European tourism Gardens of Eden no 10

Wild birds, wine road, sleeping beauty, paradise by the sea

The natural world and wildlife in Turkey, Spain, Slovenia and Romania

The Bird Republic in the Warta Mouth (Poland)

Bird-watching is the main attraction in the park. Each year, the park designates its bird of the year, which is chosen among the many rare and endangered species of birds living in the protected zone.

Past birds chosen in the last few years include the Barn Owl (2008) and the Lapwing (2009). For tourists, there is a designated "Bird Route" trail (Betonka) that leads through some of the most interesting breeding and resting  zones of waterfowl and wading birds in the park.

Besides being a refuge for birds, the park also draws visitors looking for adventure. There are a number of biking walking and canoeing trails. One of such trails in the northern part of the park is a 32-km bike route that meanders through some of the park's most lush and spectacular landscaped areas.

The Warta River Mouth area is also a region of great cultural and historical significance. Many kingdoms once battled over these lands including, the Knights of Saint John and King Frederic the Great of Prussia. Ultimately, Frederic the Great was imprisoned in the Kostrzyn Fortress in the 18th century.

The park has undergone a facelift in the past years in order to make it more tourist friendly. Large, eco-friendly viewing towers and observation areas were constructed to allow visitors to get "up close" to the action. Planners and builders took proper precautions to not disrupt wildlife, while making the entire experience for everyone more enjoyable.

Since the park is easily accessible by train and only 70 kilometers from Berlin, measures have been taken to maintain its popularity, but also keep it as a place to relax in peace and tranquility.

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Park Gravenrode (Netherlands)

With rolling hills and rising landscapes, the region is quite a contrast to the rest of Holland and its beauty is just beginning to be untapped.

Whenever a park includes the largest indoor ski village in the world, it is bound to attract curious visitors. The skiing conditions at Snowworld rival those of pistes throughout Europe, but without all the fuss. The ski village includes state-of-the-art accommodation and activities for the entire family.

For nature lovers, there are the ultra-modern and astounding Mondo Verde gardens. The gardens rest on the Limburg region's hillsides, providing unmatched majestic views. Not far from the gardens is the Gaiapark Kerkrade Zoo, one of the most forward-thinking zoos in Holland.

Two beautifully restored natural settings include the Stijthagerbeekdal and the Anstellerbeekdal. These now-thriving landscapes were once two of the most-polluted leftovers from the mining industry.

When local Dutch authorities came together with a plan to revive the region, they knew it was going to be a lot of work. Years of neglect and pollution left the area in ruins, but their perseverance has made this park truly extraordinary.

In the mid-eighties, the deteriorated Erenstein Castle was completely renovated into a magnificent restaurant. A farmhouse nearby was turned into a classic hotel. Then the Dutch addressed the park's environment. After tireless efforts on their part, the park now is as lush, colourful and vibrant as ever.
Park Gravenode is a model example on how man has the ability to turn back the hands of time for a region to when it was splendid and pure.

The Dutch are well aware of their past as well-thought measures have been instilled to keep Park Gravenrode moving in the right direction. State of the art entertainment like Snowworld pushes the boundaries of what's modern, while refurbished local buildings ties the region together with its once positive past.

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Mellieħa and the Hamlet of Manikata (Malta)

With its marvellous Mediterranean weather, Mellieħa is a dream-destination for those in search of sun.

The beaches that line the coast of Mellieħa are some of the world's finest. All the "fun under the sun" activities are available, along with top-notch restaurants, nightlife and accommodations.

For visitors looking for non-beach culture, Mellieħa is rich in archaeological sites. The magnificent church, Our Lady Mellieħa, is one of Malta's most-prized pieces. It was built shortly after the Knights re-established the island in the 1500s. Every year on August 30th, the feast of Our Ladies of Victories commemorates the repelling of the Ottoman Great Siege in 1565. The celebration lasts until September 8th and it is said that this victory helped save Europe's Christianity.

The charm and mystique in the region are alluring. With a combined population of 8,200 residents, Mellieħa and Manikata offer visitors a relaxed "rural-island" experience. The picturesque landscapes on the coastal region are second to none, with many trails leading to spectacular vista points.

Inland, vast and fertile farmlands provide fresh produce to the region’s many restaurants. Local farmers, through programs like the Rural Heritage Trail, have recently banded together to preserve their authentic farming practices and the results are impressive.

The people of Mellieħa are constantly looking at ways to improve their land. Major projects to cleanup abandoned countryside farms and other places of neglect are top priorities on the agenda. One such area, Il-Bajjad, once was a deteriorating scrapyard. After incalculable hours of work, the terraced fields re-opened in 2008 with a vineyard, garden and fruit trees.

Countless other projects have also succeeded in refurbishing old farmhouses and turning them into modern bed and breakfasts. These unique practices are what make this locality a leader in today's world of redeveloped landscapes.

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Recreation area and nature reserve "Haff Réimech" (Luxembourg)

A major attraction is the 42-kilometer long "Wine Road" that starts on the Luxembourg Moselle river. The route winds its way through gorgeous lands dotted by many exquisite wineries. Stopping to taste some of the wines is a must.

Nature walks through the commune's green forests are highly appreciated by tourists. The Half Reimech trail takes visitors through many of the zone's exclusive lands and scenic observation points. One of the stops on the Half Reimech is dedicated solely to bird-watching and has an observation post that allows enthusiasts to view birds in their natural habitat.

The immense respect the region has for nature and wildlife is truly amazing. The Three Borders Nature Park plans to build a crossing that runs through the "Pferdemosel", which is the area between the Saarland villages of Besch and Nennig (Perl). It will run adjacent to the man-made lakes, which are an important habitat for the park's birds. This crossing will allow visitors to cross the Moselle river without using cars.

The Commune of Schengen continues to explore ideas and make improvements in the region. A private investor recently stated his intention to redevelop the 18th century Schengen Castle (Chateau de Schengen) into a hotel. The park has already announced plans to build a water-ski track in the more remote part of the bathing lake area. Such initiatives are prime examples of Schengen's commitment to sustainability.

The expansion of the region's facilities has not been a detriment to the environment. Much of the area lies in a "protected" zone and procedures have been taken to ensure eco-friendly development.

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Valere Tjolle

Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE

Also see:
NO 9 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148389.php
N0 8 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148290.php
No 7 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1148189.php
No 6http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147978.php
No 5 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147875.php
No 4 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147779.php
No 3 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147673.php
No 2 http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147583.php
No 1http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1147467.php