustainable tourism and beyond A Charter for Lake Sustainable Tourism is a very important issue in coherence with all main milestones for sustainability from Ramsar Convention in 1971, passing through Rio De Janeiro 1992 “Earth Summit”, Lanzarote Sustainable tourism World Conference in 1995, further initiatives such as Nature 2000 “Habitat” and “Birds” European Directives and EUROPARC Charter for Sustainable Tourism. Lakes are largely included as natural protected areas in Europe, most of them also Natural Parks. After having approved the Charter Part I “Sustainable tourism in protected areas” and Part II “Partnership with tourism businesses”, EUROPARC Federation is working on Charter Part III “Partnership with tour operators”. In this framework, the Mountain Community Association of Municipalities Trasimeno Middle – Tiber has developed the “Environmental Charter” (Manifesto Ambientale ) by involving local authorities, stakeholders, tourism operators and businesses under common commitments based on environmental protection. The “Environmental Charter” is constituted of : ‡7UDVLPHQR&KDUWHUIRU(QYLURQPHQWDQG7RXULVP4XDOLW\LQFOXGLQJWKHUXOHVWREHUHVSHFWHG by members and shared with stakeholders; ‡*XLGHOLQHVIRUNQRZKRZRIWKHPHPEHUV ‡/LVWRIUHTXLUHPHQWV RIZKLFKFRPSXOVRU\DQGRSWLRQDO 7KH\DUHLQUHODWLRQWR all the main environmental issues: energy, water, chemicals, waste reduction-management- 82 83 recycling, water waste, ground pollution, air emissions, ozone danger, vegetation and landscape, environment monitoring, environment friendly suppliers, environmental policy, management and responsibilities, safety and emergencies, land valorization, other good practices, booking registration, road signs, reception, public areas, restaurant facilities and services.

The criteria for admission, compliance with requirements and rules are under control of an H[WHUQDODXGLWRUVSHFL¿FDOO\FRPSHWHQWIRUHQYLURQPHQWDOLVVXHV The businesses committed to the “Environmental Charter” and corresponding to all the compulsory requirements are awarded with a logo “Heron”, from one up to three, depending of quality level and observed optional requirements with a compliance trend to EMAS and ,62FHUWL¿FDWLRQ This ongoing experience can be compared to that similar, but in a larger scale, experimented by EUROPARC for Charter Part II “Partnership with tourism businesses”. The businesses of the Lake Trasimeno that have adopted the rules and requirements of the “Environmental Charter” belong mainly to the tourism sector and have committed themselves to that FHUWL¿FDWHGTXDOLW\SURJUDPDVDSRVVLEOHDWWUDFWLYHLPSOHPHQWWRZDUGVFXVWRPHUVSDUWLFXODUO\ sensitive to environment protection, even if a critical point is considered the time requirement to observe the procedures. The Charter Part III “Partnership with tour operators” can be a very important experience to discuss and share with EUROPARC network, in relation to the importance of the target for a sustainable tourism. :LWK UHODWLRQ WR WKLV VSHFL¿F LVVXH WKH 0RXQWDLQ &RPPXQLW\ KDV FRQWDFWHG WKH ,WDOLDQ Association for Responsible Tourism (AITR), also involving national tour operators interested to develop outdoor and slow tourism activities.

2.1.9 Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber best practice on tourism local networks The Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber area is a tourism destination for a target of sport and outdoor leisure tourists, attracted by landscapes, natural sites, medieval villages, typical products, wine and extra-virgin olive oil. More than 1 million of tourist are used to visit each year those areas with a strong focus on outdoor activities and interest for good food and traditional restaurants. The Comunità Montana has been developing for many years a concept of sustainable tourism by involving local authorities, stakeholders, tourism operators and businesses under the common commitment constituted of the “Environmental Charter”. Environmental protection and biodiversity saving are also issues connected to rediscover old species, like “Fagiolina del Trasimeno” (Vigna unguicolata Walp.) a little bean produced only at Lake Trasimeno area. Vineyards and olive trees are the traditional presence of the landscapes surrounding the Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Valley. The Comunità Montana has experimented last years successful guided trekking walks, with 30 paths marked with VLJQV DQG *36 UHIHUHQFH ZLWK  SHRSOH DV DYHUDJH SDUWLFLSDWLRQ$OVR ELNLQJ DQG riding paths for cycling and horse tourism are going to be completed. An ongoing project is the walk connection between Assisi and Siena ending in correspondence of a junction near Monteroni d’Arbia with the Via Francigena. Based on this vision, project and experiences, the Mountain Communities has developed a VSHFL¿FPDUNHWLQJDSSURDFKLQYROYLQJDQGFRPPLWWLQJWRXULVPDFFRPPRGDWLRQVIURP/DNH 82 83 Trasimeno, Perugia and Middle Tiber area, by offering tourism packages including outdoor activities such as trekking, biking and horse riding and related services, available on request by the tour operators and individuals for information and booking in real time by internet and smartphone applications. 7KLV SURSRVDO KDV EHHQ SUHVHQWHG WR D VSHFL¿F WDUJHW RI WRXU RSHUDWRUV DW WKH thth November 2011 World Travel Market at ExCeL exhibition in London where SLOWTOUR and the Mountain Community participated with a Stand (EM 1897).

More than 30 tour operators were personally informed on the aims, objectives and outputs RI6/2:7285SURMHFWIRUDVXVWDLQDEOHDQGFRPSHWLWLYHODNHWRXULVPDQGVSHFL¿FDOO\RQWKH Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Marketing Project. The marketing approach, based on incentives to low impact outdoor activities and user IULHQGO\ WRROV IRU LQQRYDWLYH ZHE DQG VPDUWSKRQH EDVHG LQIRUPDWLRQERRNLQJ RI DGGLWLRQDO tailored services, was presented as available tourism packages for 2012, meeting a large interest, favorable opinions and proposals for collaboration in setting up tourism packages for different target groups from UK, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, India, China. The most requested items to be connected to accommodations in rural contexts or city hotels were:  ‡ GD\WULSVLQFOXGLQJVKRUWORRSZDONVLQVFHQLFHQYLURQPHQWDOFRQWH[WVZLWKSURIHVVLRQDO guides;  ‡ PRXQWDLQELNHVKRUWORRSVZLWKOXQFKDWDJURWRXULVPDQGRUZLQHWDVWLQJ  ‡ GD\WULSVWR,VODQGVRI/DNH7UDVLPHQRZLWKOXQFKEDVHGRQW\SLFDOIRRGSURGXFWVDQG recipes;  ‡ ELNHDQGHELNHVKRUWULGHVZLWKIRRGZLQHWDVWLQJDQGVWRU\WHOOLQJRQKLVWRULFDOWKHPHV For all of those requests was strongly highlighted the importance to provide mother tongue professional guides for the tourist groups. The further development of this sustainable tourism marketing by the Mountain Community will be to set up a general model for this kind of outdoor tourism and create a communication 84 85 tool system based on innovative technologies such as Smartphone Applications, Mesh Networks, QR-Code signs to provide user friendly information for the visitors. In this way also the regional tourism theme products based on biking, horse riding and gastronomy will be matched and implemented with the peculiarities of Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber areas. This system will be discussed and adopted also in the framework of a project, entitled GRANDTOUR, proposing a model suitable for the sustainable development of the European Cultural Routes. In this framework will be also performed a long walk between Assisi and Siena, entitled AS.SIE.M.E. (ASsisi SIEna Marching Easily) by connecting the S.Francesco path with Via Francigena in correspondence of Monteroni d’Arbia (near Siena), aiming at valorising the historical, natural and cultural heritage of the two routes. 7KHVWURQJSRLQWRIWKLV6/2:7285/DNH7UDVLPHQRDQG0LGGOH7LEHUPDUNHWLQJSURMHFW FRPHV IURP WKH VSHFL¿F UROH RI WKH 0RXQWDLQ &RPPXQLW\ DV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH /DNH Trasimeno Natural Park and its practical activities aimed to attract a low impact slow tourism based on outdoor and cultural activities. Also the efforts to connect within the same strategy and tourism proposals the highly visited Lake Trasimeno with the less developed and known by tourists Middle Tiber area can improve the sustainability of tourist stays in summer and increase the low season presences.

Initiator Comunità Montana Associazione dei Comuni Trasimeno - Medio Tevere

Partners Manifesto Ambientale: URAT, SOGESCA, IAT Trasimeno. Tourism Local Networks: C.A.I. , C.U.R.I.A.MO. , P.I.T. Nelle Terre del Trasimeno, P.I.T. Nelle Terre del Perugino.

Contact for further information Comunità Montana Associazione dei Comuni Trasimeno - Medio Tevere V.le D. Alighieri 2 - 06063 Magione (PG) - ITALY Dr. Louis Montagnoli, Head of Planning Tel. +39 075 8474133 [email protected]

=HURHPLVVLRQH[FXUVLRQVRQDWUDGLWLRQDO.DOH%RDWDW/DNH9}UWVMlUY $NDOHERDWLVDWUDGLWLRQDOFOLQNHUSODQNHGZRRGHQWUDZOHUVDLORUXVHGIRU¿VKHU\SXUSRVHVLQ WKH9}UWVMlUYUHJLRQ7KH\ZHUHPRVWO\XVHGIRUFDWFKLQJODUJH¿VKVXFKDVEUHDPSLNHSLNH perch, large perch and others. By the 1960s, there were dozens of kale boats working on /DNH9}UWVMlUYZKLFKQRWRQO\SURYLGHGWKHORFDOVZLWKIRRGEXWDOVRLQÀXHQFHGWKHDFWLYLWLHV of the locals as a whole. The sails were often made from colourful materials and looked very beautiful in the evening sun. The sailboats acquired other uses besides their practical SXUSRVHRI¿VKLQJ6DLOLQJZLWKNDOHERDWVEHFDPHDSRSXODUSDVWLPHDPRQJORFDOVDVZHOO as visitors. The tradition of kale boat races and regattas on Lake Võrtsjärv was started, and sailing trips were organised for lake enthusiasts and tourists. The kale boats eventually became a symbol of Lake Võrtsjärv and a part of the coastal folk culture. With the importation RIHOYHUVLQWKHVWKHWUDGLWLRQDO¿VKLQJPHWKRGVFKDQJHGDQGWUDZOLQJZDVSURKLELWHG As Võrtsjärv became an eel-rich lake, kale trawling was replaced with mostly stationary traps. Kale boats slowly disappeared from lake. ,QWKHQHZNDOHERDW3DXODZDVEXLOWXQGHUWKHLQLWLDWLYHRIORFDO¿VKHUPHQDQGWKH Lake Võrtsjärv Foundation. This kale boat was built according to the instructions of one of the last living boat craftsmen, Väino Leiaru. The construction costs were approximately 84 85 ¼7RGD\DÀHHWRIWKUHHNDOHERDWVH[LVWVDQGRIIHUVVDLOLQJWULSVRQ/DNH9}UWVMlUYIRU DQFLHQWYHVVHODQG¿VKLQJHQWKXVLDVWV7KHYLVLWRUSURJUDPPHVZKLFKLQFOXGHNDOHERDWWRXUV are widely offered and distributed at the Tourist Information Centres of Viljandi, Tartu and Valga counties and through national promotional channels. The number of tourists booking a kale boat tour has been increasing every year and was approximately 2500 persons in 2010. The average price for a one-hour trip is 100 €.

For further information, see: Lake Vörtsjärv Foundation Jaanika Kaljuvee [email protected] www.vortsjarv.ee

6XVWDLQDEOHWUDQVSRUW(OHFWULFERDWLQJDWWKH:DWHU5HLMN:HHUULEEHQ:LHGHQ Since 2009, WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden is the brand name for the northwest of the province of Overijssel (Netherlands). The area largely falls under the municipality of Steenwijkerland and includes the Weerribben-Wieden National Park (NP) and various historic places such as Blokzijl and Giethoorn, also dubbed “green Venice”. One objective of the NP is to become the most prominent best-practices example for sustainable nature tourism in the Netherlands. One feature of the NP is the promotion of electric boating because of their low air and noise emissions.

Electric boating In the mid 1990s, small rental boats had already been converted into electric boats in the region. ,QDÀHHWRIVL[KLJKTXDOLW\HOHFWULFSOHDVXUHERDWVZDVODXQFKHGIRUUHQWDODQGRUJDQLVHG WRXUSXUSRVHV WKH³2WWHUÀHHW´ 7KHPXQLFLSDOLW\¶VVXEVLG\SURJUDPPHIRUHOHFWULFERDWVZDV started with a programme for tour boat operators (there are 108 tour boats in the area). Between 2010 and 2015, 1.5 million euros are available to operators with a license for the municipality’s waters to convert their boats’ engines into electric ones or to buy new electric tour boats. Twenty- ¿YHSHUFHQWRIWKHFRVWVDUHHOLJLEOHIRUIXQGLQJZLWKDPD[LPXPOLPLWGHSHQGLQJRQWKHH[DFW measure used. Several criteria apply, such as the obligatory use of “green power” for loading the batteries and the use of the local traditional ship design (Gemeente Steenwijkerland, 2010). The municipality also started a subsidy programme for private boat owners for 2011 and onwards. Again, 25% of the costs of a new electric engine, with a maximum of 1,500 euro, are covered. For this program, 110,000 euros are available (Gemeente Steenwijkerland, 2011).

Successful cooperation of partners This is one example of a successful cooperation between 20+ stakeholders, ranging from local businesses and tourism boards to the NP, water recreation organisations, research institutes, the municipality, the province and the EU. Other projects that are organised in similar fashion KDYHIROORZHGVXFKDVDQHOHFWULFERDWVSHFL¿FDOO\GHVLJQHGIRUXVHE\GLVDEOHGRUHYHQEHG bound people. Most boats developed under these projects and subsidy programs have been or will be at least partly designed and built by local boat builders, thus giving a boost to the local economy as well. Electric boats are now a specialty of the area’s boat businesses.

Contact for further information WaterReijk Weerribben Wieden Marketing Ilse Boers Email: [email protected] ,QWHUQHWZZZHUYDDUKHWZDWHUUHLMNQOHQ 86 87 2.1.12 Lake District, England The Lake District National Park has a diverse landscape with the highest concentration of outdoor activity centres in the U.K. Its history of recreational walking can be traced through the ‘viewing stations’ or woodland clearings of the late eighteenth century. More than 8 million visitors come to the National Park each year, spending over 15 million visitor days here. In 2008, tourism included indirect expenditure of £167 million on local business supporting and serving tourism business. Sustainable Tourism is not a new theme for the Lake District and it features prominently in both policy and in existing action plans like the Lake District Sustainable Transport Framework, in pilot schemes such as ‘Give the Driver a Break’ and the B4 network (boats, boots, bikes and buses), the Windermere Waterfront Programme or feasibility works in looking to restrict the number of private vehicles entering the park. Targeted industry support is necessary to meet the expectations of visitors, compete with UK and global competition and that the tourism industry plays its part in tackling climate change. Nurture Lakeland and National Trust Lake District Appeal offer visitors important ways to contribute to conservation. Although the Lake District was very interested in participating in SLOWTOUR as a case study, it was not possible due to the lack of time. Nevertheless, the Lake District National Park has many experiences in the implementation of sustainability measures in tourism. As a best practice the “Visitor Payback Scheme” shall be presented.

Visitor Payback Scheme Nurture Lakeland is a charity based in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria in the North West of England. Nurture Lakeland exists to inspire people and tourism businesses to care for Cumbria’s natural and cultural environment through Responsible Tourism. It is a business membership organisation, facilitating donations from visitors to conservation projects across the county, known locally as the Visitor Payback Scheme. Nurture Lakeland supports a range of conservation projects and offers the opportunity for businesses to select and support a locally trusted and worthy project. As a Nurture Lakeland business member, businesses receive dedicated support to install a range of established fundraising techniques. These range from ‘Opt Out’ where an optional £1 is added to the bill, either on line or at payment SRLQW7KLVWHFKQLTXHKDVUDLVHGVLJQL¿FDQWIXQGVIRUFRQVHUYDWLRQSURMHFWVLQPRQWKVRI visitors, through Nurture Lakeland members, have contributed £64,000 to local conservation projects. Additional techniques include sponsored products (raised funds via socks, organic EDJV RI ÀRXU DQG ERDW WLFNHWV  GRQDWLRQ HQYHORSHV DQG ER[HV ZKLFK DUH SURYLGHG IRU members. Nurture Lakeland also provides detailed conservation project information to help guests understand and learn about the importance and impact of their donation.

Environmental Campaigns Nurture Lakeland represents 340 Cumbrian businesses through membership and is therefore well placed to deliver various environmental campaigns which seek to positively LQÀXHQFHWKHEHKDYLRXURIWRXULVPSURYLGHUV1XUWXUH/DNHODQGLVFXUUHQWO\DGHOLYHU\SDUWQHU IRUWKH:LQGHUPHUH5HÀHFWLRQV3URJUDPPHZKLFKDLPVWRLPSURYHWKHZDWHUTXDOLW\RI/DNH Windermere, the largest lake within the Lake District National Park. The project ‘Love Your Lakes’ aims to reduce the levels of phosphates to reduce the risk of blue green algae blooms ZKLFKKDYHDVLJQL¿FDQWQHJDWLYHLPSDFWRQWKHHFRORJ\RIWKHODNHDQGWKHWRXULVPLQGXVWU\ Phosphates act as a nutrient for algae blooms therefore ‘Love Your Lakes’ is encouraging Nurture Lakeland members and the wider community to switch to phosphate free products to protect the lake from the risk of algae blooms. This is a very successful campaign and demonstrates the importance of awareness. ‘Love Your Lakes’ success in Bassenthwaite 86 87 Lake in 2009 reduced phosphate levels from 33mg per litre to 18mg per litre and similar success in Lake Windermere is predicted. The approach is extremely positive rather than prescriptive and therefore easily encourages lots of people to get on board. Nurture Lakeland’s project ‘Fresh Air is Free’, a part of the National Park Authority’s Low- carbon Lake District™ reduction target, has helped businesses to develop car free itineraries for visitors to enjoy. Again the approach of this campaign was fun and accessible and encouraged positive environmentally behavior, enriching the experience of the visitor to the Lake District.

