A key step towards ethical, educational, and positive-impact ecotourism
Untamed Spain continues to move forward with its purpose of redefining nature tourism in our country. This time, it does so by presenting an ambitious sustainability model aimed at companies, professionals, and users of nature photography and painting experiences.
This model, driven by AEFONA (Asociación Española de Fotógrafos de Naturaleza) in collaboration with various companies in the sector, sets out a clear and agreed roadmap to promote a more ethical, educational, and responsible tourism practice.
A useful framework to transform the sector
The sustainability model is not a theoretical document, but a practical tool aimed at:
- Reducing costs and barriers for small businesses.
- Promoting genuine sustainable practices.
- Fostering environmental education.
- Actively contributing to local development.
To achieve this, three main lines of action have been defined:
1. Good practices manual
Developed on the basis of technical, ethical, and legal criteria, this manual provides a comprehensive guide for the responsible design and management of tourism experiences in natural environments. It is structured into different thematic sections that address:
- Infrastructure design: hides, observatories, and facilities that respect the environment.
- Visitor care: reception, guidance, safety, and education.
- Interaction with the environment and wildlife: setting preparation, ethical use of lures or lights.
- Responsible travel: prior training, collaboration with local NGOs, reduction of impacts.
The manual also includes recommendations on material sustainability, gender equality, inclusion, emergency protocols, and respectful behavior guidelines for users.
2. Land stewardship agreement model
One of the most relevant advances of this work has been the development of a land stewardship agreement model, applicable to collaborations with:
- Private estates
- Community councils
- Private landowners
These agreements allow companies to create sustainable tourism experiences based on shared responsibility, ensuring mutual benefits and facilitating the inclusion of these activities in the MITERD (Fundación Biodiversidad) database.
3. Sustainability decalogue for companies and users
As a final result, a clear and accessible decalogue has been created, summarizing the key commitments to ensure that photographic and artistic practice is carried out under principles of sustainability. Among them:
- Prioritize the well-being of wildlife over obtaining images.
- Avoid modifying behaviors or altering habitats.
- Do not use live bait or feed without expert guidance.
- Do not leave waste or damage vegetation, lichens, or other natural formations.
- Always act in accordance with current legislation and from an ethical standpoint.
Nature tourism as a conservation tool
This model not only seeks to regulate good practices, but also to serve as a catalyst for a new paradigm: one in which nature photography and painting are not mere tourist products, but tools to conserve, educate, and generate value in the territory.
From Untamed Spain, an open invitation is extended to the entire sector: Joining forces, sharing knowledge, and professionalizing ecotourism under real sustainability criteria is possible. And it is already underway.
📌 This work has been developed by AEFONA within the framework of the Untamed Spain project, funded with European funds.
🗂️ Nature tourism businesses and professionals have actively participated in its definition and validation.
Do you want to learn more about this model or download the manual? It will soon be available on the project website. In the meantime, you can write to us to request more information or collaborate in its implementation.
