Walking and biodiversity – a match made in heaven

Walking is resurging as a pastime, in part because of a human yearning for getting back in touch with nature. Being so devoid of it in urban life, we can long for a paradise beach or a tropical jungle.

More realistic, perhaps, is a walking holiday closer to home. In Europe, biodiversity changes quite dramatically between regions, and if you only have one holiday a year, we think it’s worth taking into consideration biodiversity when choosing the destination.

Slowing down to see nature

Walking at a human pace allows us to observe nature more closely. Properly, like we used to. Unlike traveling by car or even bicycle, walking provides the perfect speed for feeling the tick of the ecosystem, and synchronising into its rhythm. You begin to notice the subtle changes in vegetation and how it links with the different habitats you’re seeing. This heightened awareness is what creates a deeper appreciation for the delicate beauty of biodiversity.

Scientific research consistently tells us that direct contact with nature boosts our understanding of environmental issues and motivates conservation action. If you believe the earth is in need of some TLC, then getting out there is the first step. When people experience biodiversity firsthand through walking, they can realise how devastating their lack of biodiversity is back home. Advice like “take a walk for your mental health” isn’t quite the same when living in sterile environments with no other life.

Learning through landscapes and eco-tourism

Walking isn’t just about experiencing biodiversity, but actually supporting it. Eco-tourism isn’t an idea of holidaying with as minimal negative impact as possible – it’s about actively making a positive impact. Well-managed walking routes can provide economic incentives for local communities to preserve natural habitats rather than converting them for more destructive uses.

Coastal walks, for instance, help communities recognize the value of maintaining pristine shorelines and marine ecosystems. The Rota Vicentina along Portugal’s southwest coast is a good example of how walking tourism can showcase diverse coastal and inland ecosystems while supporting conservation efforts. You can join in if you like by reporting sightings of monitored species.

Mountain walks reveal how species adapt to altitude changes, while forest paths tell us the intricate relationships between trees and wildlife. Different landscapes offer different biodiversity experiences and lessons. Mediterranean coastal regions, such as those encountered when walking from Sintra to Cascais, shows how species adapt to salt spray and sandy soils. Volcanic islands present fascinating examples of endemic species evolution, as seen in the Azores walking on São Miguel Island, where unique plant communities have developed in isolation.

Creating conservation champions

As concerns about climate change intensify, carbon emissions and city pollution are a real problem. Walking is an incredible way to take out a lot of those concerns, as you harmless fit in with the environment.

It’s not just biodiversity but local communities that benefit. You end up walking in rural areas, and this is where farm-to-table restaurants exist, local butchers, and non-chain bakeries. Profits are kept in the local economy, and this creates more money for conservation. Spending your money in a Starbucks where tax is avoided is not contributing to money for local conservation.

The marriage between walking and biodiversity is symbiotic – it benefits both humans and nature. As we slow our pace and open our senses to the world around us, we are better able to gain perspective, rejuvenate, and understand what’s important to protecting the earth.