The Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) is proud to participate in the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC), taking place in ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 9–15 October 2025. This IUCN global event brings together governments, civil society, scientists, and innovators to shape solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future for people and nature.

On October 9th, BTI will host a World Café Session titled: “Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Tourism – Experience-Sharing from the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Western Indian Ocean”, from 2.30 to 4 PM EAT.
This interactive session will bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how sustainable blue tourism can support biodiversity conservation, enhance community resilience, and foster inclusive economic opportunities across diverse regional contexts.

The discussion will highlight innovative examples and lessons learned from three key regions — the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Western Indian Ocean — showcasing how coastal and marine tourism can contribute to a just and sustainable blue economy.

Agenda Highlights:

• Welcome & Introduction – Arnau Teixidor (IUCN)

• Opening Remarks – Rachel Clausing (Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation)

• Panel Discussion (Moderated by Thiago Beraldo Souza, TAPAS Group):
  Featuring Victor Galvan (Ibero Start), David Obura (CORDIO East Africa), and Tiffany Marcelle (Caribbean Youth Environment Network)

• World Café Session: Collaborative discussions on how tourism can enhance well-being, conservation, and climate resilience.

• Closing Remarks: Key takeaways and future pathways for sustainable blue tourism.

The event embodies BTI’s mission to connect regions, share experiences, and foster collaboration across sectors and scales. By bringing together experts from three ocean basins, the session aims to inspire new partnerships and policy solutions that transform tourism into a force for sustainability, equity, and resilience.

This session is co-organised by the Blue Tourism Initiative, led by eco-union, IUCN, CORDIO East Africa, and IDDRI, in collaboration with the TAPAS Group.
It is supported by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Together, these partners are advancing a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive blue tourism that benefits both people and nature across the Mediterranean and beyond.