03 Feb Respect the Mountains in Val Gardena, Dolomites
Respect the Mountains in Val Gardena, Dolomites
Dolomites in Val Gardena promote responsible tourism to protect natural heritage
Destination: Val Gardena, Italy
Organization: Val Gardena
Respect for the mountains that attract visitors to Val Gardena is central to Val Gardena’s responsible travel program. The Puez-Odle Nature Park is located in the Dolomites region of Northern Italy, one of the Dolomites’ most significant protected areas, borders and extends across Val Gardena and its surrounding valleys, making the destination an ideal starting point for exploring the park. Located in the Dolomites region of Northern Italy, Val Gardena prioritizes a mindful and responsible approach to visiting natural landscapes, with the clear goal of protecting and preserving the Dolomites for future generations.
To support a sustainable holiday in Val Gardena, the destination promotes environmentally friendly travel practices. Visitors are encouraged to use free local bus transportation, avoid plastic water bottles, separate waste properly, stay longer, and dive deeper into the destination.
At the heart of this approach is “Respect the Mountain”, an initiative that encourages responsible behavior among visitors, locals, and tourism practitioners alike. The project aims to raise awareness and inspire people to act respectfully in the mountains, just as they would in their everyday lives.
The main focus areas of the Respect the Mountain initiative include
1. Preventing waste
2. Promoting drinkable water
Many visitors are not aware of the drinkable water and use bottled water instead. The initiative teaches visitors, locals, and tourism professionals that the tap water is high-quality and drinkable and teaches them how to use it carefully and respectfully.
The initiative encourages the appropriate disposal of waste and prevents the production of waste.
By encouraging small but conscious actions, the initiative supports a culture of care that protects fragile mountain ecosystems while making sustainable behavior intuitive and accessible. Through clear guidance, education, and shared responsibility, Val Gardena demonstrates how destinations can transform respect for nature into everyday practice, ensuring the Dolomites remain a place of beauty, balance, and care.
