The Center for Sustainable Tourism (ZENAT) was established as an association of tourism experts from the environment of the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNE Eberswalde), and has since been joined by professors from other universities. The primary goal of ZENAT is to promote and advance sustainable tourism in all its aspects. As a think tank, it focuses on research and the generation of new insights into various areas of sustainable tourism, as well as the development of strategies and concepts for implementing sustainable tourism in practice. By presenting future-relevant and innovative solutions, ZENAT also aims to stimulate public discourse and support the exchange of knowledge and experience.
ZENAT's work specifically includes the conception and implementation of national and international research, development, and consulting projects, as well as training and qualification programs (e.g., seminars, workshops) for practitioners in various areas of sustainable tourism. The center's key focus areas include climate protection and climate change adaptation, biodiversity and tourism in protected areas, visitor management, sustainability and culture, sustainability reporting and certifications, as well as measuring the sustainability of tourism. Another area of focus is tourism development in countries of the Global South and in development cooperation.
ZENAT places great importance on bridging research and practice. It boasts an extensive network of universities, tourism industry stakeholders, and organizations involved in environmental and nature conservation as well as development cooperation.
In recent years, ZENAT members have carried out numerous projects on various aspects of sustainable tourism management. Their clients and funding bodies have included, among others, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the German Environment Agency, the European Commission, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry for Rural Development, Environment and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg.