Greening Tourism Businesses - Member advice and support Nurture Lakeland supports its members to green their business through a series of training event opportunities. Nurture Lakeland-led research discovered that less than 10 per cent of the sector are currently engaging in low carbon activity due to poor waste recycling facilities, lack of appropriate technologies, disjointed public transport offers and a lack of understanding about who tourism businesses can contact to gain knowledge and support in all of these areas. Nurture Lakeland provides an information link for businesses and is currently devising partnership projects to address these ‘carbon reduction barriers’ individually. Green Accreditation is a growing trend in the UK and many visitors are keen to see an evident environmental ethos within accommodation businesses. Nurture Lakeland therefore assists members with accreditation options. Nurture Lakeland training events range from Green 0DUNHWLQJWR6HQVHRI3ODFHDQG(QHUJ\(I¿FLHQF\DQGSURYHYHU\SRSXODUDQGDGYDQWDJHRXV to all Nurture Lakeland members and to the responsible tourism movement in the area.

Long term positive impact Nurture Lakeland is facilitating the appetite toward supporting projects and sustainable tourism which enriches lives and habitats by protecting our cultural and environmental landscapes. As a result of partnerships and members Nurture Lakeland is playing a vital role in building a strong reputation for the Lake District as an international green destination of choice. Nurture Lakeland has been recognised for their work by ‘The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, Best Destination Winner’ and ‘Tourism for Tomorrows Awards 2010 Finalist’.

Partners In keeping with destination stewardship, Nurture Lakeland works closely with a range of partners, is a member of the Lake District National Park Partnership and plays a leading role LQGHOLYHULQJDFWLRQVFRQWDLQHGLQWKH3DUWQHUVKLS¶V3ODQ7KLVUHÀHFWVDQGUHFRJQLVHVWKH importance and success of collaborative partnership working to increase the sustainability of protected areas.

Initiator Originally known as the Tourism and Conservation Partnership Trust, Nurture Lakeland was created in 1993 by inspired individuals from the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and local tourism businesses.

Contact for further information Nurture Lakeland Sustainable Tourism Advisor Helen Moriarty. +HOHQ#QXUWXUHODNHODQGRUJZZZQXUWXUHODNHODQGRUJ For further information about the Lake District National Park please contact Bob Cartwright, Vice Chair of Nurture Lakeland and Director of the National Park Authority. [email protected] 88 89 Nurture Lakeland Helen Moriarty [email protected] www.nurturelakeland.org

2.2 Benchmarks for sustainable lake tourism

6LPSO\ VWDWHG EHQFKPDUNLQJ FDQ EH GH¿QHG DV D ³VWDQGDUG E\ ZKLFK VRPHWKLQJ FDQ EH measured or judged” (Camp, 1989a, p. 248), but usually with the additional drive behind it to “search for […] best practice that leads to superior performance” (Camp, 1989b, p. 68). In principle, benchmarking (or comparing) can be enabled by establishing indicators, which can VKRZDVWDWHLPSDFWDQGRUFKDQJH%HQFKPDUNVFDQVWLPXODWHVWDNHKROGHUVLQODNHWRXULVP services to become more sustainable and competitive and increase their level of awareness RIWKHJHQHUDOOHYHORIVXVWDLQDELOLW\RIWKHLU ODNH UHJLRQDQGPRUHVSHFL¿FDOO\RIWKHOHYHORI sustainability of the local tourism sector. Benchmarks can support good practices in decision- making and environmental management and serve as a guideline for sustainable tourism development in lake areas. Benchmarking in tourism has been used to some extent at the destination level and at hotels, primarily as a management tool for monitoring visitor satisfaction (i.e., identifying gaps) and improving performance (Fuchs & Weiermair, 2004; Kozak, 2002). While “it has been found that external benchmarking helps to show where a destination is stronger or weaker and to adapt some good practices from another, it is also obvious that each destination has its own regional differentiation and unique characteristics in some respects (such as attractiveness, attributes contributing to satisfaction, and regional political, cultural and economic structure)” (Kozak, 2002, p. 513). Thus, benchmarks may not be useful for improving many aspects of service quality. In a tourism destination context, benchmarks may be more useful for improving the “tangible elements of tourism products and services such as […], accommodation, airport facilities and services, local transport services, […] and improving hygiene and cleanliness, use of energy and water, disposal of waste, and so on (standards of environmental quality)” (Kozak, 2002, p. 515). However, the benchmarks presented here are not limited to these “elements of tourism” but rather apply to lake regions as a whole. Hence, some indicators KDYHEHHQXVHGWKDWPD\KDUGO\EHLQÀXHQFHGE\WRXULVPLIDWDOO ([DPSOHV RI VWXGLHV EDVHG RQ XVLQJ EHQFKPDUNLQJ RI VSHFL¿F DUHDV WR VXSSRUW GHFLVLRQ makers in environmental management are available. Most of these examples are founded RQ D VSHFL¿F VHW RI LQGLFDWRUV WKDW DUH FDSDEOH RI UHSUHVHQWLQJ WKH UHOHYDQW DVSHFWV IRU comparison (Munda & Nardo, 2009). Some of the examples use a set of environmental, social and economic indicators to represent the dimensions of sustainability at a selected territorial level such as the municipal or regional level (Cornforth, 1999; Ferrarini, Bodini, & Becchi, 2001). In some case, the indicators are aggregated for an overall benchmarking by means of a multi-criteria analysis model (Boggia & Cortina, 2010). This procedure allows for a comparison between the values assumed by all of the indicators for each of the alternatives, REWDLQHGDVWKH¿QDOUHVXOWRIDFODVVL¿FDWLRQRIWKHDOWHUQDWLYHVWKHPVHOYHVDVDIXQFWLRQRI WKHOHYHORIDFKLHYHPHQWRIWKH¿[HGREMHFWLYHVLQWKHSUHVHQFHRIGH¿QHGSULRULWLHV The benchmarks for sustainable lake tourism presented here are a result of this project’s Sustainability Impact Assessment (see section 1.4). The benchmarks are based on the original raw data (i.e., without the weighting) used for the 51 initial sustainability indicators of 13 lake destinations. These raw data were taken from the geographical information system (GIS) data from the European Environmental Agency (EEA), the visitor questionnaire developed for this project, and a multitude of local and European databases that are accessed by the destination management (see also 1.4). 88 89 The table below shows the 22 benchmark indicators and the corresponding data for all 13 lakes. These benchmark indicators were selected from the initial list of 51 sustainability indicators (see 1.4.2), whereby the data availability and comprehensibility were the main selection criteria, as well as providing a good distribution among the DPSIR and sustainability FRPSDUWPHQWV7HQRIWKHVHLQGLFDWRUVKDYHDOVREHHQXVHGIRUWKH¿QDO6XVWDLQDELOLW\,PSDFW Assessments of each lake. We did not use all of the same indicators as those used for the SIA because half of the SIA indicators are composite indices, which causes them to have no physical units but only an index between 0 and 1. Each benchmark is designed such that the user may compare the benchmark with as the most simply acquired data as possible from his or her own lake destination. The benchmark values are based on the (minimum and maximum) data for the 12 lakes that participated in this project. The benchmark levels are set at the WKRUWKSHUFHQWLOHGHSHQGLQJRQZKHWKHUDKLJKRUORZYDOXHLVEHQH¿FLDORUGDPDJLQJ for the ecological (and to some extend) social properties, following the DPSIR system. The benchmarks here should thus mainly be considered from an ecological viewpoint, not an economic one. According to this system, Pressures with high values (such as high economic or visitor growth) are coloured red, while for example habitats (State) are red if a low value LVUHFRUGHG VHHWKHFRORXUVFDOHIXUWKHUGRZQ ,WVKRXOGEHFOHDUWKDWWKHHFRQRPLFEHQH¿WV from tourism (growth) can cause a range of social, cultural and environmental impacts; hence, WKHUHDGHUXVHURIWKHVHEHQFKPDUNVPD\ZDQWWRLQWHUSUHWVRPHUHGFRORXUHG'ULYHUVDQG Pressures as a warning signal rather than a purely negative performance. The second table shows the benchmark scores for each of the 12 lake destinations.

90 91 Table 9: Benchmark indicators and corresponding data for all 12 lakes

$QLPSRUWDQW¿QGLQJRIWKLVSURMHFW¶V6XVWDLQDELOLW\,PSDFW$VVHVVPHQWLVWKHLVVXHRIGDWD availability for lake (tourism) managers (see section 1.4). The lack of management and other GDWDZHUHRQHRIWKHPDLQUHDVRQVIRUWKHVHOHFWLRQRIWKH¿QDOLQGLFDWRUOLVW,IGDWDDYDLODELOLW\ continues to be a problem that cannot be overcome by some regions, lake managers could use the standards of quality and eco-label systems as a source of (temporary) benchmarks of hypothetical competitors (Kozak & Nield, 2004). 90 91 Table 10: Benchmark scores for each of the 12 lake destinations Table

92 93 2.3 Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Case Study

2.3a Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Tourism Marketing

Introduction Water is like a symbol of Umbria, the “green heart of Italy”, so called because of the prevailing FRORXURILWVODQGVFDSHV,Q8PEULDZDWHULV¿UVWRIDOODVVRFLDWHGZLWK/DNH7UDVLPHQRDQG the Tiber River, sources of water from time immemorial of life and culture. The Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber areas are connected by a historical passage where Etruscans and Romans, after the old Umbrian people, have developed their own cultural way, an important act for the civilisations of Italy. Olive groves and vineyards dominate the farming landscapes of the hills, which gently slope down towards the lake and the sinuous bends of the Tiber, their shores rich with wild plants. Olive groves and vineyards are also symbols of this land full of peace and cheerful welcome.

The best way to experience the atmosphere of these magic places is to climb the hills and spend time taking in the scenic view from a hilltop, listening to the quiet silence of the surrounding nature and gazing out beyond the horizon limits. This scenery is a fundamental starting point for understanding and admiring the paintings of Pietro Vannucci, called “Perugino, the divine painter”, Bernardino di Betto, called “Pinturicchio, the small painter” and, more recently, Gerardo Dottori, a futurist painter representing the trend of aeropainting. Natural landscapes and intimate feelings resound also in the “Song of creatures” by San Francesco and the “Laudae” by Jacopone da Todi, and engage the spirit of the cultural heritage and numerous traditional village fairs of this land. By analysing the tourists’ answers to the questionnaires, we have found this same theme in their travels to the area: holiday trips oriented towards discovering new experiences, enjoying the natural beauty of the area and the way of life, a general admiration for the scenic landscapes and a deep interest in warm human atmospheres, all feelings conveyed by the magic of the most genuine side of Umbria.

What more can tourists need from Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber area? The answers from hundreds of questionnaires completed by tourists representing the main target groups are focused on the following factors: effective user friendly information, services and facilities with different tourism-oriented choices and opportunities to take advantage of holidays and leisure time for their own personal interests. These tourist desires are the reason why the Mountain Community Association of 0XQLFLSDOLWLHV 7UDVLPHQR  0LGGOH 7LEHU KDV GHYHORSHG D PDUNHWLQJ PRGHO VSHFL¿FDOO\ addressed to the outdoor tourism offerings in the lake, natural and rural areas, also including the communication between the two areas. Lake Trasimeno is more developed for tourism, and Middle Tiber is full of treasures to be discovered.

92 93 Figure: Gerardo Dottori – Lake in Umbria – oil painting 52,5x62,5 – 1942

Tourism at Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber: data analysis, outdoor activities and events

Lake Trasimeno is a tourism destination that is particularly suitable for a target of sport and outdoor leisure enthusiasts, tourists mainly attracted by landscapes, natural sites, medieval villages, traditional atmospheres, and local food products and recipes. A fast-moving highway connects the Lake Trasimeno basin with the Middle Tiber valley, which is dominated by Perugia. Lying on the hills, Perugia is an Etruscan, Roman and Medieval historical centre, as well as the capital of the Umbria region. Approximately 1 million visitors are registered there each year, with a focus on outdoor leisure and a strong interest in the arts, cultural events, traditional food, and regional restaurants. The Lake Trasimeno area is one the three most important tourism districts in Umbria, with 16,1% of the available accommodations and 17,1% of the total beds, 9,2% of arrivals and 18,4% of presences. The occupancy rate has an annual average of 34,5%, but it is much greater in the busy season, with an occupancy of 66,2% in August and 71,8% during the Easter holiday. The proportion of foreign tourists (26,8%) is especially notable, with the Dutch, Belgians, Germans, Americans as the main groups of foreigners. Furthermore, the Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber areas have the advantage of being located very close to the main arts destinations and tourism districts in Umbria, Perugia and Assisi (see the graph below). 94 95 Source: Region of Umbria Tourism Service - Graphic 2007: % of visitors by tourism district

For many years, the Mountain Community has been developing a concept of sustainable tourism by involving local authorities, stakeholders, tourism operators and businesses under their common commitment to the “Environmental Charter” (Manifesto Ambientale). Environmental protection also includes activities related to rediscovering old species and saving seeds for biodiversity, such as those of the “Fagiolina del Trasimeno” (Vigna unguicolata L. Walp), a small legume produced only at Lake Trasimeno. Vineyards, olive trees, cereals, and vegetables are traditional crops of the landscapes surrounding Lake Trasimeno and the Middle Tiber Valley. They are not only symbols and beautiful scenery but also the evidence of quality of the local food, which has also been supported by programmes promoted by the Region of Umbria and the Mountain Community to involve farmers, and producers of wine, extra-virgin olive oil and bread. In recent years, the Mountain Community has experimented successfully with providing guided trekking walks and has established 30 paths marked with signs and GPS reference points, with 100-200 individuals participating, on average per day. Also biking and riding paths for cycling and horse riding tourism will be completed within two years under the framework of the Tourism-Environment-Culture programme launched by the Region of Umbria. An ongoing project is the creation of a walking path that connects Assisi with Siena, ending at the near a junction between Monteroni d’Arbia and Via Francigena, the European Cultural Route between Canterbury and Rome. This path will be an ideal way to connect two of the most important pilgrimage routes: the San Francesco path and the Via Francigena. For 6 years, the Mountain Community has maintained a trekking path system (see the book “Walking between the Tiber and lake Trasimeno. 30 itineraries through the landscape of memory” - L. Montagnoli, G. Romani, 2005, Ali & No Eds.) that consists of 30 walking loops around Lake Trasimeno and along the Middle Valley of the Tiber River, and for 3 years, a mountain biking system (see the book “Mountain Biking in Umbria. Lake Trasimeno Middle Tiber Valley - S. Nicolini) consisting of 25 loop itineraries has been present in the same areas. The maps of the paths are downloadable with relevant descriptions on the websites: ZZZODJRWUDVLPHQRQHW LQ¿YHODQJXDJHV,7(1)5'1/ ZZZQHOOHWHUUHGHOWUDVLPHQR com (in two languages: IT, EN). 94 95 Figure - Trekking Paths Figure - MTB Routes The mountain bike routes and horse riding paths will be ready in the next two years, forming a complete loop around Lake Trasimeno and connections with the surrounding tourism offerings towards Perugia, Assisi and Middle Tiber Valley. The offer of trekking guided tours is consists of a series of three annual walks, one in each spring (“Broom Trekking”), summer (“Summer Sunsets”) and fall (“Autumn Trails”), aimed at trekking lovers and organised in collaboration with the C.A.I., the WWF, Natura Avventura, and also open to the participants of a special programme for individuals with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders; this programme is managed by the University of Perugia. The average participation is between 100-200 persons per walk.

Figure – Trekking Walks

The Mountain Community has set up a general model for this kind of outdoor tourism and has planned a communication system based on innovative technologies such as Smartphone Applications, Mesh Networks, and QR-Code signs to provide use-friendly information to the visitors. It will be also performed a long walk between Assisi and Siena, entitled AS.SIE.M.E. (ASsisi SIEna Marching Easily) will also be created by connecting the San Francesco path with Via Francigena in association with Monteroni d’Arbia (near Siena) and in collaboration with the Interdepartmental Research Centre for Motion Activity (C.U.R.I.A.MO). Special features included in this programme are the assistance from professional guides and 96 97 the visits to farms on the road to taste the traditional food, wine, and extra-virgin olive oil. A yearly exhibition, TRASITREK, has been launched to collect and communicate information FRQFHUQLQJDOORIWKHDYDLODEOHRXWGRRULQLWLDWLYHVDQGVHUYLFHVLWLVVSHFL¿FDOO\WDUJHWHGDW tourists, tour operators, and professionals of all types of outdoor activities. Additionally, special cultural events are associated with the outdoor and tasting initiatives: “Coloriamo i Cieli” (Let us colour the skies) draws hundreds of kite fans from all of the Italian regions and many foreign countries; Trasimeno Blues, started in 1999, is one of the most important music events in Umbria; Bianco, Rosso & Blues links quality wine and music; Soul Christmas presents Christmas songs by international choirs; Qualità Trasimeno (Trasimeno Quality) involves all of the lake businesses that sell traditional products; Trasimeno Festival is organised by the famous pianist Angela Hewitt in the historical Castle of the Knights from Malta in Magione. An assemblage of historical museums and buildings in the Castiglione del Lago (Castle and Palazzo della Corgna), Corciano (Middle Age Village and Antiquarium, Archaeological Museum), Paciano (Middle Age Village), Passignano (Fortress), Piegaro (Paleontological 0XVHXPRI3LHWUD¿WWD LVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKLVLQWHJUDWHGSURJUDPPHRILQLWLDWLYHVSURYLGLQJ free and guided visits. This collection of cultural resources also includes the ethnic Museum of Fishing in San Feliciano, the natural oases at La Valle and Polvese Island, and the Perugino sites, which include the places of his birth, Città della Pieve, and burial, Fontignano, as well as the divine painter’s masterpieces that are exhibited in the Città della Pieve, Panicale, Perugia. Tuoro is the site of the famous battle of Lake Trasimeno in 217 B.C, where the Roman centuries were defeated by Hannibal’s troops and where the battle events are told as a story and performed. Since From the beginning of summer through fall, many village festivals are organised and attended by a large number of inhabitants and tourists. The towns in the Middle Tiber Valley have their own unique identities: Torgiano, the town for wine; Deruta, the town for traditional ceramics; Collazzone, the town for bread, with its old ovens; and Marsciano, famous for the Green Parade and its vegetables. All of these old villages are included in the trekking and biking loops and offer refreshments and restaurants with traditional cuisine and recipes. The Trasimeno and Middle Tiber marketing project is aimed at integrating all of the parts of this puzzle of excellences. The modern information, communication & marketing tools and strategies are currently based on innovative web and smartphone technologies for obtaining information, and communication and booking in real time. The Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber Marketing Model aims at combining a tourism itinerary composed from the four main categories of interest for outdoor holidays with a completely innovative communication system.

