A.2.1. Avoid environmentally harmful activities during the tour

A.2.1. Avoidance of Environmentally Harmful Activities
A.2.1. Environmental Pillar - Avoidance of Environmentally Harmful Activities

Why does this matter?

This indicator makes sure that tours in protected areas:

  • Follow the rules
  • Do not disturb wildlife.
  • Do not create pollution or waste.
  • Do not exceed safe visitor limits.
  • Support conservation instead of harming it.

How is this measured?

The tour is checked against a list of environmental rules. Mark each rule as Yes or No. More rules followed means a higher score (0-5).

It looks at whether the tour:

  • Has official approval from conservation authorities
  • Avoids sensitive periods like nesting or breeding seasons
  • Does not use motor vehicles inside protected areas
  • Reduces noise and pollution
  • Ensures partners also follow environmental laws
  • Respects visitor limits
  • Collects and properly disposes of all waste
  • Works with and supports conservation organizations
About the Score
Very Poor
Score 0 (0.0% - 20.0%)
The tour meets very few requirements. There is a high risk of environmentally harmful activities.
Poor
Score 1 (20.0% - 40.0%)
The tour meets only a small number of requirements. Important conservation practices are still missing.
Satisfactory
Score 2 (40.0% - 60.0%)
The tour meets about half of the requirements. Some responsible environmental practices are in place, but improvements are needed.
Good
Score 3 (60.0% - 80.0%)
The tour meets most of the requirements. It generally follows good conservation practices, with some areas that can still be improved.
Very Good
Score 4 (80.0% - 92.0%)
The tour meets almost all requirements. The tour has responsible environmental practices.
Excellent
Score 5 (92.0% - 100.0%)
The tour meets all or nearly all requirements. Nature conservation and environmental responsibility are fully embedded in how the tour is planned and operated.

Evaluation Checklist / Requirements

Are the tour and all its routes duly recognized by the competent authority (ICNF)?
Does the tour take into account critical periods for habitat conservation (e.g., nesting, mating seasons)?
Are activities conducted without motorized vehicles or other sources of noise/GHG emissions?
Does the operator ensure all partners/suppliers respect laws for activities in protected areas?
Are recommended tourist limits (carrying capacity) for each location respected?
Does the operator guarantee collection and proper disposal of all waste produced?
Is the tour a result of collaboration with local ecological conservation entities?
Is there a direct financial contribution from the tour to the visited area?
Are there other direct contributions (e.g., volunteering, technical support)?

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Touristic Footprint Index (TFI) by Portugal Outdoor Alliance (POA) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License CC BY SA