Implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Carinthia's tourism regions and protected areas
ARGE Naturerlebnis Kärnten and the Centre for Sustainable Destination Development (NDK) are working on a future-oriented project to promote sustainable tourism development in Carinthia. Together, they are pooling the strengths of tourism regions, protected areas, the province of Carinthia and Kärnten Werbung to anchor the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Carinthian tourism.
The aim is to preserve Carinthia's living space through sustainable concepts, creative ideas and concrete measures, while at the same time making it fit for the future. Both locals, who remain rooted in an environment worth living in, and guests, who are looking for an authentic and sustainable holiday experience, will benefit. The planned measures will harmonise ecological, social and economic aspects in order to make the region a place worth living and experiencing in the long term.
This project is supported as a LEADER project by EU and federal funding, which makes the realisation of this comprehensive initiative possible in the first place. We are very grateful for this funding, which strengthens regional co-operation and sustainable development.
Participating regions and protected areas
Tourism regions
- Hohe Tauern National Park Region
- Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region
- Nassfeld region - Pressegger See - Lesachtal - Weissensee
- Lake Klopeiner See region - Southern Carinthia - Lavanttal valley
- Tourism region Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
- Region Wörthersee - Rosental
Protected areas
- Hohe Tauern National Park
- Weissensee Nature Park
- Dobratsch Nature Park
Project goals
- Building knowledge and expertise: Training courses, brochures, information material and an SDG network make the topic of sustainability tangible.
- Creating enthusiasm for sustainability: Creative campaigns and regional events promote awareness of the SDGs.
- Promoting certification: Six tourism regions and three protected areas are to be certified according to the strict criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel.
Project realisation
ARGE Naturerlebnis Kärnten is responsible for the organisation, while the NDK manages the operational implementation and coordination of the measures. Together with three SDG coaches and the sustainability managers of the tourism regions, strategies are developed and measures implemented - in close cooperation with Ecolabel consultants.
In addition to communication and awareness-raising, the focus is on practical approaches such as the design of sustainable offers ("Green Experiences"), the promotion of environmentally friendly events ("Green Events") and the development of sustainable excursion destinations ("Green Attractions"). This is complemented by activities in the areas of environmental protection, mobility, climate neutrality and the preservation of biodiversity. A key milestone is the certification of all participating regions and protected areas with the Austrian Ecolabel in order to guarantee uniform and credible sustainability standards.
Implementation period and duration
The project will start in January 2025 and run for three years. An innovative and participatory approach and close cooperation between tourism regions, protected areas and experts will create the basis for sustainable tourism in Carinthia - for the benefit of habitats and people.