Marketing framework and methodology for the proposed tourism products Tourism Marketing is the process used to identify customer needs and to produce strategic management responses to satisfy them or to meet wider economic and social objectives. A marketing mix is formed by four strategy areas (the 4 Ps): product (or service), price, place (where it is distributed), and promotion (means of communication). Creative marketing solutions are required to meet the demands of the client by supporting the business’ core competencies (mission, vision and goals) and enhancing the company’s values and brand identity. A destination’s brand causes it to stand out and differentiates it from its competitors, allowing it to be more than a commodity and enabling it to compete by something other than price. The 6/2:7285SURMHFWIRFXVHVRQ(XURSHDQODNHGHVWLQDWLRQV by analysing the main 96 97 tourism factors in regards to sustainability and competitiveness criteria, starting from the strong and weak points of these destinations as determined according to the opinions from the tourists and the tourism professionals. Lakes are generally not at the top of the holiday destination wish lists of tourists. The average ¿UVWFKRLFHIRUDODNHGHVWLQDWLRQLVHVWLPDWHGDWLQWHUQDWLRQDOOHYHODWDSSUR[LPDWHO\ Furthermore, Umbria is only 12th in the rankings of the most visited regional destinations in Italy in terms of sales by international tour operators. The “Survey on organised international tourism” published in September 2009 by the Region of Umbria (by the Regional Observatory on Tourism) found that “lakes” were sold as the tourism destination by tour operators 6,3% of the time. In the same report, the categories of archaeological sites (7%), “sport and outdoor, such as biking, trekking, riding” (6,3%), mountains (4,2%), events (4,2%), and spa and thermal destinations (2,1%) were also considered niche markets. The proportion of tourism packages to Umbria sold by the tour operators as “responsible tourism”, 14,8%, is remarkable and is estimated to increase over the next few years. For SLOWTOUR, the aim of the Trasimeno and Middle Tiber marketing case study is to create a common brand identity for these European lake destinations, mostly based on outdoor activities, as well as develop those with the lowest impact on the environment. The main idea consists of connecting lake destinations with European biking, trekking and riding routes by developing an integrated tourism offering that is based on the interests RIELNHUVWUHNNHUVDQGKRUVHULGHUVDQGWRGH¿QHDVWUDWHJ\IRUPDUNHWLQJWKHVHW\SHVRI tourism products and the related services. Sailing is also considered to be a typical outdoor lake activity. Other leisure activitiesDUHDOVRLQFOXGHGVXFKDV¿VKLQJYLVLWLQJODQGVFDSHV and old small village, bird watching, tasting typical local cuisine and tasting drinks, shopping at traditional handicraft shops and visiting heritage museums and other cultural heritage destinations. With this focus, an integrated offering of multiple single niche market packages can be developed according to the preferences of tourists. Internet and web communication systems are considered the most important revolution of the last century. Tourism has been strongly affected in recent years by these new technologies because of the ability to offer online opportunities for the most important travel related items. The graphic here below shows the trend for online commerce in Italy, with a large dominance of tourism spending.

The Centre for Regional and Tourism Research (Copenhagen, Denmark) analysed the online market in Europe for tourism products for the year 2008. The results of this large survey GHPRQVWUDWHWKDWWKH,QWHUQHWLVE\IDUWKHPRVWSRSXODUSODFHIRUERRNLQJÀLJKWVRQOLQHEXW the online booking of accommodations and tourism packages are also very popular. The 98 99 tendency of individuals to plan their own holidays by choosing online solutions is growing PRUHSRSXODUIRUVHOIPDGHWUDYHOV0RVWLQGLYLGXDOVERRNWKHLUÀLJKWVDFFRPPRGDWLRQVDQG tourism packages around one month before leaving, but the percentage of people buying online services during the trip is rapidly increasing.

Source: “Trends in European Internet Distribution of Travel and Tourism Services” by Carl H. Marcussen

Though the tendency for individuals to make their own choices for travel and services is clear, there is a gap between the needs and expectations of the traveller on the one side and the level of their customer satisfaction on the other side because of a lack of good information that is available to determine which services most closely correspond to the traveller’s interests. Quality tourism should provide all the information required for the tourist to be able to decide on the best possible choices and opportunities. The Mountain Community offered to implement of this marketing methodology to integrate one of their most developed tourism areas, Lake Trasimeno, with the Middle Tiber Valley. Outdoor tourists are distinguished by the notable dynamism of their holiday or leisure time behaviours; they appreciate being duly informed of all activities and services available along their journeys and, particularly, opportunities for amusement and emotional experiences. Their age is variable, with a large number of middle-aged individuals, and they often travel as a pair, or group or family that includes elderly and very young members. The main way that they organise or book their holidays or weekends is via the Internet and other available RQOLQHWHFKQRORJLHVHYHQZKHQWKH\KDG¿UVWUHFHLYHGLQIRUPDWLRQE\ZRUGRIPRXWK7KH most recent communication and information technology development of the last generation is mobile phones with internet access, and many of those who have booked their travel and accommodation on the Internet look for services that can be added by their smartphone. For these reasons, it is very important that the services provided are available on devices such as smartphones or tablets with an Apple or Android operating system. The best way to provide such services is through a web portal that can be easily reached easily via the most common internet search engines (Google, Yahoo, and others) and linked to the most popular social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) and provides attractive themes for the target users. Another very important issue is a multilingual offering of the contents that is addressed to the main target nationalities. For this reason, a service that can update information using native speakers in collaboration with tourism professionals is very necessary. Starting from their acquisition of information, the potential tourist will be able to choose whether to buy or book the services, get in contact by telephone or visit the service provider in which one is interested. The philosophy of the proposed marketing is not based on induction to buy, EXWLQVWHDGIRFXVHGRQWKHFOHDUSUHVHQWDWLRQRIWKHSURGXFWVHUYLFHRIIHUHGLQDFRPSOHWH and user friendly way that is closely linked to the user interests, needs and satisfaction. 98 99 Implementation of the web marketing tools and products in the Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber area The SLOWTOUR marketing portal design (www.slow-tour.eu) is based on four main product themes (Trekking, Biking, Riding, and Sailing), and there are many choices for activities, including other outdoor activities. Curtain buttons and dropdown menus enable the user to collect information on available services that are linked to the main theme clicked and to add products related to the accommodations (hotel, guest house, country house, agritourism, camping, holiday house) and request a large choice of tailored facilities and services along the chosen routes (baggage pick-up, recovery of individuals on the road, guided visits in a preferred language, shopping for traditional products, restaurant reservations, and booking events.). The PDLQPDUNHWLQJPHQXLVFRPSRVHGRIDSDQHORIFKRLFHVDVVKRZQLQWKH¿JXUHEHORZ

Figure: web services for outdoor activities After having chosen a GPS-tracked itinerary, based on Google Maps, it will be possible to view and download the map, including all of the information on the sites to visit and the available services on the route. In addition to this information and the multimedia content, the portal will offer links to the main social networks to collect further information on the opportunities available along the chosen tracked route (e.g., blogs, videoclips, and pictures) and special applications (Apps) available from the local businesses. The accommodations, trekking and biking route maps and other tourism offerings will also be available on the following multilingual portals: www.lagotrasimeno.net; www.nelleterredeltrasimeno.com; www.nelleterredelperugino.com. In addition to the multi-platform (iOS, Android) applications for smartphones that are internet and GPS connected, including audiovisual services downloadable by iTunes, a Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) will be established in some of the main squares and sites of the Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber municipalities. The aim is to provide free and user-friendly Wi-Fi broadband connections to the visitors in the most crowded places. Special features will include App offers for events and activities such as those provided by FoursquareWKDWFDQEHVKDUHGLQUHDOWLPHZLWKIULHQGVRUPRUHVSHFL¿FDOO\IRUELNHUVDIUHH App will be available referred to the web site www.cicloturismo.com, providing mountain bike and road itineraries in all of the Italian regions with descriptions, GPS maps and the user’s own position. Another free App for promoting local information and services is Scan, based on QR-code 4XLFN5HVSRQVHFRGH  VHHWKH¿JXUHEHORZ  100 101 Figure: Web Portal, GPS, Wireless Mesh Network, QR-code, Multi-platform Applications The QR-code system consists of matrix barcodes, black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background, providing fast, readable information on the spot by framing the QR-coded sign (e.g., on a monument, a scenic view point) with a smartphone to see and read the description. Webcams will also be installed in strategic positions to provide views of the most scenic sites and landscapes, and be available at any time via the Internet. For the further dissemination of captivating information on the area and the most interesting places and stories, promo-videos will be disguised as “GRFX¿FWLRQ” that recreates historical periods and atmospheres with story tellers and that could also be broadcast practical demonstrations, e.g., of how to cook in a traditional way or how to discover hidden sites, on VSHFL¿FZHEFKDQQHOV Combined multi-cards ZLOO DOVR EH RIIHUHG DW D VSHFLDO SULFH WDUJHWHG WR WKH VSHFL¿F interests of the visitors. For the logistic considerations associated with the tourists visiting Lake Trasimeno, and to reduce the use of private cars and related CO2 gas emissions, a methane-powered step-on step-off shuttle bus will be provided during the busiest six months. The entire suite of services offered is based on an environmental, social and economic sustainability approach as foreseen in the Environmental Charter (Manifesto Ambientale).

2.3b Tourism transport supply chain study on the Lake Trasimeno area Transport and access are key elements not only for tourism (development) but also for tourism-related energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and noise pollution. Therefore, in addition to describing the transport supply chain for the Trasimeno area, this case study also reports on the opportunities to both reduce transport and transport impacts and shift to ‘slow’ and environmentally friendly transport modes without compromising economic development. On a destination level, these modes are the four Bs (bus, boat, bike & boot) for local transport, and the train and bus for origin-destination travel. This case study LVVSOLWLQWRRULJLQGHVWLQDWLRQ 2' DQGORFDOWRXULVPWUDQVSRUWFRPSRQHQWV

The current O/D tourism transport supply chain Car The Lake Trasimeno area is well connected to the main north-south trunk in Italy, the Autostrada 100 101 del Sole (A1). A four-lane motorway connects the A1 with the north shore of the lake (18 km) and the city of Perugia, where another north-south motorway (E45) also offers north-south access. A second A1 exit (Chiusi) can be used to access the western and southern parts of the lake (via the S.S. 71). Table 11: Road distances and times to Castiglione del Lago

Source: Google Maps. *includes 2-2½ hr for channel crossing (by ferry or car train) Rail Two railway lines offer access to a large portion of the lake. The Milan-Firenze-Rome line has stations at Terontola, Castiglione del Lago and Chiusi (west shore). The Ancona-Foligno- Florence line has stations at Magione, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno (north shore). Travellers from the north can use high-speed trains until Firenze and then change to the regional train to move to the lake and Perugia. Connections from Rome, Firenze and Milano are frequent and fast. In Italy, bicycles can be taken on board most regional trains (day fee €3.50). Bicycle transport on intercity trains is offered less frequently (fee €5.00; indicated in the timetables). On high-speed trains, bicycle transport is allowed only if packed in bags.

Figure 15: Italy high-speed rail and Umbria rail networks 6RXUFHKWWSZZZEXVLQHVVWUDYHOOHUFRPKWWSIFXLWUHWHIHUURYLDULDSKS

Table 12: Average travel times and frequencies for train connections to Castiglione del Lago

Connections on 30 July 2011. Source: www.trenitalia.it; www.bahn.de (accessed 29 July 2011) 102 103 Air Umbria International Airport near Perugia (12 km) is the closest airport to the lake area. It offers WKHIROORZLQJÀLJKWVDQGIUHTXHQF\RIWUDYHO GHSDUWXUHV DUULYDOV $EXVVHUYLFHFRQQHFWV WKHDLUSRUWZLWK3HUXJLD PLQV 7KHWDEOHVKRZVWKHÀLJKWWLPHRQO\WKXVDGGLWLRQDOWLPH must be added to account for getting to and from the airport, parking and checking in at the airport. Table 13: Air connections to Umbria International Airport

Schedule April-October 2011. Source: www.airport.umbria.it (accessed 28 July 2011)

A larger airport is Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport (200 km). The bus service by Autolinee SULGA connects Perugia with this airport (see below). Below are some estimates for air travel times to Trasimeno via other airports. Note that these estimates are not based on actual timetables, but on distances and other assumptions (see Ifeu, 2010). Also note that the time estimated for the door-to-door trip from central Milan.

Table 14: Average travel times for air connections and additional travel to Castiglione del Lago

Source: www.ecopassenger.org.

7KHWUDYHOWLPHVIRUWKHVHÀLJKWVDUHHVWLPDWHGXVLQJWKHDYHUDJHYDOXHVIRUWKHWUDYHOWLPHV between the airports and the average travel time for the feeder. Feeder times are estimated XVLQJDQDYHUDJHVSHHGRINPKIRUIHHGHUGLVWDQFHVEHORZNPDQGNPKIRU longer distances. For the transfers at airports, 75 minutes were added in total (for the complete methodology of EcoPassenger, see Ifeu, 2010). Bus The Perugia bus company Sulga autolinee offers a number of long-distance bus services starting in Perugia (see the table below for a selection). Most services leave Perugia in the morning and return in the evening. From mid-June to early September, on Saturdays and Sundays, APM offers two bus services to several Adriatic Sea destinations (e.g., Senigallia, Rimini), allowing for a full day on the coast. 102 103 Table 15: Long-distance bus services departing Perugia

2011 schedule. Source: www.sulga.it (accessed 2 August 2011)

&DUERQGLR[LGHHPLVVLRQVIURP2'WUDYHO To illustrate the different environmental impacts of the various transport modes, carbon GLR[LGHHPLVVLRQVDUHFRPSDUHGIRUDQXPEHURI2'WULSVWR&DVWLJOLRQHGHO/DJRE\WUDLQ car, and air. The examples for air travel are based on the connections listed above under the Air subsection. The bus emissions are comparable to those from the train trips.

Figure 16: CO2 emissions for one-way train, car and air trips to Castiglione del Lago (in kg per person)

6RXUFH ZZZHFRSDVVHQJHURUJ 7KH ¿JXUHV LQFOXGH WKH HPLVVLRQV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH SURGXFWLRQDQGGLVWULEXWLRQRIHQHUJ\IXHO7KH¿JXUHVDUHIRU&2HPLVVLRQVRQO\7KHFDU emissions are for a middle class Diesel Euro 4 car and based on 2 passengers. The average load factors for trains and airplanes are used.

The current local tourism transport supply chain Road A main road encircles the whole lake and connects the main towns (Castiglione, Passignano, Magione). The SR599 part of this road is also the sole transport option at the southern and eastern shores (between Castiglione and Magione). Apart from this circular route, the motorway to Perugia and the roads to Panicale and Tuoro sul Trasimeno, all of the other roads are minor roads.

