News
Blue Tourism Initiative at the Global Ecotourism Forum 2025
October 2025 – Global Ecoturism Forum
The Global Ecotourism Forum 2025 (GEF2025), held in Món Sant Benet, Catalonia, from October 22-24, brought together global experts to explore how tourism can drive environmental sustainability and community resilience.
A highlight was the presentation of the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) by Jeremie Fosse, Director of eco-union. The initiative promotes sustainable coastal and maritime tourism across 12 pilot sites in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Western Indian Ocean.
By focusing on community-based governance, capacity building, and evidence-based tools, BTI empowers local actors — especially women and youth — to take part in shaping sustainable tourism practices that respect marine ecosystems and cultural heritage. BTI contributes directly to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and related sustainability goals.
At GEF2025, discussions reinforced that blue governance and sustainability are vital to protecting oceans while creating resilient, inclusive coastal economies. The Blue Tourism Initiative stands as a model for transforming tourism into a force for environmental protection and community empowerment.
Strengthening Local Economies and Cultural Identity
Each pilot project showcases how sustainability and cultural integrity can reinforce one another:
Djerba Island, Tunisia: Working to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on the Ras Raml Ramsar site, this pilot focuses on Posidonia oceanica restoration, local capacity building, and biodiversity-friendly hospitality practices. Through partnerships with IUCN-Med, AJEM Tunisia, and Iberostar, the project strengthens local governance and environmental stewardship.
Laborie Village, St. Lucia: Supporting a community-based tourism model, this initiative links traditional fisheries, agriculture, and cultural heritage with sustainable tourism value chains. Activities include mapping local tourism assets, developing marketing strategies, and supporting MSMEs to boost innovation and quality in local tourism services.
These examples demonstrate BTI’s integrated approach — combining ecological restoration, economic diversification, and cultural preservation to build resilient coastal communities.
