Naturturisme

Naturturisme is tourism rooted in natural areas, landscapes, and biodiversity. It emphasizes outdoor recreation, education, and a connection with nature, while aiming to minimize environmental impact. The concept overlaps with ecotourism and outdoor recreation but tends to focus on accessible nature experiences and conservation-oriented principles.

Common activities include hiking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, camping, canoeing or kayaking, snow sports, and visits to protected areas or nature centres. Many experiences are guided or based in rural communities, with accommodations that center on nature or sustainable practices.

Key principles are environmental stewardship, respect for local cultures, and low-impact travel. Practitioners encourage staying on designated paths, packing out waste, respecting wildlife, and using sustainable transport. Some destinations regulate visitor numbers, require permits, or enforce seasonal restrictions to protect fragile habitats.

Economic and environmental effects: naturturisme can support rural livelihoods, conservation funding, and local employment. Negative effects arise when visitation is unmanaged, causing erosion, litter, habitat disturbance, or stress to wildlife. Sustainable management uses planning, monitoring, and community involvement to mitigate impacts.

Governance and trends: Protected areas, national and regional authorities, and local communities often shape naturturisme through regulations, visitor facilities, and conservation programs. Certifications and guidelines exist to promote best practices. Growing interest in nature-based travel, digital interpretation, and climate-resilient, inclusive experiences shapes the field.