THE VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY IN TOURISM Biodiversity is the variety of living beings, animals and plants, existing on Earth; it can be evaluated in terms of genes (genetic variability within the same species, for which each individual is unique), species (due to the number of species in a given habitat), ecosystems (due to the multiplicity of habitats and their interaction). Biodiversity is essential for maintaining that network of vital connections and systems that provide us with food, health, energy sources but also fun and entertainment. Preserving biodiversity means maintaining not only diversity but also unique cultural heritage that could be dispersed or disappear.
Biodiversity is vital for tourism too. Coasts, mountains, rivers and forests are major attractions for tourists around the world. Biodiversity plays different roles in different types of tourism. For most other types of tourism, biodiversity contributes significantly to the attractiveness and quality of destinations. In the last decade, holiday destinations have changed and tourists, more and more often, are looking for untouched places to practice activities in direct contact with nature. This new interest in the wild and little artificial places, testifies to a change in the relationship between man and the environment, which translates into a tourist offer increasingly marked by the diversification of activities and the enhancement of the territory. Valorisation, however, does not necessarily mean safeguarding; in fact, the presence of man in certain areas needs careful specialist care, aimed at protecting biodiversity, because it is precisely the variety of animal and plant species that makes every natural environment unique. Human activities may also be intrusive and the economic improvement from tourism may be damaging to some areas in need of protection, it is precisely those uncontaminated destinations increasingly desired by those who are looking for a different holiday and in contact with nature. Even in the city areas, tourism depends on the supply of food, clean water, and other ecosystem services that comes from the bio-diversity of the ecosystem. Sustainable tourism consists of 3 points: 1) Human well-being, 2) respect of the environment, 3) satisfy the economy. As for the first point, nature satisfies the well-being of man. man can breathe clean air, stay in contact with animals. As for the second point, of course it is important that men respect nature, so they must not pollute and disturb the animals. So, in this way, you can have a good relationship with nature. As for the last point, this type of tourism satisfy economy thanks to the creation of “agriturismi”. In “agriturismi” we can eat products at km0, and this respects the environment because it reduces what there is
