From the 8th to the 10th of May, 17 3rd year ESO students from the Santo Tomás de Aquino - Liceo Santa Teresa de Jesús School in Inca (Mallorca) enjoyed two days in Grado (Italy) in the framework of the eco-smart tourism package developed by the EU WeMED_NaTOUR Consortium.
Plastic pollution and conservation efforts were the main topics covered during the stay, which were tackled using EU WeMED_ NaTOUR didactic materials and engaging activities, such as a beach clean-up activity in Punta Barbacale and surveying passengers at Palma airport about their participation in recycling activities. Another activity was the visit to the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, where they were informed about the historical context of the place and, equipped with binoculars, had the opportunity to enjoy a bird-watching activity and learn about the different ecosystems present in the nature reserve, as well as pollution causes in freshwater ponds.
Some lessons learnt shared by the participants:
- “It is of utmost importance to teach what sustainable tourism is because if we do not learn to travel sustainably there will be harmful consequences for the environment.”
- “It doesn't have to be luxury and expensive tourism, where you use a lot of energy, plastic and resources. You just have to travel in a sustainable way and you will enjoy the experience in the same way.”
- “It is important to be a responsible tourist and not to pollute the country you are visiting just as you would not pollute your own.”