Rail 7KHUDLOQHWZRUNLVVXLWDEOHIRUDQXPEHURIGD\WULSV VHHEHORZDQGLQWKH2'VHFWLRQ for Rome). For example, it is faster to reach Assisi by train than by bus (which leaves from Perugia). Some morning connections from the Castiglione to Perugia are slow. The towns in Tuscany are not easy to reach by train for day trips. 104 105 Table 16: Average travel times and frequencies for train connections from Lake Trasimeno

Connections on 4 August 2011. Source: www.trenitalia.it (accessed 3 August 2011) Bus In the Trasimeno area, the bus and ferry services are operated by Azienda Perugina della Mobilità S.p.A. (APM; see www.umbriamobilita.it). Currently, the bus services do not appear to serve tourism at all. Services often run only early in the morning, at midday and in the evening, or even less, and thus serve commuters (to Perugia) and school children. Bicycle WUDQVSRUWLVDOORZHG ¼ GXULQJWKHGD\WLPHEXWUHTXLUHVQRWL¿FDWLRQE\SKRQHRUHPDLO

Table 17: Bus services in the Lake Trasimeno area

Figure 17: Bus network in the Lake Trasimeno area 104 105 ! Water Four ferry routes are offered on Lake Trasimeno by APM; all of them connect the mainland to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese (see map above). Ferry services are frequent during the daytime (see table), with additional evening services (until midnight) that run Fridays- Sundays (but not on the Castiglione route) both during the summer and the shoulder season. Bicycles can be brought on board during the daytime (€2.00). APM reports that over 300,000 passengers use these ferry services annually. The ferry landings are located in the vicinity of many accommodations. Table 18: Average ferry service frequencies and fares (daytime only)

2011 schedule and fares. Source: www.umbriamobilita.it Bicycle The Lake Trasimeno Cycling Trail runs along the lakeshore and is currently open for 24 km along the northern part of the lake, from Castiglione to Torricella. It is accessible to both cyclists and hikers. A complete loop of 70 km, including the aforementioned trail, is described on www.bikeinumbria.it. Sixteen signposted mountain bike routes (loops) are offered WKURXJKRXW WKH ODNH DUHD  NP HDV\GLI¿FXOW  ZLWK VHYHUDO PRUH LQ WKH ZLGHU 0LGGOH Tiber Valley area. An English guidebook is available (Nicolini, 2009) and English descriptions, *36FRRUGLQDWHVPDSVDQG*RRJOH(DUWK¿OHVDUHRQOLQHDWZZZQHOOHWHUUHGHOWUDVLPHQR com. A number of routes start in Castiglione, Tuoro, Passignano and Magione, and can thus be accessed without the use of car transport by the visitors living in those areas. Bicycle services (incl. rentals) can be found in Castiglione and Magione. Foot In addition to the trail along the northern lakeshore (see under Bicycle), 30 signposted walks KDYHEHHQHVWDEOLVKHGLQWKHJUHDWHUODNHDUHD LQFOWKH3HUXJLD7LEHUDUHD 7KH\DUHZHOO described in an English guidebook (Montagnoli & Romani, 2009) that caters predominantly to tourists travelling by car. Public transport access is not mentioned and most likely unavailable as the bulk of the walks are located outside of the main towns (and hence, away from most accommodations). 7KH VDPH URXWHV DUH GHVFULEHG DQG *36 FRRUGLQDWHV PDSV DQG *RRJOH (DUWK ¿OHV DUH provided at www.nelleterredeltrasimeno.com.

Summary and SWOT analysis of current transport supply chains Air travel to the Lake Trasimeno area is, besides environmentally unsustainable, not always attractive to (inter)national arrivals because Perugia airport is not serviced very frequently and also adds about 1 hour of car or bus travel to the trip to the lake. For people living in 0LODQLHWKRVHZLWKWKHRQO\GDLO\ÀLJKWVHUYLFHWKHWUDLQFRQQHFWLRQWRWKHODNHDUHDPD\ be just as fast when considering the travel time from door to door, and the train is offered on ZHHNHQGV7KRVHOLYLQJLQ/RQGRQPD\UHDOO\SUR¿WIURPWKHDLUFRQQHFWLRQWR3HUXJLDDVWKHLU overland travel time is long. Air access via other airports like Rome, Pisa or Firenze could be an attractive option for many international visitors, especially those wanting to explore the Trasimeno area by rental car. The extra travel time to the lake is considerable and includes ¿QGLQJDSDUNLQJVSDFHSDVVLQJWKURXJKWKHVDIHW\FKHFNLQVDWWKHDLUSRUWVDQGVZLWFKLQJ 106 107 modes of transport upon arrival at the airport, but it is still lower than for alternative modes and the costs for the trip are also often lower. When comparing the travel times for road and rail travel, and taking into account the high frequency of trains and few stopovers for train connections, it is clear that the train offers good access from a number of larger Italian and European cities by day or, in some cases, overnight. When including time for breaks with car travel, the train is often faster. Overnight rail travel costs appear high, but are not necessarily higher than those for the car trip over two days when including a hotel stopover, even when splitting costs. In general, Italian train fares are affordable and competitive, while international prices vary greatly. Bus services appear slower and are thus less attractive than train travel. Increasing the level of train service to WKHODNHDUHDFRXOGSURYLGHDGGLWLRQDOORFDOHFRQRPLFEHQH¿WVLQWKHIRUPRIUDLOUHODWHGMREV increased taxi and local bus demand, services at train stations, and more. Many hotels and campgrounds are found in and near the towns that have railway stations; therefore, a lack of accommodations should be not be a hindrance to increased train usage. As in many tourism areas, the hotels offer transport services to the airports; all Trasimeno accommodations might consider offer this service to the local railway station. The main areas that lack access to public transport are the campgrounds and agritourism facilities on the VRXWKVRXWKHDVWVKRUHDQGWKRVHVLWXDWHGDZD\IURPWKHODNH Local transport services are, apart from the ferry, not well catered to tourism. There is for instance no loop service around the lake that offers stops at the main tourism attractions, ferry landings, sights and accommodations. The train is suitable for a number of day trips outside the lake area. The cycling routes in the area are better located than the hiking routes in regards to car-free access, often starting in towns or near railway stations.

Table 19: SWOT analysis on sustainable transport in the Lake Trasimeno area

106 107 Recommendations for more sustainable tourism transport Access by train should be at the top of the list for tourism stakeholders in Trasimeno. This UHFRPPHQGDWLRQPHDQVQRWRQO\OLVWLQJWUDLQDFFHVV¿UVWRQKRZWRUHDFKXV ZHE SDJHV and including travel times, frequencies and links to booking sites, but also prioritising rail access in transport plans, de-marketing car and air access, providing good bus and boat connections for further travel, offering rental bikes for train travellers, and offering (accommodation) discounts, local transport passes and station pick-up services to train travellers. Tour packages should be offered with rail travel and a local transport pass. The good rail access to, e.g., Firenze should also be emphasised (as a day trip). A good practice LVH[HPSOL¿HGE\WKH$XVWULDQPRXQWDLQYLOODJHRI:HUIHQZHQJRQHRIWKHKROLGD\UHJLRQV of the sustainable holiday network Alpine Pearls. Werfenweng scores high in its share of rail travel; however, there is not even a railway station in the village, but only one located 10 km away in the main valley (see www.alpine-pearls.com&www.werfenweng.eu). Here, visitors receive a ‘soft mobility card’ when arriving by bus or train, when handing over their car keys upon arrival by car, and when staying at an accommodation linked to the initiative. +RZHYHUDQLQFUHDVHLQUDLODUULYDOVFDQRQO\EHVXFFHVVIXOLIWKHUHDUHVXI¿FLHQWORFDOSXEOLF transport options. These options should include bus services that make day trips around the lake and between the towns in the area (e.g., between the lake towns of Panicale and Città d. Pieve), possible. A lake loop should serve major towns, sights, accommodations, and be coordinated with the train and ferry times. All of these local services (incl. local trains) could be offered by way of a (free or cheap) local transport pass to visitors staying at local accommodations. %HWWHUORFDOWUDQVSRUWVHUYLFHVDUHDOVRUHTXLUHGZKHQDLPLQJWRUHGXFHORFDOFDUWUDI¿FE\ visitors because they will need an alternative upon arrival. Car travellers can of course also be stimulated to use public transport in the lake area by offering them a transport pass. Actions such as providing camping discounts when leaving one’s car on the parking lot could improve the situation at camping sites. Accommodations and campgrounds should offer good rental bicycles to stimulate bicycle use for short distances and day trips. Increased bicycle use may in time require bicycle parking facilities at stations and other central locations.

2.3c Outdoor tourism in lake areas: a best practices framework for lake tourism destinations in Europe The SLOWTOUR project objectives correspond to the main objectives of the European Union for tourism sector: i) to diversify the European tourism offerings, capitalising on the shared cultural heritage and ii) to integrate both horizontally and vertically the cultural tourism sector IDFLOLWDWLQJ FOXVWHUVQHWZRUNV RI ERWK FXOWXUH DQG QDWXUH WRXULVP SURGXFWVDQGHQWHUSULVHV,QDGGLWLRQRWKHUVSHFL¿FREMHFWLYHVDUHWRHQKDQFHLQ(XURSH between the Member States, the i) transnational cooperation in creating quality tourism destinations, ii) involvement of stakeholders and businesses in the supply chain of cultural and environmental outdoor tourism routes, iii) better exploitation of innovative technologies for tourism marketing, iv) valorisation of small and minor destinations and cultural sites, v) visibility of tourism products based on cultural and natural heritage, and vi) sustainable development by involving local communities. The SLOWTOUR model has been planned as a “choice tree”; after selecting the main choice (trekking, biking, riding, sailing, others) it is possible to add and book all types of related services. The proposed model, based on outdoor and active tourism offered by a user friendly high- tech system available both on the Internet and on smartphones, follows the trend of the self- designed tailored holidays chosen more and more by a large portion of the public. It is very 108 109 important to provide and constantly update the communications system with a mix of well- made content, including brief descriptions, beautiful pictures, GIS trail maps, information on the most attractive and interesting places to visit on the road, such as wine cellars, wine shops and extra-virgin olive oil mills offering tasting, restaurants serving traditional food, village festivals, cultural events, and all types of accommodations and available tourism services for trekkers, bikers and riders. Started with just a few trekking and mountain biking paths, the outdoor tourism system built up by the Mountain Community has grown with a progressive trend of involvement of the participants of the organised walks and events and the local tourism professionals and service providers. This context has become a modern laboratory for the communication and promotion of all of the economic, social and cultural activities offered by the territory. It is a model in progress starting from successful experiences and then implementing new and larger initiatives. Some of the initiatives have demonstrated that it is possible to attract tourists and day-trip participants during times outside of the busy seasons, particularly during the spring and fall periods. Even in winter, certain events, such as Christmas Souls, are able to attract visitors, as well as periods dedicated to traditional SRUNSURFHVVLQJDQGQHZZLQHWDVWLQJ7KHFRQFHQWUDWLRQRIWRXULVPÀRZVGXULQJWKHEXV\ season is a problem for all of the lake destinations in Europe, and the associated problems of experiencing periods of overcrowding or empty accommodations during the majority of the year can be tackled by offering travel opportunities and attractive events linked to outdoor WRXULVPGXULQJWKHRIIVHDVRQ7KHGLDJUDPRIWKHWRXULVPÀRZVDW/DNH7UDVLPHQRLQ shown below corresponds to similar trends observed at other European lakes.

Natural sites for active and sport leisure holidays, lake tourism destinations are increasingly and successfully discovering a vocation for cultural events and gastronomic events, including food festivals. Outdoor activities are cherished for the natural attractions and scenic views. It is therefore strategic for tourism in lake and surrounding rural areas to offer all available opportunities via effective and user-friendly communication systems. Technologies and human resources are strictly linked to obtain successful results in terms of communication with potential visitors. The vision of a sustainable outdoor tourism industry for the lakes in Europe, which is also based on the well-communicated availability of services, facilities and entertainment opportunities, can add value to this type of holiday trip. The tourism model implemented at Lake Trasimeno and adopted also for the Middle Tiber Valley is transferable WRRWKHUODNHHQYLURQPHQWVLWGRHVQRWGHSHQGRQWKHFKDUDFWHULVWLFVRIDVSHFL¿FWHUULWRU\EXW 108 109 instead, quality tourism offerings can be tailored to visitors’ personal needs and expectations. However, a well-structured platform of online web services, including smartphone Apps and GIS tracked information, will not be effective if the quality of the available tourism offerings is not adequate and these offerings are not target centred.

2.4 Conclusions and lessons learned In this section, main conclusions drawn from the project’s methods and their results are summed up. The project experiences have ultimately led to a Charter for Sustainable Lake Tourism, in which the World Lake Vision, the EU Water Framework Directive and the European &KDUWHUIRU6XVWDLQDEOH7RXULVPLQ3URWHFWHG$UHDVDUH¿UPO\HPEHGGHG7KH&KDUWHUVKRXOG enable a more sustainable and competitive management of tourism in lake areas. It can be found in Annex 3.4. The main tool developed and used for this project has been the Sustainable Impact Assessment 6,$ 7KLVDVVHVVPHQWFRQVLVWHGRIVHYHUDOVWHSV7KH¿UVWVWHSLQYROYHGJDWKHULQJGDWD from lake area managers, a public survey and data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The second was to process all data into indicators that provided an overview of the SIA result (a ‘pie-graph’), a benchmark and several graphs showing drivers, pressures, states, impacts and responses to the environmental system of a lake destination area. The last step was to proof the concept of a user-friendly SIA model, the prototype of the SLOW-SIA model. From this process the following general lessons have been learned:  Ƒ 'DWDJDWKHULQJLVSUREOHPDWLFEHFDXVHRIDQXPEHURIUHDVRQV    Ɣ6WDNHKROGHUV ZKHWKHU WRXULVP PDQDJHUV RU 1*2V LQYROYHG LQ WKH ODNH     PDQDJHPHQWRIWHQODFNWKHUHVRXUFHV LQFOXGLQJWLPH DQGRUH[SHUWLVHWRSHUIRUP the data gathering for a SIA.    Ɣ7KLVLQWXUQLVSDUWO\FDXVHGE\WKHJHQHUDOODFNRID³ODNHPDQDJHU´RUFRRUGLQDWLRQ body, i.e. someone who or an organisation that coordinates all aspects of sustainability and sustainable development, and can provide a complete overview of the current situation, for instance for a SIA. Usually, various administrations on different levels, and with different competences, are involved in the sustainable development of the lake regions, but in most of the regions they do not cooperate     VXI¿FLHQWO\    Ɣ$QRWKHUSUREOHPLVWKDW³WKHODNHUHJLRQ´LVRIWHQQRWGH¿QHGDVDQDGPLQLVWUDWLYH unit. The administrative unit which is most representative for the “lake region” needs to be chosen for data gathering.    Ɣ&XUUHQWO\WRXULVPSODQQLQJLVPRVWO\EDVHGRQDQDO\VLVRIWRXULVPGDWDDQGQRWRQ the analysis of a wider picture on regional development.    Ɣ$ODFNRIGDWDVSHFL¿FDOO\RQDORFDOOHYHODQGVRPHLQFRKHUHQFHRIH[LVWLQJGDWD between different lakes regarding geographical level, year, reliability, etcetera,     ZDVLGHQWL¿HG

 Ƒ $YLVLWRUVXUYH\LVDGLI¿FXOWWDVNWRSHUIRUPHYHQLQFRRSHUDWLRQZLWKWRXULVPERDUGV Sampling for the visitor survey posed some challenges, due to which some results may not be as representative as they could have been. Ideally this type of survey should be based on a representative sample of accommodations in one area. These should inform their guests and ask for their email-address when checking in. The visitor,   DIWHU UHWXUQLQJ KRPH WKHQ UHFHLYHV DQ LQYLWDWLRQ WR ¿OO LQ DQ RQOLQH VXUYH\ ,I accommodations cannot cooperate in this set-up, a second best option, mainly used in this study, is to distribute paper surveys at well-chosen tourist attractions, in a way that all types of tourists are found in the sample. 110 111  Ƒ 7KHUHVXOWVRIWKH6,$JHQHUDWHGPDQ\GLVFXVVLRQVDERXWWKHLQWHUSUHWDWLRQ7KLVLVD good sign as it means the results sometimes surprised stakeholders. On the other hand it means the large number of indexes and indicators should always be well explained. One observation was that some general data such as land use may not   UHÀHFW WKH VLWXDWLRQ GLIIHUHQWLDWHG HQRXJK DV QR GLVWLQFWLRQ EHWZHHQ DJULFXOWXUDO practices (e.g. organic vs. intensive) can be made, whereas this can have very different impacts on water and biodiversity. A conclusion could be to look for more detailed information and indicators, but this would further complicate the data gathering process. Furthermore, it has to be remarked that SIA has been used in the SLOWTOUR project to measure sustainability of tourism, in this case in the lake destinations. It means that the results do not refer to the level of sustainability of the areas themselves, but only to the level of sustainability for tourism. In other words, for example a low score for ecology for a lake destination does not imply a low quality of the environment in that lake area, but a low performance of the relationship between tourism and the environment.  Ƒ 7KH 6,$ SLH GLDJUDP JLYHV VFRUHV IRU WKH HFRORJLFDO HFRQRPLFDO DQG VRFLDO compartments, but does not weigh them. It is at the disposition of stakeholders to do so. On the other hand the benchmarks and the DPSIR graphs are fully scaled   WRZDUGVHFRORJLFDODQGQDWXUDOEHQH¿WV  Ƒ 7RHDVH LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ DQG XVH WKH XVHUIULHQGO\ 6/2:72856,$ PRGHO KDV EHHQ developed, which helps stakeholders to navigate more easily through the results and to perform an own benchmark. The current version is a prototype showing the principle. If the model is fully developed, users can also add new lakes to its database.  Ƒ 7KHEHQFKPDUNLQJRIWKHWZHOYHODNHVLVGLI¿FXOWDVWKHLUVL]HVDQGVSHFL¿FFLUFXPVWDQFHV differ much. On the other hand, most indicators and indexes have been constructed in a way that they have become independent from e.g. size. Furthermore, the user of the model is free to compare only lakes that share several commonalities, or even to   FRPSDUHRQO\VLQJOHDVSHFWVEHWZHHQODNHV7KHQH[WVWHSLVWKHQWR¿QGWKHH[DFW reasons for a worse performance and aim for improvement. Benchmarking on a more concrete operative level (e.g. between hotels or camping sites) is something that could be looked further into.  Ƒ 7KH6/2:72856,$FDQEHYHU\XVHIXOIRUPRQLWRULQJWKHVXVWDLQDELOLW\RIDSDUWLFXODU lake over a certain period (every 4 to 5 years is recommended). It is neither necessary nor recommendable to realise a SIA every year. )URPWKH6,$UHVXOWVRIWKHLQGLYLGXDOODNHVWKHIROORZLQJJHQHUDO¿QGLQJVZHUHIRXQG  Ƒ 7KH 6,$ UHVXOWV ZHUH LQWHJUDWHG LQWR WKUHH PDLQ LQGLFDWRUV HFRQRPLF HFRORJLF DQG social. It appeared that high ranking lake destinations generally ranked high on all three indicators. Low economic and social indicators were generally accompanied by low ecological and natural indicators. The differences between scores for economy, ecology and social were small for each lake.  Ƒ 0RVWODNHVVXIIHUIURPDORZTXDOLW\RISXEOLFWUDQVSRUWIRUDFFHVVWRWKHUHJLRQDVZHOO as for local transportation.  Ƒ 7KHVKDUHRISURWHFWHGDUHDVYDULHGIURPOHVVWKDQXSWRDOPRVWRIWKHZKROH destination. This means there is room for response here for many lakes.  Ƒ 2SSRUWXQLWLHV WR XVH WRXULVP DV D PHDQV RI VXVWDLQDEOH GHYHORSPHQW RI WKH ORFDO economy is low for most lakes because the tourism sector already takes in a large share of the economy (in most cases), or because tourism’s environmental performance in terms of its carbon footprint and energy use (per Euro) is relatively high (in some cases). 110 111 Finally, some of the main outcomes from the visitor satisfaction and tourism offer survey are:

