The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism is a new developed award for European large-scale protected areas like Nature Parks, National Parks and Biosphere Reserves. The parks that get involved in sustainable tourism will be awarded. The general aim is to follow the principles of sustainability, to find a balance between the ecological, social and economic aspects of tourism. The European Charter contributes largely to the protection of natural and cultural heritage areas. It connects sustainable touristy development in large-scale nature reserves with the requirement of visitors and the natives. Furthermore an objective is to enhance the quality of the touristy offers and the living quality of the local population.

The Charter was developed by a European panel of experts in the field of, nature protection and tourism. The Charter is awarded by EUROPARC Federation, the umbrella organisation of European large-scale protected areas. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) as well as the environmental program of the United Nations (UNEP) supports the Charter programme.