Glarnerland protects its nature: Awareness campaign for sustainable tourism
The canton of Glarus is sending a clear message about protecting its unique natural environment. Together with its partners, the VISIT Glarus Tourism Organisation is launching the campaign ‘Wild and untouched – Help keep it that way’ to encourage people to enjoy the Alpine landscape with respect and to act responsibly.
Why this campaign?
The Glarus region is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine valleys and rich flora and fauna. But with the growing popularity of outdoor tourism and free camping in sensitive alpine areas, the responsibility of each individual to preserve nature is also increasing. ‘Our landscapes are incredibly beautiful – and we all have a responsibility to preserve them,’ says Markus Marti, Managing Director of the Glarus Hiking Trails. ‘With clear rules and targeted awareness-raising, we want to help ensure that humans and nature can coexist in harmony.’
Collaboration for a sustainable future
The campaign was developed in close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Glarus Hiking Trails, the Tödi, Winterthur and Randen SAC sections, Axpo, the Canton of Glarus, the three Glarus municipalities and the Glarus Farmers’ Association. ‘From the outset, it was clear that we had to take action to protect the flora and fauna,’ says Senta Stix, Head of the Nature and Landscape Protection Department of the Canton of Glarus. ‘Nature is our most valuable asset – and together we will ensure that it is preserved for future generations.’
Responsible behaviour in nature
The campaign focuses on education and personal responsibility. Clear rules of conduct help guests and locals to move around the countryside in a respectful manner:
✔ Respect for wildlife – keep a distance and do not feed them.
✔ Protected plants and mushrooms should be left in place – the flora is not a decorative element.
✔ Hiking and biking only on marked trails and paths – do not create your own paths.
✔ Overnight stays? Better in huts – wild camping is prohibited in protected areas.
✔ No litter in the countryside – take everything you bring with you back.
✔ Keep dogs on a leash – to protect wild and grazing animals.
✔ Avoid noise – show consideration for people and animals.
✔ Observe the ban on drones – no drones in protected areas.
✔ Only light fires in designated fireplaces – reduce the risk of forest fires.
✔ Do your business in the countryside – responsibly – avoid leaving traces.
Additional protective measures for sensitive areas
Last year, targeted measures were already implemented at Oberblegisee and Panixer Pass in the municipality of Glarus Süd to protect the natural environment in the long term. From this year onwards, restrictions will also be imposed at Muttenchopf in the Limmern area to reduce the burden on flora and fauna.
‘Our aim is not to create a culture of blanket prohibitions, but to implement targeted measures where necessary,’ explains Fritz Weber, Head of the Department of Society and Security in the municipality of Glarus Süd. ‘The measures will be implemented carefully. The municipality will rely on information and dialogue rather than on penalties. Wild campers will first be reminded of the rules before further steps are considered.’
Guided offers as an opportunity for the region
The growing interest in outdoor experiences not only presents challenges, but also opportunities. The demand for natural accommodation and experiences is increasing – and the Glarus region wants to benefit from this. VISIT Glarus and private providers are actively exploring new accommodation and experience options that can be implemented in a hopefully useful timeframe. These are intended to offer visitors attractive alternatives to wild camping while also protecting the natural environment. ‘New, well-located accommodation options can help to better manage visitor flows and strengthen the region economically.’ ‘We want to create positive experiences,’ says Fridolin Hösli, Managing Director of VISIT Glarus.