 Ƒ &RQIRUPDOO(8WRXULVPWKHPDMRULW\RIYLVLWRUVWR(XURSHDQODNHVDUHXVXDOO\GRPHVWLF holidaymakers and the car is the dominant transport mode.  Ƒ 7KHKLJKFDUXVHLVOLQNHGWRVRPHFRPSODLQWVRQWRREXV\WUDI¿FDQGRQDORFDOOHYHO   EDGVLJQSRVWLQJDQGLQVXI¿FLHQWSDUNLQJ  Ƒ )RUJHWWLQJDURXQGSXEOLFWUDQVSRUWLVQRWPXFKXVHGEXWVKLSVELF\FOHVDQGZDONLQJ   DUH$QLQVXI¿FLHQF\RIORFDOWUDQVSRUWPRGHVZDVLGHQWL¿HG  Ƒ +DYLQJDQHFRODEHORUJUHHQFHUWL¿FDWHLVDIDUOHVVLPSRUWDQWUHDVRQIRUERRNLQJDQ accommodation than price, recommendations, or impressions from previous visits, but surprisingly regarded slightly more important than the star-rating. Ecolabel presence among participating stakeholders is lower than the importance attached to this by visitors warrants.  Ƒ &RPPRQ HQYLURQPHQWDO SURWHFWLRQ PHDVXUHV ZHUH IUHTXHQWO\ QRWLFHG DW ODNH accommodations. However, one of the most important ones from an ecological but also from a visitor satisfaction viewpoint - a free public transport card - was hardly noticed.  Ƒ /DNHYLVLWRUVHQJDJHLQYHU\VLPLODUDFWLYLWLHVUHJDUGOHVVZKLFKODNHWKH\YLVLWDQGRQO\ three top activities (out of ten) are directly linked to the (water of the) lake.  Ƒ :DONLQJDQGF\FOLQJURXWHVDURXQGWKHODNHDUHDVZHUHJHQHUDOO\UDWHGDVJRRG  Ƒ 2QDYHUDJHODNHYLVLWRUVVSHQG¼SHUGD\ZLWKODUJHGLIIHUHQFHVEHWZHHQODNHV  Ƒ 9LVLWRUVDWLVIDFWLRQUHJDUGLQJDVSHFWVRITXDOLW\HQYLURQPHQWDQGFXOWXUHLVJHQHUDOO\ high, with some exceptions for certain lakes. Overall, satisfaction was lower for the aspect “received value for money”, and to some extend for service levels and visitor information. Most importantly, the overall experience was rated very high at all lakes and was perceived as recommendable to others. Tourism stakeholders’ estimates of visitor satisfaction are lower than stated satisfaction.  Ƒ 7RXULVPVWDNHKROGHUVKDYHDKLJKSUHIHUHQFHIRUDOONLQGRILQYHVWPHQWVZLWKKDUGO\ any differentiation or prioritisation.

To conclude, sustainability levels at lake destinations vary, and often leave plenty of room for improvement. Visitor satisfaction does not seem to be extremely dependable on these levels, although some results do point to a link between lower environmental scores and ORZHUVDWLVIDFWLRQRIWKHLWHPDWVWDNH QRWLFHDEO\IRUZDWHUTXDOLW\ +HQFHPDLQWDLQLQJDQG or improving the ecological quality of lake areas should be high on the agenda of lake and tourism managers. Best practices on some lakes, included in this Manual, can demonstrate different approaches, depending of lake peculiarities and development trends by stakeholders and policy makers, but all of them aiming at increasing sustainability and competitiveness of lake destinations. All the Annexes included in Part III are to be considered samples enabling to transfer and adapt to other lake destinations the SLOWTOUR methodology in order to test, plan, act and improve the performances of a sustainable tourism for European lakes. The marketing case study on Lake Trasimeno and Middle Tiber area focuses on opportunities from outdoor, leisure and cultural activities to create environmental friendly tourism offers also with purpose to split tourism seasonality and promote knowledge and experiences for visitors based on local traditional heritage. The Charter, also included in Annexes, aims at sharing principles and actions with EUROPARC and other networks for environmental protection of protected DUHDVDQGWRXULVPVHQVLWLYHVLWHVZLWKDVSHFL¿FYLHZWRODNHGHVWLQDWLRQV

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(2009) European Communities ISBN 978-92-79-13298-8  ž (($  &RQVHUYDWLRQVWDWXVRIKDELWDWW\SHVDQGVSHFLHV $UWLFOH+DELWDWV   'LUHFWLYH ((& 5HWULHYHG   IURP KWWSZZZHHDHXURSDHX   GDWDDQGPDSVGDWDGVBUHVROYHXLG&'$&%))%&&)  ž (($ D (8ELRGLYHUVLW\EDVHOLQH&RSHQKDJHQ(XURSHDQ(QYLURQPHQWDO Agency.  ž (($ E 1DWXUDGDWDWKH(XURSHDQQHWZRUNRISURWHFWHGVLWHVIURPKWWS ZZZHHDHXURSDHXGDWDDQGPDSVGDWDGVBUHVROYHXLG)()%)($$ AD56-F476CADDBD15  ž (($ D $LU%DVH 7KH (XURSHDQ DLU TXDOLW\ GDWDEDVH5HWULHYHG    IURPKWWSZZZHHDHXURSDHXGDWDDQGPDSVGDWDGVBUHVROYHXLGEDIEHI 76ae5f2893f2c982  ž (($ E (XURSH¶VHQYLURQPHQW$QDVVHVVPHQWRIDVVHVVPHQWV&RSHQKDJHQ European Environmental Agency  ž (($ F  6WDWH RI EDWKLQJ ZDWHUV5HWULHYHG  IURP KWWSZZZHHD   HXURSDHXWKHPHVZDWHULQWHUDFWLYHEDWKLQJ  ž (3$  &RULQH/DQG&RYHU0DSSLQJ5HWULHYHGIURPKWWSZZZHSD   LHZKDWZHGRDVVHVVPHQWODQGFRULQH  ž (XURSHDQ&RPPLVVLRQ D 0HWKRGRORJLFDOZRUNRQPHDVXULQJWKHVXVWDLQDEOH development of tourism. Part 1: Technical report. Luxembourg.  ž (XURSHDQ&RPPLVVLRQ E 0HWKRGRORJLFDOZRUNRQPHDVXULQJWKHVXVWDLQDEOH development of tourism. Part 2: Manual on sustainable development indicators of tourism. Luxembourg.  ž European Environment Agency. (2011). Article 17 Report – National Summaries Retrieved     IURP KWWSFLUFDHXURSDHX3XEOLFLUFHQYPRQQDWOLEUDU\"O  KDELWDWVUHSRUWLQJUHSRUWLQJBPVUHSRUWVBVXPPDULHV YP GHWDLOHG VE 7LWOH 112 113  ž (XURSHDQ3DUOLDPHQW7KH(XURSHDQ&\FOHURXWH1HWZRUN(XURYHOR  ,6%1 92-823-2859-0  ž (XURVWDW   3DQRUDPD RI WUDQVSRUW 6WDWLVWLFDO RYHUYLHZ RI WUDQVSRUW LQ WKH European Union. Luxembourg: Eurostat.  ž )HUUDULQL$%RGLQL$ %HFFKL0  (QYLURQPHQWDOTXDOLW\DQGVXVWDLQDELOLW\ in the province of Reggio Emilia (Italy): using multi-criteria analysis to assess and compare municipal performance. Journal of Environmental Management, 63(2), 117-131.  ž )XFKV0 :HLHUPDLU.  'HVWLQDWLRQ%HQFKPDUNLQJ$Q,QGLFDWRU6\VWHP¶V Potential for Exploring Guest Satisfaction. Journal of Travel Research, 42, 212-225.  ž )XVFR*LUDUG/ HGLWHGE\   (VWLPRHGHFRQRPLDDPELHQWDOHOHQXRYHIURQWLHUH nel campo della valutazione. Milano. Franco Angeli.  ž Gabrielsen, P., & Bosch, P. (2003). Environmental Indicators: typology and use in reporting European Environment Agency. EEA internal working paper August.Copenhagen: EEA.  ž *OHDVRQ+$  2QWKH5HODWLRQ%HWZHHQ6SHFLHVDQG$UHD(FRORJ\    ž +DOO &0 DQG +lUN|QHQ7 HGV    /DNH WRXULVP DQ LQWHJUDWHG DSSURDFK WR lacustrine tourism systems. Channel View Publications, Clevedon, UK.  ž .R]DN0  'HVWLQDWLRQEHQFKPDUNLQJ$QQDOVRI7RXULVP5HVHDUFK     GRLV  [  ž .R]DN 0  1LHOG .   7KH 5ROH RI 4XDOLW\ DQG (FR/DEHOOLQJ 6\VWHPV LQ   'HVWLQDWLRQ%HQFKPDUNLQJ>GRL@-RXUQDORI6XVWDLQDEOH   7RXULVP  GRL  ž 0RQWDJQROL/5RPDQL*,QFDPPLQRWUD7HYHUHH7UDVLPHQRLWLQHUDULQHLSDHVDJJL della memoria (2005) ali&no Editrice . ISBN 88-8754-53-8  ž 0RQWDJQROL/5RPDQL*:DONLQJEHWZHHQWKH7LEHUDQG/DNH7UDVLPHQRLWLQHUDULHV through the landscapes of memory. ISBN 978-88-6254-019-3  ž 0XQGD* 1DUGR0  1RQFRPSHQVDWRU\QRQOLQHDUFRPSRVLWHLQGLFDWRUVIRU ranking countries: a defensible setting. Applied Economics, 41(12).  ž 1LFROLQL 6 0RXQWDLQ ELNH LQ 8PEULD7UDVLPHQR0HGLR7HYHUH LWLQHUDUL DG DQHOOR nel comprensorio della Comunità Montana Associazione dei Comuni Trasimeno-Medio   7HYHUH  ,VWLWXWR*HRJUD¿FR$GULDWLFR  ž 1LMNDPS 3 9RRJG + HGLW D FXUD GL )XVFR *LUDUG /    &RQVHUYD]LRQH H   VYLOXSSRODYDOXWD]LRQHQHOODSLDQL¿FD]LRQH¿VLFD0LODQR)UDQFR$QJHOL  ž 3DROLQL '  , OXRJKL GHO JXVWR &LER H WHUULWRULR FRPH ULVRUVDGL PDUNHWLQJ   Baldini & Castoldi. ISBN 88-8089-856-6  ž 3HDUFH':%DUELHU(0DUNDQG\D$  6XVWDLQDEOH'HYHORSPHQWDQG&RVW   %HQH¿W$QDO\VLV3DSHU,,('8&//RQGRQ(QYLURQPHQWDO(FRQRPLFV&HQWUH  ž 5LINLQ-7KH(PSDWKLF&LYLOL]DWLRQ7KH5DFHWR*OREDO&RQVFLRXVQHVVLQD:RUOGLQ   &ULVLV  -HUHP\37DUFKHU3HQJXLQ,6%1  ž 5R\%  0XOWLFULWHULD0HWKRGRORJ\IRU'HFLVLRQ$LGLQJ'RUGUHFKW7KH Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publishers.  ž 81(3:720DNLQJ7RXULVP0RUH6XVWDLQDEOH$*XLGHIRU3ROLF\0DNHUV   ISBN: 92-807-2507-6 UNEP ; ISBN 92-844-0821-0 WTO  ž :&('  2XU&RPPRQ)XWXUH 7KH%UXQWODQG5HSRUW 2[IRUG8QLYHUVLW\3UHVV  ž :RUOG &RPPLVVLRQ RQ (QYLURQPHQW DQG 'HYHORSPHQW   2XU FRPPRQ IXWXUH Oxford: Oxford University Press.  ž :7281(30DNLQJWRXULVPPRUHVXVWDLQDEOH±$JXLGHIRUSROLF\PDNHUVKWWS   ZZZXQHSIUVKDUHGSXEOLFDWLRQVSGI'7,[[3$7RXULVP3ROLF\(1SGI  ž =HOHQ\0  $OODULFHUFDGLXQHTXLOLEULRFRJQLWLYREHOOH]]DTXDOLWjDUPRQLD,Q Fusco Girard L. (edited by) Estimo ed economia ambientale: le nuove frontiere nel campo della valutazione. Milano. Franco Angeli.  ž =KRX=(&RPPHUFHDQG,QIRUPDWLRQ7HFKQRORJ\LQ+RVSLWDOLW\DQG7RXULVP   New York, Thomson Delmar, ISBN: 0766841405

114 115 CHAPTER III ANNEXES

114 115 3.1

116 117 116 117 118 119 118 119 120 121 120 121 122 123 122 123 124 125 3.2

124 125 126 127 126 127 128 129 128 129 130 131 130 131 3.3 Sustainability Impact Assessment method and data 3.3.1 Introduction For Slow Tour, a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) tool has been developed that combines data from several sources and calculates indicators for the three main sustainability components (ecological, economical and social). A more general introduction to the model, its methods and the data sources can be found in sections 1.4.1, 1.4.2 and 1.4.3, respectively. The model is to a large extent quantitative, which places a strong emphasis on data gathering and data quality. It is initially based on over 123 ‘raw’ data entries, which are condensed into 20 sustainability indicators distributed across the three main sustainability components. Table 20 gives an overview of all of the data inputs. The raw data are taken from geographical information system (GIS) data from the European Environmental Agency (EEA), a visitor questionnaire sent to each lake destination area and a multitude of local and European databases, which are accessed by the destination or nature management administrators or stakeholders. The data are divided into 12 groups (the number of data entries is given between the parentheses): (FRQRPLFHPSOR\PHQW  a. Biodiversity and landscape (9) b. Land use (22) c. Air quality (8) d. Water (4) e. Waste management (2) f. Energy (2) g. Tourism (12) h. Transport (28) i. Tourism Economy (11) j. Social aspects (3) k. Sector management measures (8) Table 20: List of all of the data inputs to the SIA model. The DPSIR indicates whether an indicator is used as a driver (D), pressure (P), state (S), impact (I) or response (R). The data sources are Destination Management (DM), geographical information systems (GIS), the visitor questionnaire (Qnn) or the result of an automatic calculation of some other data (calculated).

132 133 132 133 134 135 134 135 Figure 8 shows an example of an SIA diagram and presents the results for the metric average scores of all 12 Slow tour lake destination areas. It shows the three main sustainability components (economy, ecology and social) and the indicators that contribute to each of these components. The legend to the colour code is given in Table 21. Clearly, the 12 Slow Tour lake destinations earned moderate scores, which, of course, can be expected and demonstrates that the SIA model is functioning well. For all of the lakes combined, the Economic component score is just above neutral1. In addition, the Ecology and Social components are also scored as just better then neutral. Overall, for the combined lake destination areas, public transport is an issue that needs to be improved. Additionally, the share of protected areas is clearly lower than neutral. The “tourism opportunity index” gives a proxy for the viability of using additional WRXULVPVHFWRUJURZWKWRLPSURYHWKHRYHUDOOHFRHI¿FLHQF\RIWKHUHJLRQV¶HFRQRP\

Figure 18: Example of an SIA pie diagram, presenting the metric average scores of all 12 Slow Tour lake destination areas.

Table 21: Legend to the SIA graphs.

1 “Neutral” means the metric middle score of the index, that is, 0.5; as the colour coding has six scores (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), all scores are either below or above neutral. 136 137 3.3.2 Method The method used to process the 122 data entries into the 20 SIA indicators was taken from multi-criteria analysis methods. The current section will provide the reader with the reasoning IRUFKRRVLQJWKH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUV¶7KHFXUUHQWVHFWLRQZLOOSURYLGHWKHUHDGHU ZLWKWKHUHDVRQLQJ RUµORJLF¶ IRUFKRRVLQJWKH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUV¶$QH[FHOPRGHO (that runs on Excel 2007 or higher) was designed that basically executes the following steps:

1. Every data entry is assigned a unique indicator number consisting of a letter and a number (e.g., B1, the number of bird species; see Table 20). When data are not   DYDLODEOH1$LVHQWHUHG

2. From these 122 entries, a smaller indicator list is created consisting of 51 sustainability indicators. Table 22 gives an overview of all of the indicators and the equations with which these are calculated from the data entries. In many cases, data entries can be combined by the weighted averaging of the data. This step was necessary because, for example, the total number of people living in an area does not provide a good indication of anything without referencing it to, for example, the size of the lake destination area. Hence, in this case, the number of people is divided by the total surface area (A4) to   FDOFXODWH WKH FDSLWDKD DV DQ LQGLFDWRU WKDW LV FRPSDUDEOH EHWZHHQ ODNH GHVWLQDWLRQ areas of very different sizes.

  7KHUHVXOWLQJVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVDUHUHVFDOHGDQGXQL¿HGWRDQLQGH[EHWZHHQ 0.0 and 1.0 by benchmarking the original value of the item as follows:

The minimum and maximum are the minimum and maximum values for all 13 lake destination areas included in Slow Tour.

