Sabinares del Arlanza’s Commitment to Ecotourism - La Yecla

This area is part of the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is home to some of the best-preserved juniper forests in the world. Since 2015, it has had a Management Plan that promotes:- Restoration of natural habitats.
- The promotion of certified ecotourism activities.
- Environmental education through workshops and guided tours.
- Collaboration with local businesses to offer sustainable products (such as honey or wine from the Ribera del Arlanza).

It holds accreditation under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) from the EUROPARC Federation, an initiative promoted by the EUROPARC Federation that seeks to foster a model of tourism that respects the environment, supports local communities, and guarantees a quality experience for visitors in Europe’s protected natural areas. Its main objective is to balance the conservation of natural and cultural values with the socioeconomic development of rural areas and their inhabitants.

This commitment translates into a participatory planning process, where local governments, tourism businesses, local associations, and other stakeholders work together to define a common strategy for sustainable tourism. Through this plan, objectives, concrete actions, and evaluation criteria are established to foster tourism that contributes to environmental protection and the well-being of the local population.

Obtaining CETS accreditation means that a protected area has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and continuous improvement. In this way, the Charter becomes a practical tool that not only improves tourism management but also strengthens the territory’s identity, promotes environmental responsibility, and positions the destination as a benchmark for responsible tourism in Europe.

The Sabinares del Arlanza-La Yecla Natural Park, as a member of Soy Ecoturista (the Ecotourism Product Club in Spain), is committed to promoting responsible tourism that values and protects its natural environment. Through sustainable activities that respect biodiversity, it seeks to raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of conserving this unique ecosystem. Additionally, it supports local initiatives that promote economic development in harmony with environmental preservation.