During the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Tourism Initiative, Blue Tourism Innovation Team members and the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research are organising the “Coastal and ocean-based tourism – threat to coastal environment or driver of restoration and sustainable development?“. This event will be held at the Town Hall (Room 4), in Nice on June 5th from 12.45 to 13.45 PM CEST.

The role of blue tourism as a driver of restoration and sustainable development and as a threat to the coastal environment will be at the heart of the reflection. Special attention will be given to the Euro-Mediterranean and the Western Indian Ocean marine regions, reflecting on blue tourism’s impacts, challenges and best practices.

Participants will explore research insights and sustainable practices, emphasising the need to strengthen connections between science, policy, and practice. A core objective is to align scientific insights with policymaking and practical actions. By convening researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, this event will provide a platform to inform actionable solutions. Themes will include mitigating cruise tourism’s socio-environmental impacts and advancing governance models that balance economic growth with ecosystem preservation, including various models for tourism taxes or fees based on resource rent. Interactive presentations and panel discussions will enable stakeholders to share experiences, identify commonalities, and develop cross-regional solutions.

Speakers will highlight best practices and propose innovative approaches to enhance decision-making, creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue tourism sector. This event’s value lies in catalysing collaborations, fostering partnerships, and generating actionable recommendations. By advancing this critical dialogue, the event offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to co-create solutions that balance economic development, environmental preservation, and community well-being.

                              >>>> Link to the Agenda <<<<<<<