Overtourism in Europe: an urgent challenge for landscape conservation

This summer, southern Europe has been marked by a troubling conversation about "overtourism," a phenomenon that has begun to alarmingly affect the continent's most iconic tourist areas. From the beaches of the Costa Brava to the picturesque canals of Venice, stories of saturation and landscape deterioration have multiplied in the media. Several reports and articles in newspapers and cultural magazines have started to shed light on a problem that not only impacts tourism but threatens the very essence of the places that attract it. The definition of "overtourism" provided in a European Parliament study in 2019 states that it is a situation in which the impact of tourism exceeds sustainable limits both physically and socially and economically. Spain is one of the countries most affected by this phenomenon. The streets of Barcelona, the trails of the Pyrenees, and the corners of the Alhambra are increasingly invaded by waves of tourists, creating a direct conflict between heritage conservation and the need to maintain an economy dependent on tourism. However, the analysis of this phenomenon cannot be limited to mere observation; it must be part of a broader debate about how we manage our public spaces. Reflecting on "landscape" as an integrative concept of nature, culture, and history is fundamental in this context. The idea of protecting the landscape is not just an aesthetic issue; it becomes a social and legal imperative. Ultimately, protecting a landscape is about protecting its inhabitants, their culture, and their history. During this summer period, the book "Café y Cigarrillos" by German writer Ferdinand Von Schirach has served as a reflection on the importance of the voice of the Law against power. His analysis of the history of three lawyers who defended terrorists in Germany reminds us of the importance of judicial independence and the protection of the rule of law—values that are equally applicable to the defense of our landscapes and environments. Just as in the context of trials, landscapes are also a reflection of the social and political struggles of our time. Otto Schily's phrase, “Let us use the voice of the Law against Power!” resonates strongly when we think about how governments must face the challenge of overtourism. The responsibility to protect landscapes cannot fall solely on citizens or local communities; it requires serious political commitment and coordinated action that includes creating laws to protect the environment. The idea of including the concept of "landscape" in the Constitution could be a first step toward safeguarding our most vulnerable environments. The solution is not simple and will surely require a multifaceted approach. On one hand, regulating access to the most overloaded places, and on the other, educating tourists and locals about the importance of preserving the beauty and integrity of these spaces. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to find a balance that allows for both enjoyment of these places and their protection. In education, we should start at an early age to instill a deep respect for our environment. This type of training should not be limited to classrooms but should be part of a community effort that involves all sectors of society. Learning to appreciate the uniqueness of each landscape, the story that each corner tells, is fundamental to fostering a culture of conservation. Although the challenges are significant, there is hope in the fact that awareness of overtourism has begun to grow, along with a movement toward sustainability. Voices advocating for more responsible tourism management are starting to be heard, and it is crucial that we continue this dialogue. Protecting the landscape is not just an aesthetic desire; it is a moral imperative. In this summer of trials and broken landscapes, we find ourselves at a crucial moment. How we address overtourism and the conservation of our spaces will reflect our priorities as a society. If we do not act vigorously to safeguard what remains of our landscapes, we risk losing not only beauty but also an essential part of our cultural identity. The voice of the Law must rise in favor of a future where tourism and nature coexist in harmony.