Tourism/ Eco-Tourism
Tourism in Alvão
The positive aspects of tourism in Alvão are:
- Brings jobs and money;
- Better quality of life for the local community;
- Housing improvements in tourist locations;
- Conservation and rehabilitation of tourist spots;
- Watch rare and unique animals and plants;
- See amazing landscapes and waterfalls;
The negative aspects of tourism in Alvão are:
- Causes pollution (cars, planes and litter);
- Some tracks are destroyed by mass tourism;
- Excessive reliance on tourism.
Eco-Tourism
WHAT IS ECO-TOURISM?
Eco-tourism means travelling in a responsible way to natural places, different cultures and environments. It also involves the well-being of the local people and conservation work.
Everybody who wants to help the environment and to protect places, animals on plants that are in danger can be an eco-tourist. Of course, eco-tourists stop work and enjoy themselves like anyone on holiday. The world is a better place because of their work.
ACTIVITIES THAT AN ECO-TOURIST CAN DO:
- Make voluntary work;
- Pick up the rubbish while you are walking in the tracks;
- Be careful with plants;
- Birdwatching;
- Trekking;
- Contact with the local community;
- Be a shepherd for a day;
- Pick up mushrooms with locals;
- Visit the eco-museum in Arnal, that recreates the environment of a traditional village in Serra do Alvão;
- Rafting down the various watercourses and then recover from your efforts in a banquet of excellent regional gastronomy including delicacies such as meatballs and roasted veal, with high-quality meat from the "maronesa" autochthonous race of cattle.
Steps to a better environment
These are small actions you can take every day:
- Spend some time in your garden;
- Cut down on your energy use;
- Use the same bottle sometimes;
- Plant trees;
- Turn off your devices;
- Choose local products
- Save water;
- Recycle;
- Use public transports;
- Take a shower instead of a bath;
- Buy second hand;
- Eat less meat;
- Get one or more plants for inside your home;
- Before you decide to throw away clothes, goods or materials, take the time to figure out if such can be recycled or reused;
- Bring your own bags.
