By Covadonga Riesco.
The UN Tourism’s definition of sustainable tourism has never been more relevant than when applied to El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands. As I delve deeper into my Final Master’s Project, this definition, introduced by Marck Gutt in his class on travel journalism ethics, serves as the perfect framework for understanding how this small volcanic island is revolutionizing the concept of sustainable tourism.
The UN definition perfectly integrates three crucial pillars: economic, social, and environmental impacts. This challenged my initial view of El Hierro as just another “eco-destination.” The island isn’t simply preserving its environment; it’s working on the delicate balance between progress and preservation.
While most articles I find focus solely on its environmental achievement of being one of the first islands to achieve 100% renewable energy, the UN definition pushes me to explore deeper questions: How has this initiative impacted local employment? Has it influenced the type of tourists the island attracts? What does it mean for traditional industries like fishing and agriculture?
The phrase “addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities” particularly challenges my approach as a travel journalist. It reminds me that my reporting shouldn’t just highlight El Hierro’s landscapes and
sustainable initiatives, but also examine the delicate balance between tourist satisfaction and local community preservation. How do the islanders feel about tourism development? What mechanisms ensure that tourism benefits flow
directly to local communities?
This reflection is changing how I want to approach my Final Master’s Project. Instead of simply documenting sustainable practices in El Hierro, I now want to explore the complex interaction between all stakeholders involved. I’ll take my narrative beyond the obvious “green tourism” angle and try to convey human stories that exemplify this delicate balance. Examples could include the traditional farmer adapting to ecotourism, the local guide creating new cultural experiences, or the young entrepreneur preserving tradition while innovating.
As a travel journalist, this comprehensive understanding of sustainable tourism challenges me to produce more nuanced and responsible content. It’s not just about promoting El Hierro as a sustainable destination; it’s about faithfully documenting a living laboratory where sustainable tourism principles are being tested, challenged, and redefined every day.
The story I want to tell is not just about an ecological island, but about a community actively working to align visitor experiences, environmental preservation, economic viability, and social authenticity. I want to tell the story of how El Hierro is practicing sustainable tourism and showing what the future of responsible travel could look like.
This article is part of the practical work carried out by the students of the Master’s in Travel Journalism.
