We all know that climate change will affect our ability to visit certain places we love but what you may not realize is there’s lots going on that can help ensure your next trip has an even greater impact.
While global warming poses challenges to some of our favorite destinations, climate change also presents opportunities that have sparked exciting developments, making these locations perfect choices for travelers who want to experience authentic cultures while enjoying top notch amenities and environmental awareness efforts.
Here are just a handful of beautiful spots that offer incredible adventures amid breathtaking scenery thanks largely to their resilience in dealing with climate impacts:
Marrakech: A City Investing in Its Future
As one of North Africa’s most magnetic cities, Marrakech is home to an array of stunning sights including its famed medina, souks and gardens. To respond to the increasing demand on regional waters, Marrakech and surrounding regions are investing in increased capacities for efficient irrigation in their iconic gardens while expanding their use of renewables.
This means when you’re exploring the city’s beautiful restorations such as its riads and palm groves you’ll know the hospitality industry is well positioned to implement water conscious strategies across this entire sector of the economy. For visitors who want to take the sustainable trip, Morocco’s tourism board says that the country is committed to sustainability as part of its long term strategy(Morocco National Tourism Office) .
Zanzibar: Protecting the Reefs That Make It Famous
Though much of its coastline faces rising sea levels and climate change impacts, Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and coral reefs continue to be one of the best diving spots and beaches in the world. However, rather than simply seeing an area under threat, there are numerous opportunities for visitors to engage directly with marine conservation efforts while enjoying what makes Zanzibar special.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) works alongside other organizations that focus on various aspects of coral reef restoration including creating marine protected areas around Zanzibar as well as supporting eco certified resort operations throughout East Africa where communities have started working together on reef rehabilitation initiatives(IUCN). There are also plenty of ways visitors can get involved depending upon personal interests ranging from volunteering at research stations focused purely on understanding better how different types affect overall health status through participating more broadly by joining guided tours led by experts who explain everything you need to know before heading out onto open water!
Prague: A Heritage City Built for the Long Term
For millennia, Prague’s fairytale skyline and old town have weathered centuries long changes while responding to contemporary climatic challenges. With one of the most sophisticated systems for protecting against flooding on Europe’s rivers, movable barriers have proved effective at keeping the historic city centre safe from water during periods of extreme rainfall.
To complement these efforts, the capital has increased its areas dedicated to greenery and shaded pathways for pedestrians ensuring tourists can walk around all year long without feeling too hot under the sun. So visitors who want to see more than just the typical ‘must see’ spots are now able to roam around outside the height of summer, when the city becomes less crowded but still very pleasant.
Lima: Innovating Around Water
Lima known as one of the world’s greatest desert capitals has become renowned for its resourcefulness when it comes to finding creative solutions around the challenge of water security, such as fog catching nets in its hills and the modernisation of its water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lima continues to impress tourists with its celebrated culinary scene, colonial buildings and the beauty of its promenades along the coast. As a result, the city has inspired innovative projects which have been studied around the world.
Funchal: A Garden City Rebuilding Stronger
Funchal is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals, with lush botanical gardens, breathtaking coastal views, and a pleasant microclimate all year round. In response to extreme weather conditions in recent years, Madeira has made significant investments into enhanced drainage systems, slope stabilisation and forest management ensuring that this incredible city and its famous levada trails are now among the best maintained on the planet.
The Madeira Tourism Authority has also rolled out an upgraded sustainable tourism certification programme to enable visitors to easily select from hotels and tour operating companies committed to preserving the island’s UNESCO listed laurel forests (Visit Madeira)
The Bigger Picture
“Destinations that engage with adaptation and sustainable development strategies today are already well placed to continue to provide quality, resilient travel experiences for generations ahead,” said Global Organizations Tracking Climate & Tourism Including UN Tourism.
“When you visit, your choice supports conservation initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and growing local economies.”
To visit these top choices for destination resilience means you’ll have an impact on each community’s future as well. Travelers should consider visiting responsibly by booking tours that highlight sustainable practices, choosing shoulder seasons, etc., and more.
The goal of highlighting these 5 cities where tourists will feel good knowing their presence helps sustain the destination environment is to help all tourists make informed decisions about where they spend time and money, ultimately helping preserve those sites. Some great locations include Marrakech Morocco; Zanzibar Tanzania; Prague Czech Republic; Lima Peru And Funchal Madeira Islands Portugal among others listed above.
