The World's Green List

"TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS."-CHIEF SEATTLE

In a world where the environmental impact of travel is becoming increasingly apparent, the need for sustainable tourism has never been more crucial. As eco-conscious travellers, our goal is to help preserve the Earth's natural beauty while minimising our carbon footprint. Flip through these destinations that are excelling in sustainability and discover how you, as a responsible tourist, can engage in meaningful activities to embrace the eco-traveller within you.

AZERBAIJAN

Hiking

With 16 new sustainable hiking routes in Azerbaijan—and growing by the year—you can savour more of the pleasures of this varied and beautiful land at minimal cost to the environment and local communities. One of the new routes is Khinalig-Galakhudat, a great choice for beginners to see something truly unique in one of the highest villages in Azerbaijan. In Khinalig, the locals speak a language unique to the village and produce a whole range of locally sourced handmade crafts. There is the nearby Kuzun-Yergi Kek trail, also along paths in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in North Azerbaijan, but travel to the western side of the country to appreciate the Javadkhan Peak-Chiragli hiking trail with views of Mount Murov in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains.

Birdwatching

Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to wetlands, host around 400 bird species, including many found in Europe and Western Asia. Mount Beshbarmag, near Baku, is a key stopover for migratory birds like the imperial eagle and peregrine. In the Greater Caucasus Mountains, villages like Khinalig and Laza are ideal for spotting endemics such as the Caucasian black grouse and great rose finch. A trip to Nakhchivan rounds off the birdwatching experience with species unique to the region, including the Mongolian finch and See-see partridge.

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