Nature conservation meets tourism: experiences on the Thuringia Green Belt!

Nature conservation meets tourism: experiences on the Thuringia Green Belt!

In recent years, the Thuringia Green Belt has developed into an exciting project that harmoniously combines nature conservation and tourism. The main focus of this initiative is to create an experience map under the title “Rhön Green Belt”. This joint project by the Thuringia Nature Conservation Foundation and Rhön GmbH aims to make the diversity of the Green Belt tangible and at the same time promote a sustainable tourism approach. “Local recreation on the Green Belt” is the name of the project, which has already aroused great interest, reports the Franconian day.

The project includes the creation of an experience map that shows hikes, bike tours, cultural sites and restaurants between Vacha and Behrungen. This map not only puts nature in the spotlight, but also highlights local features. It's about attractively marketing the region's natural beauty and cultural treasures with a new digital booking system, which makes online reservations for experiences easier. By involving trained nature and landscape guides, the first bookable offers will be created, which will stimulate the regional economies.

The focus is on protecting nature

The basis for the Thuringia Green Belt is its designation as a national natural monument in 2018. It is sponsored by the Thuringia Nature Conservation Foundation (SNT), which actively advocates for the preservation of the historic border and the care of these valuable habitats. In addition to the current projects, the SNT plans to implement a care, development and information plan that describes basic measures for the further development and protection of the area. The foundation not only has the ambition to protect nature conservation regulations, but also to keep the memory of the division of Germany alive. Green Belt Thuringia reports that the success of the project depends heavily on the participation of the local population.

The SNT team, consisting of three employees in Erfurt, has taken over the central organization. Responsibilities range from coordinating area supervisors to supporting the implementation of the care plan. A total of eight sections ensure that the area is effectively looked after at every point. The area managers are not only responsible for maintenance and species protection measures, but also for public relations work that serves to educate and raise awareness among the population. This emphasizes the importance of the connection between nature conservation, agriculture, forestry and tourism, such as Thuringia Nature Conservation Foundation explained.

The way into the future

The “Local Recreation on the Green Belt” project has the potential to provide impulses far beyond the Rhön. Future goals include expanding the digital platform and expanding the range of experiences. Stronger cross-border cooperation is also being considered to make the Green Belt even more visible. All of this is only possible through close cooperation and integration of local actors who are important to the locals. A successful mix of nature conservation and tourism offerings could ultimately prove to be profitable for everyone.

For further information about the adventure map and the offers, the Rhön tour portal is available on the website rhoen.info can be found.