South Central Hungary, Hungary
The Duna-Dráva National Park, south of Pécs, is a protected wetland area. It preserves unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The Mecsek Hills area around Pécs, known as Mecsek Nature Park, seeks to preserve its natural beauty and forests. When exploring these areas, stay on marked trails and dispose of waste properly.
Hungary has recycling programs for plastics, paper, glass, and metal. In Pécs, separate bins for different types of waste are in public areas and at accommodations. Carry a Foldable shopping bag to avoid plastic bags. Choose products with minimal packaging and dispose of trash properly.
While Pécs generally does not face severe water scarcity, water conservation is a global concern. Use water mindfully during your stay. Take shorter showers, turn off taps when not in use, and reuse towels in your accommodation. Pécs has safe tap water, bring a Reusable water bottle to refill.
Choose accommodations and tours that align with sustainable values.
When booking, look for accommodations that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Some hotels may have environmental certifications or actively promote eco-friendly practices (e.g., energy efficiency, waste reduction, local sourcing).
Select tour operators that demonstrate ethical practices and commitment to the environment and local communities.
Support local museums, cultural centers (like the Kodály Centre), and historical sites (like the Early Christian Necropolis, an UNESCO site). Your entry fees contribute to their upkeep and preservation.
Learning a few Hungarian phrases ("Szia," "Köszönöm," "Kérem") shows respect and often opens doors to warmer interactions.
Consider offsetting carbon emissions from your flights. Many airlines and third-party organizations offer carbon offset programs. Terrapass provides carbon offsets.
Bring a Reusable water bottle from Patagonia and a Reusable shopping bag from Package Free Shop to reduce waste.
Support conservation organizations like The Rainforest Site.Small actions make a difference in preserving Pécs's environment and culture.
Support the local community through your spending.
Seek opportunities to engage with and support community-based tourism initiatives. This could mean staying in local guesthouses, attending local events, or participating in small group tours led by local residents.
Prioritize purchasing items that are clearly locally produced and handmade. This supports local artisans and local heritage.
Opt for locally owned and operated restaurants, cafes, shops, and tour operators over international chains. This allows small businesses to thrive.
Be aware of common tourist scams. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.
If you wish to contribute to the local community, research reputable local charities or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work on community development, environmental protection, or social welfare projects in Pécs.
Find established local charities or NGOs in Pécs.
Support projects that try to better the local community.
Donate to groups focused on local environmental protection.
