Background
Campsites are important sources of information about sustainable development. They also cover large areas of land and thus have a high impact on biodiversity. A large campsite can have up to 50,000 visitors a year. Camping entails sleeping in tents, caravans, campervans, or rental units at sites mostly situated in picturesque, natural environments. A pristine environment with unpolluted air and water is just as important to campers as sanitary facilities, attractive recreational activities and friendly staff.
Current Activities
Due to the high importance of the environment to campers, many German camping operations are already promoting nature conservation and include this in company statements.
Many also show their commitment to nature conservation in applications for various national and international environmental certifications, including the ECOCAMPING label or the EU Ecolabel for Campsites.
Supporting biodiversity conservation at campsites has a high potential for improving facility management and educating businesses, campers, staff, and partners about this important issue. However, despite the benefits, biodiversity conservation at campsites is still at an early stage and rarely discussed or adequately incorporated in business approaches. As part of the European Business and Biodiversity Campaign a “Biodiversity Check” was developed, which is a possible mechanism to systematically improve various aspects of business activities relating to biodiversity.
Planned Project Measures
The aim of the “Biodiversity at campsites in Germany” project is to create and enhance new habitats at campsites around Germany. Mechanisms to achieve this goal are to train companies and their staff, raise awareness and educate campers about biodiversity, and create a national cooperation network for incorporating sustainable biodiversity strategies in campsite management.