Is Spain ecofriendly?
When we think of Spain, we envision vibrant cities, a rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. However, beyond these common notions of Spain, its green side is often overlooked. This mesmerizing country actually offers a plethora of eco-friendly experiences that are worth discovering. In this blog, we will explore Spain’s green initiatives and highlight the reasons why Spain is an ecofriendly destination.
Is Spain ecofriendly:
Sustainable tourism: Spain has acknowledged the importance of sustainable tourism, and has implemented policies that support eco-tourism. Visitors can now enjoy tours that are environment-friendly such as cycling expeditions, walking tours, and farm tours. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a network of natural parks and biosphere reserves that are home to several endangered species. These initiatives act as an incentive for travelers to reduce their carbon footprint and to support the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
Green infrastructure: Spain is one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of the development of renewable energy. This has been achieved through significant investment in solar, wind, and hydro energy. In fact, Spain was ranked in the top 10 most energy-efficient countries in the world according to the World Economic Forum. As a traveler, you can appreciate this ecofriendly infrastructure by staying in hotels that implement energy-efficient measures, and by using public transport that is powered by renewable energy sources.
Sustainable agriculture: Spain, being the largest producer of olive oil and wine has been developing organic farming initiatives slowly but steadily. They also encourage the production of local and seasonal food. By supporting locally grown food, tourists can reduce the carbon footprint of transportation associated with the importing process of food. Moreover, there are several farm-to-table markets, where tourists can buy fresh, organic produce and experience Spain’s authentic rural life.
Beaches and coastline: Spain, being one of the 3 world largest tourist destinations, has a duty to ensure that its coastline stays clean and pristine. In 2019, Spain topped the list of countries in Europe with the most blue flag beaches – a certification that denotes the cleanliness and environmental standards of a beach. The Spanish government has prohibited the construction of new buildings and infrastructure within 100m of the coastline. This boosts the beach experience by spreading more green crop cover to prevent erosion, keeping the beach away from noise pollution, and improving oxygen flow.
Green festivals: Spain hosts several eco-friendly and sustainable events every year that attract tourists from every part of the world. One such example is Boom Festival. It is an impressive event based out in Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal, that promotes sustainability, renewable energy, and cultural diversity. The festival is 100% environmentally friendly and receives over 60,000 visitors every year. There are about 20 festivals across the country that are eco-friendly.
Conclusion:
Spain might be known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, but its green side is equally impressive. From its natural parks and biosphere reserves, its green infrastructure, its support for sustainable tourism, to its green festivals, Spain has taken great strides to promote eco-friendly initiatives. As tourists, it is our responsibility to promote sustainability wherever we travel, and Spain’s green initiative should encourage us to do just that. So, next time you visit Spain, consider exploring the country’s eco-friendly side, and help in creating ‘responsible, sustainable tourism’.