4. The 51 sustainability indicators are too numerous to be clearly presented in one graph. Therefore, the 20 sustainability indicators that provide the most data coverage and a good spread over the DPSIR and sustainability components are selected. These 20 indicators are indicated with a ‘Y’ in the Final Sust. Ind. column of Table 22. All   VXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVGLUHFWO\LQYROYHGLQWKH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVKDYH been highlighted in grey in Table 22.

5. Based on the 20 main sustainability indicators, another linear rescaling is applied so that the indicator values range from 1 (index=0.0) to 6 (index=1.0) and in such a way that the lowest value means “not at all good” and the highest “very good”, both with   UHVSHFWWRWKHVSHFL¿FVXVWDLQDELOLW\FRPSRQHQW7KH¿QDOVFRUHVEHWZHHQDQG  indicates ‘no data’) are then translated into the colours in the SIA pie diagram (see Table 7 and Figure 8). In some cases, the values have become reversed in terms of their meaning because the original non-scaled values of the indicator can have a value that is desirable when low instead of high (e.g., air quality, which is based on air pollutant concentrations that score best if low).

6. The last processing step sorts all of the sustainability indicators into tables for each DPSIR element (e.g., Driving forces, Pressures, States).

136 137 Table 22: Overview of the sustainability indicators and the formulas used to calculate them from the data entries (see Table 20 for the Ind. Codes).

138 139 We did not use 28 of the 122 data entries for either the SIA pie diagrams or the intermediate sustainability indicators (rows in white in Table 22). Of these entries, 5 entries were administrative (e.g., A1, name of the lake), 19 entries had data for less than half of the lakes, and 3 entries were indirectly used for a ‘calculated’ data entry, which was then used in the 6,$2QO\RQHHQWU\ZDVQRWXVHGDWDOOZLWKLQWKHPRGHO WKHTXDOLW\RIF\FOHKLNLQJURXWHV which did not vary much between the lakes). Still, all 51 indicators are processed in the LQGLYLGXDO'36,5WDEOHV)URPWKHDERYHIDFWRUVWKH¿QDOVXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFDWRUVIRUWKH SIA pie diagram are calculated. Table 6 gives an overview and a short explanation.

Table 23: Overview of the 20 SIA sustainability indicators. All of indicators receive an index score between 0 and 1 based on the full range of real values for the 13 lakes. The codes refer to the same codes given in Table 22.

3.3.3 Data sources and coverage

It was envisaged that, apart from the data provided by the lake destination managers and stakeholders, data could be gathered using a visitor survey and accessing available databases of the European Environmental Agency (called ‘GIS’ data herein because these sources are presented in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) formats. The initial quantitative data requirement was distributed over these three sources as given in Figure 19. 138 139 Figure 19: Distribution of the initial quantitative data requirement among the data sources for a total of 122 entries, 117 of which are quantitative, thus excluding the 5 administrative entries (e.g., name of the lake, administrator’s name).

)LJXUHVKRZVWKHOHYHORIGLI¿FXOW\H[SHULHQFHGE\WKH6ORZ7RXU/DNHQDWXUHPDQDJHUV (generally NGO’s) when attempting to collect all of the requested data; for many data inputs, LWZDVGLI¿FXOWWRREWDLQWKHDSSURSULDWHLQIRUPDWLRQ

Figure 20: Overview of the availability of destination management data; red cells show unavailable data entries (readability is not the purpose of this diagram).

6SHFL¿FDOO\WKHFROOHFWLRQRIGDWDFRQFHUQLQJHQHUJ\VDYLQJVDQGUHQHZDEOHHQHUJ\XVH RUJDQLF DJULFXOWXUH ORFDO QRLVH OHYHOV ORFDO WUDI¿F YROXPHV DQG JURZWK UDWHV ZDVWH DQG UHF\FOLQJWRXULVPVSHFL¿FDQGWRWDOHPSOR\PHQWDQGVHDVRQDOLW\ODEHOOLQJRIDFFRPPRGDWLRQV access for disabled visitors, growth in accommodations, and local water consumption was problematic. Some of the issues mentioned above have been covered by the other two data sources. The conclusion, however, is that it appears to be very problematic to obtain VXI¿FLHQWGDWDFRYHUDJHIRUHQHUJ\DQGZDVWHLQWKH6,$DQGWKDWWKHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQFHUQLQJ noise and social aspects is also rather weak (see Table 24). 140 141 Table 24: Overview of the data availability per data group. The maximum score equals 12 (number of Slow tour lakes), the total number of lakes included in the study.

7KHGLVWULEXWLRQDPRQJVRXUFHJURXSVRIWKHGDWD¿QDOO\XVHGWRSHUIRUPWKH6,$LVJLYHQLQ )LJXUHZKLFKWKXVGHSLFWVWKH¿QDOTXDQWLWDWLYHGDWDUHTXLUHPHQWVIRUWKH6,$DVSUHVHQWHG in the Slow Tour project. Clearly, the SIA depends most on the visitor survey and least on the destination management data.

)LJXUH'LVWULEXWLRQRIWKH¿QDOTXDQWLWDWLYHGDWDUHTXLUHPHQWVIRUWKH6,$PRGHODPRQJ data sources; total of 88 entries (ignoring the 5 administrative entries such as the name of the lake and the administrator’s name).

3.3.4 GIS data processing method This section describes how the GIS data were gathered and processed. First, an administrative region for where the lake is situated has been determined. In most cases, these were municipal boundaries and based on the lists of names provided by the stakeholders. In some cases (Lake Võrtsjärv, Bodensee), the lake crossed a national boundary that is not always clearly GH¿QHG,QWKRVHFDVHVWKHUHVHDUFKHUVIRXQGDVFKHPDWLFVKDSHWKDWPRUHRUOHVVIROORZHG WKHPLGGOHRIWKHVKDSHRIWKHERG\RIZDWHU7KHERXQGDU\¿OHV VKDSH¿OHV REWDLQHGLQ 140 141 this way formed the basis for the calculation of land cover changes. There is a wide array of VKDSH¿OHVRQWKH,QWHUQHWIRUPXQLFLSDOLWLHV7KHVHVKDSH¿OHVIRUPHGWKHEDVLVIRUJDWKHULQJ data concerning land cover and land cover changes, protected areas, biodiversity and air quality data requirements. Land cover and land cover change Land cover and land cover change could be determined with the CORINE land cover UDVWHU¿OHVDYDLODEOHIRUWKHWZRPRVWUHFHQW\HDUVDQG (3$ 8VLQJWKH ERXQGDU\¿OHVDVDPDVNWKHODQGFRYHULQKHFWDUHVFRXOGEHFDOFXODWHGIRUHDFKODQGFRYHU class present in the demarcated lake area for these years and, consequently, the changes between 2000 and 2006. Protected areas The Natura 2000 map of Europe ((EEA, 2010b)) shows all of protected areas with their QDPHV8VLQJWKHERXQGDU\¿OHRIDODNHDUHDWKHSURWHFWHGDUHDVVLWXDWHGLQVLGHWKDWODNH area were extracted. Merging these areas and calculating the number of hectares provided WKHWRWDO¿JXUHLQKHFWDUHV Biodiversity 7KHELRGLYHUVLW\¿JXUHVZHUHREWDLQHGIURPWKH$UWLFOH+DELWDWV'LVWULEXWLRQDQG$UWLFOH Species Distribution spatial data sets of the European Environment Agency ((EEA, 2009)). 7KHVH ¿JXUHV DUH DYDLODEOH LQ VTXDUH RU UHFWDQJXODU GLYLVLRQV )RU HDFK ODNH DUHD WKH corresponding divisions were selected. Then, the numbers of habitats and species for each GLYLVLRQZHUHVHOHFWHGDQG¿QDOO\WKHDYHUDJHVZHUHFDOFXODWHG Air quality Air quality measures were obtained from the spatial data sets on particulate matter (PM10, 36th maximum daily average), ozone (O3, concentration, a combined rural and urban highest daily concentration) and nitrogen oxides (NOx, concentration) that have been made available by the European Environmental Agency ((EEA, 2011a)). Measurements from the station in or nearest to the lake area for the most recent years, 2004 and 2005, were used to collect air TXDOLW\¿JXUHVIRUWKDWDUHD Bathing water quality No GIS data were available for bathing water quality, but the EEA publishes a map ((EEA, 2011c)) on which the quality is given for a varying number of measurement stations for most lakes. For each lake, all of the coloured points on the map were counted, by colour, and a ZHLJKWHGDYHUDJHZDVFDOFXODWHG7KHIROORZLQJFRORXUVDQGZHLJKWVKDYHEHHQGH¿QHGEHORZ

3.3.5 The weighting process An important part of the multi-criteria analysis method is the weighing of data when combining them into integrated sustainability indicators, and from there, disaggregating them into the three sustainability components. In the following section, all of the relevant weighting methods are described. 142 143 Land-use For land-use and land use changes (LAN01 and LAN02, respectively), we used the following weighting system:

These weights are based on the idea that wetlands and water will be most important for the whole ecosystem, followed by forests and semi-natural areas, while industrial areas generally will not add to biodiversity (this concept is based on (EEA, 2010a), but the values for the weights are expert estimates). Air quality and climate change Air quality data for the PM10, O3 and NOx variables are added to the air quality index (ENV07) DQG WKH FKDQJH LQ WKH DLU TXDOLW\ LQGH[ FKDQJH (19  E\ ¿UVW VFDOLQJ HDFK LQGLYLGXDO pollutant concentration to an index between 0 and 1 with the method described above and then combining the three indices into one index. The average distance that tourists travel to the lake area (ENV08) is meant to be a proxy for the carbon footprint this travel causes. The following estimates per region of origin were used:

In addition, the transport mode used also affects the carbon footprint. For origin-destination modal travel (ENV09) the following weight factors were estimated based on the average trip emissions found for Dutch holidaymakers (de Bruijn, Dirven, Eijgelaar, & Peeters, 2011 (in press):

The same method was used to determine the weight factors for the local transport modes used (ENV10): 142 143 Finally, tourism activities and accommodations affect the carbon footprint of tourism. This LQGH[LVEDVHGRQWKHZHLJKWHGWRXULVWVSHQGLQJ 728 ZKHUHHFRHI¿FLHQF\ NJ¼ DV found in a Dutch study ((de Bruijn, et al., 2011 (in press)), forms the basis:

The overall tourism climate pressure indicator (ENV11) is a weighted sum of ENV08, ENV09, ENV10 and TOU10. These factors are calculated such that the differences between the measures (km, indexes) are cancelled out; therefore, they do not represent a ‘political’ weight, but just a metric weight that provides a proxy for the real total carbon footprint.

Transport The index for the travel to the lake destination area through origin-destination transport was FDOFXODWHGXVLQJWKHLQYHUVHRIWKHDFFHVVGLVWDQFHV NP WRWKHIRXUPDLQWUDQVSRUWHQWU\ modes (TRA03). The weights are based on the typical modal splits for these modes:

The public transport overall index (TRA06) is a technically weighted sum with the following weight factors, which are based on the raw averages for each component of TRA06:

The indices for the spatial access to public transport (TRA07) and other transport TRA08) were calculated based on the inverse of an expert estimate of the typical distance to this type of infrastructure: 144 145 Tourism The weighted tourism indices are the level of tourism attraction (TOU03) and the weighted tourism spending for the carbon footprint (see the description under the heading ‘Air quality and climate change’). The tourism attraction index has been weighted by expert estimates as follows:

Nature 7KHQDWXUHGDWD VSHFLHVDQGKDELWDWV ZHUHWKHPRVWGLI¿FXOWWRZHLJKW7KHUHDUHWZRW\SHV of data entries: those from the destination management, including counts of all species for ELUGV¿VKSODQWVDQGUHGOLVWVSHFLHVDQGWKH*,6EDVHGGDWDIRUWKHKDELWDWVDQGVSHFLHV gathered within the Article 17 regulations. The problem is that species density does not have a linear relationship with the total size of an area. Therefore, we could not simply standardise the values per lake using the total area of the lake. Therefore, we used the species-area relationship to weight the habitat and species data (see (Connor & McCoy, 1979; Dengler, *OHDVRQ 7KHµSRZHUODZ¶DSSHDUHGWREHWKHPRVWDSSURSULDWHFXUYH¿WWHGWR such relationships ((Dengler, 2009)):

:H¿UVWFDOFXODWHGWKHFRHI¿FLHQWIRUWKHSRZHUODZIRUERWKWKHKDELWDWVDQGVSHFLHVXVLQJWKH EU country summary data ((European Environment Agency, 2011)). As latitude has a strong impact on species richness, we subdivided the countries into Northern, Central and Southern WRFUHDWHWKUHH¿WWHGSRZHUFXUYHVZKLFKWKHQDOOSURGXFHGUHODWLYHO\FRQVLVWHQWDYHUDJH exponents of 0.2 for habitats and 0.25 for species. With these exponents, the constant C was calculated for each individual lake destination area’s habitat and species data obtained from the GIS database biodiversity data ((EEA, 2009)). Using this procedure, all species and habitat numbers were scaled to a standardised lake destination area of 100,000 ha (this is an arbitrary value because power laws are ‘scale-free’). The weighted species indices, as reported by the destination managers (NAT03), were 144 145 weighted by the inverse of the maximum standardised number and a doubling of the red list species because they are the most endangered species, thus creating the following weights:

The overall biodiversity index (NAT06) is a combination of the Article 17 habitat and species data and the reported species index (NAT03), and it has been technically weighted using the inverse of the average for all 13 lakes to remove the absolute values between the three (such that the index consists of three equal portions):

7KH¿QDOZHLJKWLQJLQWHJUDWHVWKH6,$VXVWDLQDELOLW\LQGLFHVWKDWKDYHEHHQGLYLGHGLQWRWKH three sustainability components. The following weights have been applied:

146 147 3.4 The SLOWTOUR CD-ROM/DVD 7KH&'520'9'FRQWDLQVWKHIROORZLQJ6/2:7285SURGXFWV  Ƒ 9LVLWRUVXUYH\UHVXOWV*,6DQGPDQDJHPHQWGDWD ¿OHBSGI WKLV¿OHSUHVHQWV the data used for all SlowTour lakes. These data include the visitor survey results, the GIS analysis and the lake destination management data.  Ƒ 7KHSURWRW\SHRIWKH6/2:6,$PRGHO7KLVPRGHOUXQVLQ([FHORUKLJKHU7KH   PRGHO FDQ EH IRXQG LQ ¿OH µ6,$B8VHUB0RGHOBB[OVP¶ DQG LQVWUXFWLRQV RQ LWV   LQVWDOODWLRQDQGXVHLQ¿OHµ6KRUWPDQXDOWRRSHQDQGVWDUWWKH6/2:6,$PRGHOBGRF[¶  Ƒ $SGI¿OHRIWKHZKROH6/2:72850DQXDO  Ƒ 7UDLOHUVIURPWKH6/2:72853URMHFW

Manual on Excellence of Lake Tourism in Europe

146 147 3.5 A Charter for Sustainable Lake Tourism ,QWKHFHQWXU\WKDWOLHVDKHDGKXPDQLW\IDFHVWKHFKDOOHQJHRIGHYHORSLQJDFLYLOL]DWLRQ¿WIRU D¿QLWHSODQHWDQGRQHHTXLSSHGWRGHDOZLWKDPRXQWLQJVFDUFLW\RIHVVHQWLDOUHVRXUFHVVXFK as freshwater. The world’s lakes, which are a primary source and storehouse of the world’s easily-accessible freshwater, will be a critical arena in this great transition to a society which sustains itself without degrading and depleting its own natural foundation. Many of these lakes are already in jeopardy. The World Lake Vision aims to illuminate this growing crisis, to articulate principles to guide this transition toward managing lakes for their sustainable use, and to provide a practical blueprint for insuring the long-term health of lakes and the integrity of the freshwater required by human societies for their survival and economic development, and for maintaining life- supporting ecosystems. World Lake Vision, 2003. The World Lake Vision is also our vision. Unfortunately, one year before Rio Plus 20, the principles of the World Lake Vision are still not implemented for most of the world’s lakes -not on a global level and not in Europe-although the World Lake Vision principles are a valid roadmap towards sustainable tourism in lake regions:

 Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH$KDUPRQLRXVUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQKXPDQVDQGQDWXUHLVHVVHQWLDOIRUWKH sustainability of lakes.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH  $ ODNH GUDLQDJH EDVLQ LV WKH ORJLFDO VWDUWLQJ SRLQW IRU SODQQLQJ DQG management actions for sustainable lake use.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH$ORQJWHUPSURDFWLYHDSSURDFKGLUHFWHGDWSUHYHQWLQJWKHFDXVHVRIODNH degradation is essential.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH3ROLF\GHYHORSPHQWDQGGHFLVLRQPDNLQJIRUODNHPDQDJHPHQWVKRXOGEH based on sound science and the best available information.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH7KHPDQDJHPHQWRIODNHVIRUWKHLUVXVWDLQDEOHXVHUHTXLUHVWKHUHVROXWLRQ   RIFRQÀLFWVDPRQJFRPSHWLQJXVHUVRIODNHUHVRXUFHVWDNLQJLQWRDFFRXQWWKHQHHGVRI present and future generations and of nature.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH&LWL]HQVDQGRWKHUVWDNHKROGHUVPXVWSDUWLFLSDWHPHDQLQJIXOO\LQLGHQWLI\LQJ and resolving critical lake problems.  Ŷ 3ULQFLSOH*RRGJRYHUQDQFHEDVHGRQIDLUQHVVWUDQVSDUHQF\DQGHPSRZHUPHQWRI all stakeholders, is essential for sustainable lake use.

