Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile
The CTS (Centro Turistico Studentesco e
Giovanile) is one of the leading italian youth tourist associations. It was
founded in 1974 as a non profit association and has grown to 200,000 members -
100 offices in Italy and 3 outlet abroad. In 1992 it was acknowledged by the
Ministry of Environment as an Environmental Association. The acknowledgement was
due to CTS's commitment for the conservation and study of the environment,
carried out mostly through its environment department.
The environment department of CTS (CTS per l'Ambiente) was established in
1989. It aims at promoting nature conservation by:
- providing a correct environmental information and education,
especially to students
- supporting environment related research projects in the
field
- promoting sustainable tourism
Education and Popularization
Educational
activities to promote a respectful attitude and stimulate the interest towards
the environment are carried out in a number of italian protected areas from
October to June. They are dedicated to students of primary and middle school.
Besides usual teaching methods, environment related activities in the field are
undertaken.
Besides, popular classes of marine
biology, zoology, birdwatching, nature photography, scuba diving for everyone
are given in several CTS offices all over Italy. All the classes include
activities in the field.
Research
Projects
CTS has supported environmental
research projects in the field since 1989.
The projects are funded mainly through the method of 'participant funding'.
Everyone willing to be involved in the protection and study of endangered
species and habitats is allowed to take part in research activities on payment
of a contribution to support the projects. Participant role is that of a
non-specialist but motivated field assistant. Volunteers' practical and
financial support is of vital importance to help scientists carry out their
work. On the other hand, researchers discuss with participants the project's
aims, methods and results.
Most of our current
projects take place in Italy and the Mediterranean area (Greek Ionian Islands)
and are related to the survey of :
- birds (Greater Flamingo, Griffon Vulture, Peregrin Falcon,
Eleonora's Falcon, Cory's Shearwater, little migrators, etc.)
- marine mammals (Balaenoptera physalus, Tursiops truncatus,
Delphinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba, Grampus griseus)
- mammals (Cervus elaphus, Cervus elaphus corsicanus, Capreolus
capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Rupicapra rupicapra
ornata, Capra ibex, Canis lupus, Ursus arctos marsicanus, etc.)
- reptiles: marine turtle (Caretta caretta)
- ecology of coastal dunes (Rio Piscinas, Sardinia)
- geology of umbro-marchigiano Apennine
- archaeology (Romans and Goths in
Italy)
Two non-European projects are
related to :
- conservation of marine turtles in Mexico (thanks to a
collaboration with the Mexican National Fisheries Institute)
- valuation and monitoring of coral reef in Bunaken Marine
Park, Indonesia (thanks to a collaboration with the Kuda Laut
Project)
Ecotourism
The promotion of sustainable
tourism is one of the main objectives of CTS. It is pursued through :
- publications and educational activities
- carrying out of research projects through the method of
'participant funding, which may be considered as a sustainable alternative to
'traditional' tourism
- planning of nature trips according to the ethics of
ecotourism. Quoting the Ecotourism Society that means a 'responsible travel to
natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of
local people'. CTS is currently collaborating with Discover the World (a UK
tour operator with experience in sustainable tourism) for the carrying out of
eco-travel to many destinations all over the
world.
Publications
Information and educational
material, produced by CTS over the years to support its educational activity in
the environmental field include :
- a few VHS about the following subjects: ecology for students,
voluntary service and participant funding in favour of nature, nature in
Italy, nature in Abruzzo's National Park
- a few guides about: Italian National Parks, Nature in Italy,
Birdwatching, Nature Holidays, Cycling Tourism in
Italy.
For further information on
the Centro Turistico Studentesco e
Giovanile, visit our
website
Information
Source
Prepared by ...
Centro Turistico Studentesco e
Giovanile
CTS Presidenza Nazionale
via Nazionale 66,
00184 Roma, Italy
Facsimile +39 6 4679252
Web URL
http://www.cts.it/