This project in the regional nature parks of Diemtigtal, Gantrisch, and Chasseral focused on developing and testing new solutions to meet the needs of tourism while protecting natural resources. Educational offerings on topics such as biodiversity, conservation and use of natural resources, and sustainable development were combined with experiences in nature, making sustainability tangible and accessible to park residents and visitors. Initiatives were developed to help disseminate information, raise awareness about the needs of nature, and guide visitors in sensitive natural areas. New, sustainable tourism services were established, promoting innovation and added value creation in the park regions. 

A research project investigated the extent to which park visitors are aware of existing rules meant to protect wildlife, plants, and sensitive habitats; how well they understand the significance of these rules for nature; and how they assess the impact of their own behavior on the environment. The findings provide a basis for the three regional nature parks to further develop their visitor management strategies and to better tailor their awareness-raising efforts to different target groups. Implementation of the various interventions and measures was monitored and evaluated by the research team. In addition, the researchers reviewed promising innovations from other local and global contexts and adapted them for implementation in the Bernese parks. 

In collaboration with: Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning of the Canton of Bern (AGR)