Rivers, lakes and wetlands are under intense pressure from multiple use, pollution and habitat degradation. The services that aquatic ecosystems can provide to society have been reduced, and the biota is strongly affected, with several aquatic species disappearing from entire regions. In Europe, the principal legal instrument to halt the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems is the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which aims at restoring aquatic ecosystems to good status by 2015; this is a task for generations. Many indicators have EHHQGHYHORSHGWRUHÀHFWWKHVWDWXVRIZDWHUERGLHVDQGWKHVXFFHVVRIUHVWRUDWLRQ:DWHU administrations elaborated and approved River Basin Management Plans with more or less ambitious action plans for all rivers, lakes, estuaries, coasts and aquifers in the European Union. However, the implementation of those management plans is behind the WFD VFKHGXOHEHFDXVHRIWKHHFRQRPLFFULVLVDQGWKHFRUUHVSRQGLQJODFNRI¿QDQFLDOUHVRXUFHV and because of a lack of coordination between central public authorities, local institutions, companies and involved stakeholders. Climate change, however, may counteract attempts to restore aquatic ecosystems. It adds additional threats (such as increases in water temperature, changes in run-off and run- 148 149 off variability, reductions in ice cover, changes in habitats and species), and it interacts in complex ways with other stressor types, such as eutrophication. Furthermore, lakes and, especially, wetlands may interact with the causes for climate change, e.g., through changes in methane emissions, partly as a result of climate change itself. Biodiversity preservation and climate protection are ‘two sides of the same coin’. The need to adapt to climate change has become unavoidable, and all types of management and development plans must recognise this situation. However, the overall emphasis should be on a continued worldwide reduction in CO2. This emphasis means that increasing effort must be put into the use of renewable energy. The principles of the World Lake Vision are fully in harmony with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas developed by the Europarc Federation. Moreover, lake regions - protected or not - are regions with unique natural and cultural values that should be preserved for, and enjoyed by, current and future generations. It is therefore wise to base tourism development in lake regions on the principles and recommendations of the Europarc Charter. The administrations and stakeholders and the citizens of lake regions have a special responsibility regarding the protection of water resources and lakes and wetlands. These aquatic resources provide valuable ecosystem services and rich biodiversity. Therefore, various provisions of special importance for lake regions are added to the Europarc Charter principles as indicated below.

Working in partnership: 1 To involve all those impacted by tourism in and around the protected area in its development and management. A permanent forum or equivalent arrangement should be established between the protected area authority, local municipalities, conservation and community organisations and representatives of the tourism industry. Links with regional and national bodies should be developed and maintained. A “lake authority” does not exist for most lake regions. Competences and responsibilities concerning the lake are divided between various administrations. The lack of an overall administrative framework makes coordination even more important. Lake regions should have a permanent “Lake Region Coordination Body” in which all relevant administrations and stakeholders are represented. Developing lake management plans with the participation of all stakeholders is extremely GLI¿FXOW EXW SODQQHUV VKRXOG VWULYH IRU WKLV LGHDO &HUWDLQ OHJLWLPDWH VWDNHKROGHUV PD\ EH distant from the lake in question, whereas others may depend directly on the lake itself for their livelihoods. Management processes should seek to be inclusive, and particular attention should be given to minority and disenfranchised people. Without the genuine participation of those most immediately affected by the quality and volume of a lake’s water, management plans are unlikely to be effective. Management plans must describe how stakeholders will be engaged in the implementation of the plans and how they can monitor and report on changes that need to be incorporated into planning systems.

Preparing and implementing a strategy: 2 To prepare and implement a sustainable tourism strategy and action plan for the protected area. The strategy should be based on careful consultation and should be approved and understood by local stakeholders. As tourism development should not be considered an isolated process 148 149 but should form part of an integrated development strategy, the tourism strategy should be based on a sound Sustainability Impact Assessment of the lake region. It should contain the following:

 Ɣ $GH¿QLWLRQRIWKHDUHDWREHLQÀXHQFHGE\WKHVWUDWHJ\ZKLFKPD\H[WHQGRXWVLGHWKH protected area. In the case of lake regions, it is necessary to consider the water sheet RIWKHODNH,PSDFWVRQLQÀRZLQJULYHUVDQGVWUHDPVRURQVXEWHUUDQHDQZDWHUVZLOO ultimately affect the lake.

 Ɣ $QDVVHVVPHQWRIWKHDUHD¶VQDWXUDOKLVWRULFDQGFXOWXUDOKHULWDJHWRXULVPLQIUDVWUXFWXUH and economic and social circumstances, considering issues of capacity, need and potential opportunity. 7KH VWDWXV RI ODNHV WRGD\ DQG WKH PRGL¿FDWLRQV PDGH WR WKH QDWXUDO ODQGVFDSHV RI lakes and their catchments are largely a consequence of practices that are deeply rooted in human culture. Lakes are important indicators of the state of our culture and the environment in which we live. The speed of lake degradation and loss of many ODNHVLVDUHÀHFWLRQRIFRQIXVLRQLQRXUFRQWHPSRUDU\FXOWXUH\HWWKHRYHUZKHOPLQJ majority of people value and seek to re-establish our cultural integrity.

 Ɣ In the case of lake regions, the lake itself is always one of the main attractions. It is therefore under special pressure because of all the types of water activities conducted by tourists and the local population and the infrastructures related to these activities. The assessment of the carrying capacity of the lake and the very vulnerable lake shores and shallow water areas is needed to avoid degradation of this sensitive ecosystem. Tourism development should be based on ecological zoning to protect sensitive ORFDWLRQVDQGUHVHUYHVIRUIDXQDDQGÀRUDWRJXDUDQWHHDQDSSURSULDWHLQWHUOLQNDJHRI the different tourism activities, and to maintain a high-quality tourism destination.

 Ɣ &OLPDWHFKDQJHZLOODIIHFWODNHVDQGODNHUHJLRQV,QWHUQDWLRQDOVWXGLHVDQG(XURSHDQ   VFLHQWL¿F SURJUDPPHV HJ &/,0( DQG 5()5(6+  HVWLPDWH DQ LQFUHDVH RI temperature in rivers and lakes of 1 - 3 degrees. This temperature increase will change the physical parameters and chemical regime of lakes and will produce biological changes (e.g., an increase in eutrophication). The tourism sector will be affected by   WKHVHFKDQJHVDQGDVWRXULVPLVDVLJQL¿FDQWHPLWWHURIJUHHQKRXVHJDVHVQHHGV   WRFRQWULEXWHVWURQJO\WRPLWLJDWHFOLPDWHFKDQJH WKHHI¿FLHQWXVHRIHQHUJ\WKHXVH of renewable energy, the promotion of public transportation to and at the destination,   WKHVSHFL¿FSURPRWLRQRIVKRUWKDXOPDUNHWV 7KHWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQWVWUDWHJ\QHHGV to be “climate proofed”. Such a strategy will include mitigation and adaptation measures. ‡ $QDVVHVVPHQWRIFXUUHQWYLVLWRUVDQGSRWHQWLDOIXWXUHPDUNHWV ‡$VHWRIVWUDWHJLFREMHFWLYHVIRUWKHGHYHORSPHQWDQGPDQDJHPHQWRIWRXULVPZKLFK should cover the following: - conservation and enhancement of the environment and heritage; - economic and social development; - preservation and improvement of the quality of life of local residents; - visitor management and enhancement of the quality of tourism offered. Lakes offer important “ecosystem services”, such as drinking water supply, water for LUULJDWLRQ ¿VK DQG D PLFURFOLPDWH IDYRXUDEOH IRU DJULFXOWXUH 7KHVH UHVRXUFHV FDQ EH WKH IRFXVRIFRQÀLFWLQJLQWHUHVWVHVSHFLDOO\LQDUHDVRIZDWHUVKRUWDJH7KHVWUDWHJLFREMHFWLYHV should guarantee the maintenance of all ecosystem services. 150 151 ‡ $QDFWLRQSODQWRPHHWWKHVHREMHFWLYHV ‡ $QLQGLFDWLRQRIUHVRXUFHVDQGSDUWQHUVWRLPSOHPHQWWKHVWUDWHJ\ ‡ 3URSRVDOVIRUPRQLWRULQJUHVXOWV The strategic objectives of tourism development in lake regions need to be harmonized with the objectives of the river basin management plans elaborated within the European Water Framework Directive.

Addressing key issues Each protected area is different. Strategic priorities and action programmes should be determined locally with the approach described above. However, the following key issues should be addressed: 3 To protect and enhance the area’s natural and cultural heritage for and through sustainable tourism and to protect it from excessive tourism development by the following means: ‡ PRQLWRULQJWKHLPSDFWVRQÀRUDDQGIDXQDDQGFRQWUROOLQJWRXULVPLQVHQVLWLYHORFDWLRQV  ‡ HQFRXUDJLQJDFWLYLWLHVLQFOXGLQJWRXULVPXVHVZKLFKVXSSRUWWKHPDLQWHQDQFHRI historic heritage, culture and traditions  ‡ FRQWUROOLQJDQGUHGXFLQJDFWLYLWLHVLQFOXGLQJWRXULVPLPSDFWVZKLFKDGYHUVHO\DIIHFW the quality of landscapes, air and water; use non-renewable energy; and create unnecessary waste and noise ‡ HQFRXUDJLQJYLVLWRUVDQGWKHWRXULVPLQGXVWU\WRFRQWULEXWHWRFRQVHUYDWLRQ

The European Water Framework Directive, in Article 9, underlines the need to recover the costs for water services. It requests that the member states apply the principle of the recovery of the costs of water services (including the principle that water-pricing policies should SURYLGHDGHTXDWHLQFHQWLYHVIRUXVHUVWRXVHZDWHUUHVRXUFHVHI¿FLHQWO\ 7KHGLUHFWLYHDOVR encourages the member states to ensure that different water uses contribute adequately to WKHUHFRYHU\RIWKHFRVWVRIZDWHUVHUYLFHV7RXULVPUHFHLYHVLPSRUWDQWEHQH¿WVIURPWKHODNH DQGLWVHFRV\VWHPVHUYLFHVDQGVKRXOGWKHUHIRUHFRQWULEXWH¿QDQFLDOO\WRWKHPDLQWHQDQFHRI lake ecosystems.

4 To provide all visitors with a high-quality experience in all aspects of their visit by:  ‡ UHVHDUFKLQJWKHH[SHFWDWLRQVDQGVDWLVIDFWLRQRIH[LVWLQJDQGSRWHQWLDOYLVLWRUV  ‡ PHHWLQJWKHVSHFLDOQHHGVRIGLVDGYDQWDJHGYLVLWRUV  ‡ VXSSRUWLQJLQLWLDWLYHVWRFKHFNDQGLPSURYHWKHTXDOLW\RIIDFLOLWLHVDQGVHUYLFHV

5 To communicate effectively to visitors about the special qualities of the area by:  ‡ HQVXULQJWKDWWKHSURPRWLRQRIWKHDUHDLVEDVHGRQDXWKHQWLFLPDJHVDQGLVVHQVLWLYH to needs and capacity at different times and in different locations  ‡ SURYLGLQJUHDGLO\DYDLODEOHDQGJRRGTXDOLW\YLVLWRULQIRUPDWLRQLQDQGDURXQGWKHDUHD and assisting tourism enterprises to do so  ‡ SURYLGLQJHGXFDWLRQDOIDFLOLWLHVDQGVHUYLFHVWKDWLQWHUSUHWWKHDUHD¶VHQYLURQPHQWDQG heritage to visitors and local people, including groups and schools

7RHQFRXUDJHVSHFL¿FWRXULVPSURGXFWVWKDWHQDEOHGLVFRYHU\DQGXQGHUVWDQGLQJ of the area by:  ‡ SURYLGLQJDQGVXSSRUWLQJDFWLYLWLHVHYHQWVDQGSDFNDJHVLQYROYLQJWKHLQWHUSUHWDWLRQRI nature and heritage 150 151 7 To increase knowledge of the protected area and sustainability issues among all those involved in tourism by:  ‡ SURYLGLQJ RU VXSSRUWLQJ WUDLQLQJ SURJUDPPHV IRU VWDII RI WKH SURWHFWHG DUHD RWKHU organisations and tourism enterprises, based on the assessment of training needs

8 To ensure that tourism supports and does not reduce the quality of life of local residents by:  ‡ LQYROYLQJORFDOFRPPXQLWLHVLQWKHSODQQLQJRIWRXULVPLQWKHDUHD  ‡ HQVXULQJJRRGFRPPXQLFDWLRQEHWZHHQWKHSURWHFWHGDUHDORFDOSHRSOHDQGYLVLWRUV  ‡ LGHQWLI\LQJDQGVHHNLQJWRUHGXFHDQ\FRQÀLFWVWKDWPD\DULVH &RQÀLFWVEHFDXVHRIOLPLWHGZDWHUUHVRXUFHVGRH[LVWDQGWRXULVWVFRQVXPHUHODWLYHO\ODUJH amounts of water. Water resources may be negatively affected by climate change, and tourism needs to aim for the reduction of water consumption. The lake itself needs to be considered as a “water user” with the right to an amount of water that guarantees the continued provision of existing ecosystem services.

7RLQFUHDVHEHQH¿WVIURPWRXULVPWRWKHORFDOHFRQRP\by:  ‡ SURPRWLQJWKHSXUFKDVHRIORFDOSURGXFWV IRRGFUDIWVORFDOVHUYLFHV E\YLVLWRUVDQG local tourism businesses  ‡ HQFRXUDJLQJWKHHPSOR\PHQWRIORFDOSHRSOHLQWRXULVP

/RFDO¿VKIURPWKHODNHLVDQDWWUDFWLRQIRUWRXULVWVDQGVKRXOGEHSURPRWHGEXWRQO\LILWLV SURYLGHGE\VXVWDLQDEOH¿VKHU\SUDFWLFHV6LWXDWLRQVVKRXOGEHDYRLGHGLQZKLFKWKHLQFUHDVH LQWKHGHPDQGIRUORFDO¿VKSURGXFHVDQXQVXVWDLQDEOH¿VKHU\5HODWHGSUREOHPVLQFOXGHWKH undesirable consequences of intensive aquaculture, including negative impacts on water TXDOLW\DQGRQQDWLYH¿VKSRSXODWLRQV

7RPRQLWRUDQGLQÀXHQFHYLVLWRUÀRZVWRUHGXFHQHJDWLYHLPSDFWVby:  ‡ NHHSLQJDUHFRUGRIYLVLWRUQXPEHUVRYHUWLPHDQGVSDFHLQFOXGLQJIHHGEDFNIURPORFDO tourism enterprises  ‡ FUHDWLQJDQGLPSOHPHQWLQJDYLVLWRUPDQDJHPHQWSODQ  ‡ FUHDWLQJ D WRXULVP PDUNHWLQJ SODQ DLPLQJ DW GRPHVWLF DQG VKRUWKDXO LQWHUQDWLRQDO tourists and their arrival preferably by bus, coach or rail as an alternative to air transport  ‡ SURPRWLQJWKHORFDOXVHRISXEOLFWUDQVSRUWF\FOLQJDQGZDONLQJDVDQDOWHUQDWLYHWR private cars  ‡ FRQWUROOLQJWKHVLWLQJDQGVW\OHRIDQ\QHZWRXULVPGHYHORSPHQW

Each lake that you bring back to life is a whole world saved. Credo Mutwa, spiritual leader of the Zulus, South Africa.

