Motion 130 adopted: Strengthening restrictions against unsustainable tourism in Protected Areas
News
At the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of Motion 130 – Strengthening restrictions against unsustainable tourism infrastructure, with over 98% of votes in support.
This motion, initiated by the Albanian NGO PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania) and co-sponsored by 14 partner organizations from 13 countries, including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, EuroNatur, BirdLife International, Tour du Valat, Wetlands International and others, calls for stronger safeguards against large-scale tourism infrastructure in IUCN Category I and II Protected Areas.
What began as a call from a small Albanian NGO reacting to recent legislative changes allowing the construction of large tourism infrastructures within national parks, has now become a global achievement for conservation.
Through this motion, IUCN Members reaffirmed a shared principle:
Protected areas are for conservation, not for massive tourism development.
The text urges governments to:
- Ban large-scale tourism infrastructure within core zones of Category I and II Protected Areas;
- Align national legislations with international conservation standards;
- Ensure that all tourism activities within protected areas are subject to environmental and social impact assessments;
- Promote sustainable tourism models that support local livelihoods while preserving ecosystems.
DIMFE is proud to support PPNEA, whose leadership in this process has helped catalyze a strong international response to defend the integrity of Protected Areas in Albania and beyond.