In a context marked by an ever-growing climate emergency, the accelerated loss of biodiversity, and the depopulation of rural areas, Europe faces the urgent challenge of rethinking its model of tourism. Despite the potential of natural environments to be drivers of sustainable development, conventional tourism continues to exert significant pressure on fragile ecosystems, generating negative environmental impacts and failing to equitably distribute its benefits among local communities.

At the same time, young people living in rural areas often face a double vulnerability: on one hand, a lack of training and employment opportunities; on the other, a disconnection from territorial development dynamics and limited participation in decision-making processes that affect their environment. This reality not only restricts their present but also jeopardizes the future sustainability of Europe’s rural regions.

In light of this situation, it is necessary to promote new forms of tourism that not only respect and protect Europe’s natural heritage but also empower young people as active agents of change. This is where WILDESCAPE EU comes in: a project that embraces ecotourism as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, youth inclusion, and local economic development.

WILDESCAPE EU is a European Erasmus+ KA220-YOU project born from the shared commitment between several organizations to strengthen ecotourism as a key tool for environmental sustainability and local development.

In response to a growing demand for more responsible tourism, the project aims to train young people living and working in rural areas to become changemakers in their communities. These young participants will receive specialized training in ecotourism and biodiversity, take part in the collaborative design of sustainable tourism packages, and contribute to the protection of Europe’s unique natural spaces.

Through international workshops, an interactive online platform, and direct collaboration with tourists, local businesses, and public authorities, WILDESCAPE EU fosters dialogue between research, practice, and public policy. Its goal is to raise public awareness of Europe’s natural wealth and promote a tourism model that respects natural environments, generates green employment, and offers inclusive, accessible, and high-quality experiences for all visitors.

Project Results

• A transnational report on biodiversity and ecotourism potential in participating countries.
• Development of European standards for sustainable tourism through focus groups and participatory work with young people.
• Creation of an online platform with training materials, tools, and resources to promote ecotourism.
• Policy recommendations for national and European institutions to boost biodiversity and responsible tourism.
• A cross-cutting plan to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability and dissemination.

Partner Countries

Spain: Instituto Ikigai, Asociación para el Desarrollo Rural Integral de las Tierras del Jiloca y Gallocanta

Italy: FA BENE Community APS

Cyprus: INNOVADE LI LTD

Ireland: Jen Janus Education Company Limited by Guarantee

Portugal: Cresaçor – Cooperativa Regional de Economía Solidaria