152 153 3.6 GLOSSARY Agenda 21 It is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations Governments System, and Major Groups in every area in which humans impact the environment. Audit Procedure for a systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation and control of how well or not a particular entity (company, destination, product, program, etc.) is doing compared with a set of standards. Benchmarking The process of comparing performances and processes within an industry to assess relative position against either a set of indicators or against those considered as best practices. Best practice Recommended, voluntary codes of behaviour. Best practices from case studies can provide a model suitable to be adapted and transferred to other similar tourism destinations. Biodiversity The diversity of living organisms in all of their forms and levels of organization including the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems as well as the evolutionary and functional processes that link them. Biological diversity is critical for maintaining the biosphere’s life- sustaining systems. Biosphere reserve A biosphere reserve is a unique concept which includes one or more protected areas and surrounding lands that are managed to combine both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Capacity Building Efforts aimed at developing human skills or societal infrastructures within a community or organization needed to reduce the level of risk. In extended understanding, capacity building DOVRLQFOXGHVGHYHORSPHQWRILQVWLWXWLRQDO¿QDQFLDOSROLWLFDODQGRWKHUUHVRXUFHVVXFKDV technology at different levels and sectors of the society. Carbon footprint The carbon footprint is a measure of the impact that human activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. Carrying Capacity The maximum number of individuals of a given species that a site can support during the most unfavourable time of year, without causing deterioration of an ecosystem, habitat, or protected natural area. In recreation management, carrying capacity refers to the amount of XVHDQDUHDFDQVXVWDLQZLWKRXWGHJUDGLQJWKHHQYLURQPHQWRUVLJQL¿FDQWO\GHFUHDVLQJWKH quality of the experience. &HUWL¿FDWLRQ &HUWL¿FDWLRQLVDYROXQWDU\SURFHGXUHWKDWDVVHVVHVPRQLWRUVDQGJLYHVZULWWHQDVVXUDQFH WKDW D EXVLQHVV SURGXFW SURFHVV VHUYLFH RU PDQDJHPHQW V\VWHP FRQIRUPV WR VSHFL¿F requirements. It awards a marketable logo or seal to those that meet baseline standards. &HUWL¿HG(PLVVLRQ5HGXFWLRQ &(5 &(5VDUH&HUWL¿HG(PLVVLRQ5HGXFWLRQVDQH[DPSOHRIµFDUERQFUHGLWV¶RUµFDUERQRIIVHWV¶ 152 153 They are issued in return for a reduction of atmospheric carbon emissions through projects under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). One CER equates to an emission reduction of one tonne of CO2. &HUWL¿HG2UJDQLF $FHUWL¿FDWLRQSURFHVVIRUSURGXFHUVRIRUJDQLFIRRGDQGRWKHURUJDQLFDJULFXOWXUDOSURGXFWV ,QJHQHUDODQ\EXVLQHVVGLUHFWO\LQYROYHGLQIRRGSURGXFWLRQFDQEHFHUWL¿HGLQFOXGLQJVHHG suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurants. Requirements vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping. &KORURÀXRURFDUERQV &)&V &KORURÀXRURFDUERQV RU &)&V DOVR NQRZQ DV )UHRQ  DUH ZLGHO\ XVHG DV FRRODQWV LQ refrigeration and air conditioners, as solvents in cleaners, particularly for electronic circuit ERDUGVDVDEORZLQJDJHQWVLQWKHSURGXFWLRQRIIRDP IRUH[DPSOH¿UHH[WLQJXLVKHUV DQG as propellants in aerosols. Man-made CFCs are the main cause of stratospheric ozone depletion. Climate Change Climate change refers to the buildup of man-made gases in the atmosphere that trap the suns heat, causing changes in weather patterns on a global scale. The effects include changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, potential droughts, habitat loss, and heat stress. Community In biological terms, a community is a group of interacting organisms sharing an environment. 7UDGLWLRQDOO\D³FRPPXQLW\´LVGH¿QHGDVDJURXSRILQWHUDFWLQJSHRSOHOLYLQJLQDFRPPRQ location. Community-based Tourism Socially sustainable tourism that is initiated and almost always operated exclusively by local people. Composting Process whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper, and yard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as soil FRQGLWLRQHUVPXOFKUHVXUIDFLQJPDWHULDORUODQG¿OOFRYHU Culture or Cultural Heritage 7KHDFFXPXODWHGKDELWVDWWLWXGHVODQJXDJHVDQGEHOLHIVRIDJURXSRISHRSOHWKDWGH¿QHIRU them their general behaviour and way of life. (FRFHUWL¿FDWLRQ A voluntary procedure that utilizes a set of criteria designed to assist travel providers in mitigating their negative environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts and PD[LPL]LQJWKHEHQH¿WVWKH\SURYLGHWRWKHHQYLURQPHQWORFDODQGLQGLJHQRXVSHRSOHDQG their communities. Eco-label A logo or seal that indicates that a product has met a set of environmental, socio-cultural and or economic standards. Ecological Footprint The Ecological Footprint has emerged as the world’s premier measure of humanity’s demand on nature. It measures how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resource it consumes and to absorb its wastes, using prevailing technology. 154 155 Ecosystem All living organisms and their physical surroundings found in a particular environment, such as a forest, a desert, or a coral reef. Eco-tourism Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature. ECOTRANS ECOTRANS is a European network of experts and organisations in Tourism, Environment and UHJLRQDOGHYHORSPHQWVHHNLQJWRSURPRWHJRRGSUDFWLFHLQWKH¿HOGRIVXVWDLQDEOH7RXULVP Environment The components of the Earth, including but not limited to land, water and air; all layers of the atmosphere; organic and inorganic matter; living organisms; and the interacting natural systems. Environmental Impact $Q\FKDQJHWRWKHHQYLURQPHQWZKHWKHUDGYHUVHRUEHQH¿FLDOZKROO\RUSDUWLDOO\UHVXOWLQJ from an organization’s activities, products or services. Sustainable Impact Assessment (SIA) Sustainable Impact Assessment is a procedure, including a set of indicators, useful to provide knowledge on environmental, economic and social implications to be taken into account before the decisions are made. SIA can be undertaken for individual projects such as building a dam, motorway, airport or factory (‘Sustainability Impact Assessment’) or for plans, programmes and policies (‘Strategic Sustainability Environmental Assessment’). SLOWTOUR SIA and tourism survey results provide data and benchmarking elements enabling policy makers and stakeholders to improve tourism sustainability in lake areas. Environmental Management Plan A developed scheme, program, or method that sets forth standards and procedures, responsibilities, performance criteria, resources and work practices that protect human health and the environment. Environmental Management System A management approach that enables an organization to identify, measure, monitor and control its environmental impacts. Environmental Policy Statement by the organization of its intentions and principles in relation to its overall environmental performance which provides a framework for action and for the setting of its environmental goals, objectives and targets as well as its environmental management plans and environmental management systems. EDEN It is the acronym for European Destinations of Excellence, a project promoting sustainable tourism development models across the European Union. The project is based on national competitions that take place every year and result in the selection of a tourist “destination of excellence” for each participating country. EUROPARC ,WZDVIRXQGHGLQXQGHUWKHRI¿FLDOWLWOH³)HGHUDWLRQRI1DWXUHDQG1DWLRQDO3DUNVRI Europe”, and has since grown to become the recognized, professional organisation for European protected areas. 154 155 Flora and Fauna Flora and fauna refer to plant and wildlife, respectively. The indigenous plant and wildlife of DJHRJUDSKLFDOUHJLRQLVRIWHQUHIHUUHGWRDVWKDWUHJLRQ¶VÀRUDDQGIDXQD%RWKDUHFROOHFWLYH WHUPVUHIHUULQJWRJURXSVRISODQWRUZLOGOLIHVSHFL¿FWRDUHJLRQRUDWLPHSHULRG Fossil Fuel Fossil fuels are formed by the anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms that lived up to 300 million years ago. These fuels contain high percentage of carbon and hydrocarbons. )RVVLOIXHOVUDQJHIURPYRODWLOHPDWHULDOVZLWKORZFDUERQK\GURJHQUDWLRVOLNHPHWKDQHWR liquid petroleum to non-volatile materials composed of almost pure carbon, like anthracite coal. Freshwater Water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Global Warming Increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and landmass. It is widely believed that human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for WKHUHFHQWÀXFWXDWLRQVDQGRYHUDOOLQFUHDVHLQJOREDOWHPSHUDWXUHV GNP Gross National Product (GNP) is the value of all the goods and services produced in an economy, plus the value of the goods and services imported, less the goods and services exported. Gray Water or Grey Water Wastewater composed of wash water from kitchens, bathrooms, tubs, sinks, laundry tubs and or washers that contains chemical or chemical-biological ingredients such as soaps, detergents, etc. It’s distinct from wastewater that has been contaminated with sewage, which is referred to as black water. Green Globe *UHHQ*OREHLVWKHJOREDOEHQFKPDUNLQJFHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGLPSURYHPHQWV\VWHPIRUVXVWDLQDEOH travel and tourism. It is based on agenda 21 and its principles for sustainable development endorsed by 182 heads of state at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Green Tags Green Tags are created when wind power or other renewable energy is substituted for traditional power. The result is a shift away from dependence on burning fossil fuel to produce electricity. Greenhouse Gases Gases such as water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide 12  K\GURÀXRURFDUERQV +)&V  SHUÀXRURFDUERQV 3)&V  DQG VXOSKXU KH[DÀXRULGH (SF6) in the atmosphere that absorb heat radiated from the surface of the Earth and trap heat from the sun. The increase of these gases in the atmosphere contributes to global warming. Habitat Fragmentation When native vegetation is cleared for agriculture, habitats, which were once continuous, becomes divided into separate fragments. After intensive clearing, the separate fragments tend to be very small islands, isolated from each other by crop, land and pasture. Small fragments of habitat can only support small populations of fauna and these are more vulnerable to extinction. Indicator Observed value representative of a phenomenon to study. In general, indicators quantify

156 157 information by aggregating different and multiple data. The resulting information is therefore synthesised. In short, indicators simplify information that can help to reveal complex phenomena. Invasive Species A non-native species which becomes established in natural or semi-natural ecosystems or habitats, is an agent of changes, and threatens native biological diversity (or has the potential WRGRVR $QDOLHQVSHFLHVZKRVHLQWURGXFWLRQDQGRUVSUHDGWKUHDWHQELRORJLFDOGLYHUVLW\ Land Use Management It means establishing or implementing any measure to restrict or regulate the use of land. Land Use Planning Land-use planning is the systematic assessment of land and water potential, alternatives for land use and economic and social conditions in order to select and adopt the best land-use options. Life Cycle Cost The cost of a product or service which takes into account the cost of manufacturing, transportation and distribution, operating, maintaining and disposing of a product or service over its economic or useful life as set forth by industry standards. Living Lakes It is an international network and partnership, with 33 Members and 14 Candidates, whose mission is to enhance the protection, restoration and rehabilitation of lakes, wetlands, other freshwater bodies of the world and their catchment areas. Local People Residents who have lived in an area long enough to take an active role in shaping and GH¿QLQJWKHLUFRPPXQLW\DQGLWVFXOWXUDOLGHQWLW\LQDSRVLWLYHZD\ Low Impact $PRGL¿HUWHUPXVHGWRLGHQWLI\SUDFWLFHVDQGRUDFWLYLWLHVWKDWPLQLPL]HDFWXDORUDSSDUHQW changes to the environment. Market-Based Approach Approaching a situation based on current market trends. Mitigate To cause a lessening or alleviation of negative behaviour or activities. Native Species 6SHFLHV WKDW KDYH HYROYHG LQ DUH LQGLJHQRXV WR RU RFFXU QDWXUDOO\ LQ D VSHFL¿F DUHD RU habitat. Natural Protected Areas $Q DUHD RI ODQG DQGRU VHD HVSHFLDOO\ GHGLFDWHG WR WKH SURWHFWLRQ DQG PDLQWHQDQFH RI biological diversity, of natural, associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means. Nesting Grounds $UHJHQHUDOO\VDIHDUHDVZKHUHELUGV¿VKLQVHFWVDQGRWKHUDQLPDOVGHSRVLWHJJVRUNHHS their young. Net Revenue Calculated as the total income from sales minus returns, discounts, allowances, and overhead expenses. New Urbanism A term used to describe development which focuses on the restoration of urban centres

156 157 DQG WRZQV ZLWKLQ FRKHUHQW PHWURSROLWDQ UHJLRQV WKH UHFRQ¿JXUDWLRQ RI VSUDZOLQJ VXEXUEV into communities of neighbourhoods and diverse districts, the conservation of natural environments, and the preservation of the built legacy. Noise Pollution Unwanted, harmful or offensive sounds that are unreasonably intrusive. It is recommended that humans not be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels for a maximum period of six continuous hours. Non Degradable Not subject to or capable of degradation or decomposition. Non-Native Species A species that has been introduced directly by human agency (deliberately or otherwise) to an area where it has not occurred in historical times and which is separate from, and lies outside, the area where natural range extension could be expected. Non-Point Source Pollution Pollution that occurs when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation runs over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters or introduces them into ground water. Non-Renewable Natural Resources Natural resources that cannot be replaced within a short time span (i.e. coal, peat, oil, etc.) Organic Agriculture $JULFXOWXUHWKDWGRHVQRWXVHFKHPLFDOVJHQHWLFPRGL¿FDWLRQRULUUDGLDWLRQXVLQJRQO\QDWXUDO products. Polluter Pays Principle The Principle that the cost of controlling environmental pollution should be internalized rather than imposed on society as a whole. Recycling Process by which products or materials that would otherwise become solid waste are collected, separated or processed and returned to the economic mainstream to be reused in WKHIRUPRIUDZPDWHULDOVRU¿QLVKHGJRRGV Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Renewable energy quickly replaces itself and is usually available in a never-ending supply. 5HQHZDEOHHQHUJ\FRPHVIURPWKHQDWXUDOÀRZRIVXQOLJKWZLQGRUZDWHUDURXQGWKH(DUWK Responsible Tourism A type of tourism that is practiced by tourists who make responsible choices when choosing WKHLUYDFDWLRQV7KHVHFKRLFHVUHÀHFWUHVSRQVLEOHDWWLWXGHVWRWKHOLPLWLQJRIWKHH[WHQWRIWKH sociological and environmental impacts their vacation may cause. Risk Management A systematic approach used to identify, evaluate, and reduce or eliminate the possibility of injury or accidents by either mitigating the risks or applying cost effective controls. Solid Waste Any garbage, refuse, sludge and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semi-solid or contained gaseous material, resulting from industrial and commercial operations, or from community activity. Stakeholder An individual or group with an interest in the success or failure of an organization in delivering intended results and maintaining the viability of the organization’s products and services.

158 159 6WDNHKROGHUVLQÀXHQFHSURJUDPVSURGXFWVDQGVHUYLFHV Standardization To bring into conformity with a standard. Supply Chain Management 'H¿QHG LQ WKH VFRSH RI WKH 6XVWDLQDEOH7RXULVP(FRFHUWL¿FDWLRQ 3URJUDPŒ 67(3  DQ approach for ensuring that service provider’s products and services are offered in the right quantities, in the right locations, and at the right time, in order to maximize resource productivity and minimize system-wide costs, waste, and other negative socio-cultural, environmental and economic impacts while satisfying customer needs. Sustainable Agriculture $QDSSURDFKWRJURZLQJSHVWLFLGHDQGDQWLELRWLFIUHHIRRGDQG¿EHUZKLFKLVSUR¿WDEOHXVHV RQIDUPUHVRXUFHVHI¿FLHQWO\WRPLQLPL]HDGYHUVHHIIHFWVRQWKHHQYLURQPHQWDQGSHRSOH preserves the natural productivity and quality of land and water, and sustains vibrant rural communities. Sustainable Building Practices Building practices that consider environmental and human health and well-being, in addition to the traditional criteria of function, cost and aesthetics. Conservation and continuous cyclic use of materials, methods, water, natural resources and energy are major considerations when designing and building sustainably. Sustainable Development Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Source: World Commission on Environment and Development - the Brundtland Commission). Sustainable Tourism Envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social, DQGDHVWKHWLFQHHGVFDQEHIXO¿OOHGZKLOHPDLQWDLQLQJFXOWXUDOLQWHJULW\HVVHQWLDOHFRORJLFDO processes, biological diversity, and life support systems. (Source: World Tourism Organization) Tour Operator’s Initiative (TOI) A network of tour operators that are associated with the Global Reporting Initiative (see above) who are committed to sustainable development by incorporating an accounting system that takes into account a tour operator’s triple bottom line. Tour Operators $UHGH¿QHGDVFRPSDQLHVZKRVHPDLQEXVLQHVVLVWDNLQJLQGLYLGXDOVRUJURXSVRISHRSOHWR one or several places. Tours typically combine multiple vacation elements such as walking and driving and viewing and interacting with the environment. Tourism Revenue Money made from tourism. 7UDGDEOH5HQHZDEOH&HUWL¿FDWHV 75& A TRC is a way to buy and sell renewable electricity that divides the generation into two separate products, “electricity” and “renewable energy attributes.” Transportation Service Providers 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ6HUYLFH3URYLGHUVDUHGH¿QHGDVFRPSDQLHVZKRVHPDLQEXVLQHVVLVRIIHULQJ tourism-related, air, land or water-based transport services to individuals or groups of people. Travel Philanthropy Or Altruistic Travel A voluntary movement of conscientious consumers and responsible travel companies ZKRDUHGRQDWLQJ¿QDQFLDOUHVRXUFHVWLPHWDOHQWDQGHFRQRPLFSDWURQDJHWRSURWHFWDQG positively impact the cultures and environments they visit. 158 159 Triple Bottom Line An expanded baseline for measuring performance, adding social and environmental dimensions to the traditional economic benchmark. Though there is interdependence EHWZHHQHDFKDVSHFWRIWKHWULSOHERWWRPOLQHLGHDOO\HDFKFRVWDQGEHQH¿WLVDVVHVVHG independently, so companies are not in the black unless all three bottom lines are positive. 9HUL¿HG(PLVVLRQ5HGXFWLRQ 9(5 $ XQLW RI JUHHQKRXVH JDV HPLVVLRQ UHGXFWLRQV WKDW KDV EHHQ YHUL¿HG E\ DQ LQGHSHQGHQW auditor, but that has not yet undergone the procedures and may not yet have met the UHTXLUHPHQWVIRUYHUL¿FDWLRQDQGFHUWL¿FDWLRQ Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) The Voluntary Carbon Standard provides a robust, new global standard for voluntary offset projects. It ensures that carbon offsets that businesses and consumers buy can be trusted DQGKDYHUHDOHQYLURQPHQWDOEHQH¿WV 6RXUFH9ROXQWDU\&DUERQ6WDQGDUG  Voluntary Tourism 9ROXQWHHUWRXULVPGHVFULEHVD¿HOGRIWRXULVPLQZKLFKWUDYHOOHUVYLVLWDGHVWLQDWLRQDQGWDNH part in projects in the local community. Projects are commonly nature-based, people-based or involve such things as restoration or construction of buildings, assisting archaeologists in digging up artefacts, etc. Waste Collection And Separation Where waste is separated according to its composition. For example the separation of plastic, paper, tin and glass. This makes waste collection and recycling much easier. Waste Management Products, systems and services for the collection, handling, treatment (including recycling) DQGGLVSRVDORIPXQLFLSDOFRPPHUFLDODQGLQGXVWULDOZDVWHV([DPSOHVLQFOXGHODQG¿OOOLQHUV DQG FRPSRVWHUV SURGXFWV  ODQG¿OO JDV H[WUDFWLRQ V\VWHPV  DQG FROOHFWLRQ DQG GLVSRVDO (services). Waste Stream $JJUHJDWHÀRZRIZDVWHPDWHULDOIURPJHQHUDWLRQWRWUHDWPHQWWR¿QDOGLVSRVLWLRQ Waste-To-Energy The burning of municipal solid waste to produce energy. Wastewater Water with waste materials or pollutants dissolved in it, containing waste including gray water, black water or water contaminated by contact with waste, including process-generated and contaminated rainfall runoff, water that has been used in sewage systems, and in industries and businesses that is not suitable for reuse unless it is treated. Wastewater Treatment Facilities Treatment facilities that are able to clean and make wastewater safe. World Tourism Organization The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is a UN agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. Zoning A regulatory process that divides a given geographical area into sub areas and each of which is designated for a particular use or uses.

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