Andorra opts for ecotourism - Microstate strengthens environmental protection to boost economy
The tiny mountain nation of Andorra is ramping up efforts to protect the environment. At the same time, the microstate is aiming for economic growth that relies heavily on tourism.
With 90 percent of its territory covered by steep slopes and tourism as its main source of income, Andorra has no room to lose and no margin for error. If the snow melts too quickly or the environment degrades, the country's economy risks collapse.
Since the small country lacks the capacity to tackle a global challenge like climate change alone, Andorra is currently launching more joint efforts with global partners.
"The country is not a member of the European Union, but its climate change policies are already aligned with those of the EU. And we share the same long-term commitment, to carbon neutrality by 2050. So, Andorra is an active member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, since 2011. And we ratified the Paris Agreement in 2015," said David Forne Massoni, Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility.
One of the challenges facing Andorra is the sustainable use of space, so the country has made efforts to ensure that tourism makes the most of the country's resources and welcomes tourists all year round.
"I think the state is doing an excellent job in promoting everything related to sports, especially natural sports like trail running, which has developed a lot in recent years, as well as hiking. Even though I am French, I think Andorra is on the right track in terms of tourism, especially ecotourism," said Jean Luc Dornic, a French visitor.
Andorra chose to create a coherent and long-term system, rather than isolated solutions, to protect its environment. The country has built facilities to convert waste into energy as part of its efforts for sustainable development.
"We export 70 percent of our waste to other EU countries. And since we manage 30 percent of the waste here in Andorra, we have a center for the re-evaluation of this waste and we create energy with it," said Guillem Casal Font, the country's Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock.
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