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Blue Tourism Initiative Milestones in the Western Indian Ocean
December 2025
In 2025, the Blue Tourism Initiative — implemented within the framework of the Blue Tourism Innovation Cluster (Our Blue Future)—made significant progress in advancing sustainable and inclusive blue tourism across the Western Indian Ocean. Working through its regional partner CORDIO East Africa, and in close collaboration with local organisations in Kenya, Madagascar, and Comoros, the initiative successfully operationalised its pilot projects and translated strategic planning into on-the-ground action.
The project achieved key milestones across its three pilot sites—Diani–Shimoni (Kenya), Sainte Marie Island (Madagascar), and Mitsamiouli–Ndroudé National Marine Park (Comoros)—laying strong foundations for long-term sustainable blue tourism development.
Kenya: Diani-Shimoni
Implementation focused on establishing an inclusive, participatory, and sustainable Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) venture in Diani–Shimoni, particularly in Kinondo and Chale. Substantial progress was made in strengthening CBET governance, building local capacity, and promoting sustainable blue tourism practices.
Targeted training, planning, and stakeholder engagement activities supported improved natural resource management and the development of environmentally responsible tourism products. Capacity-building focused on the governance of sandbanks, islands, and associated ecosystems, equipping community members with skills to protect these sensitive environments and ensure long-term sustainability.
In parallel, participatory CBET business plans were developed, validated, and operationalised. These plans define clear benefit-sharing mechanisms and inclusive decision-making structures, ensuring women, youth, and marginalised groups benefit equitably from tourism activities. Eco-tourism experiences are being designed to showcase local ecological and cultural assets while generating sustainable income for communities. To strengthen CBET operations, communities received training in financial management, hospitality, and digital marketing, improving budgeting, transparency, and product promotion. Branded materials were produced, and essential tourism equipment—such as life jackets, snorkelling gear, and underwater cameras—was procured to support activities and income generation. To capture lessons learned, CORDIO supported the development of a Sustainable Blue Tourism Guide for Coastal Communities, providing practical guidance for replication in other areas.
Finally, a Tourism Sector Stakeholder Forum (TSSF) was established, with the first workshop held in November. This platform brings together public authorities, tourism operators, researchers, NGOs, communities, and the private sector to coordinate sustainable blue tourism efforts and promote long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Comoros: Mitsamiouli Ndroude National Park (MNNP)
In Comoros, the initiative focused on developing a sustainable and inclusive blue tourism model in the Mitsamiouli–Ndroudé National Marine Park (MNNP), with strong emphasis on marine conservation and community benefits.
A key milestone was the launch of the participatory Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Plan (DMP), which will be endorsed by local and national authorities. The planning process was officially initiated through a stakeholder workshop that brought together key actors to ensure alignment, ownership, and long-term support.
Implementation also advanced through the strengthening of village tourism committees, enhancing local governance and management capacity. In parallel, a community-based homestay programme is being established, with villagers receiving training in hospitality, hygiene, and safety standards.
Additionally, the project progressed in the identification and training of local guides, who are receiving capacity building in safety, ecology, wildlife, cultural heritage, culinary tourism, and security, alongside an assessment of national licensing requirements. These actions lay the foundation for responsible tourism experiences that support conservation, generate local livelihoods, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Madagascar: Sainte Marie Island
On Sainte Marie Island, the project advanced efforts to strengthen sustainable practices within the existing tourism sector, with a strong focus on improved coordination and responsible standards. Key priorities included promoting public–private collaboration, enhancing information sharing among stakeholders, and developing a sustainable tourism certification scheme, the Saint Marie Eco-Label, for hotels, restaurants, and pirogues. CORDIO formalised a partnership with the Sainte Marie Tourism Office (OTSM), enabling effective local coordination and stronger engagement with institutions, tourism operators, and community actors.
Significant progress was made in establishing the foundations of the eco-certification system. Draft certification criteria and a certification mechanism were developed, outlining environmental and social standards, verification processes, and governance arrangements. These were informed by stakeholder consultations and a validation workshop held in October, which brought together tourism operators and local partners. Feedback from this process was integrated to refine the model, particularly to address practical challenges related to waste management.
The project also strengthened collaboration among tourism operators, local authorities, and communities to identify shared waste management solutions and more sustainable supply chains, including composting, recycling, and reusable alternatives. Engagement throughout meetings and workshops demonstrated strong local interest and commitment to the eco-label.
A major milestone was achieved in December 2025, with the official launch of the Saint Marie Eco-Label. The event included the certification of the first tourism businesses, publicly recognising early adopters and showcasing Sainte Marie’s leadership in sustainable island tourism in the Western Indian Ocean. To ensure long-term sustainability, synergies are being developed with the World Bank PIC project to support continued implementation and capacity building. In the coming months, the project will focus on sustainable promotion strategies to position Sainte Marie as a leading responsible tourism destination, encouraging tourism growth that supports local livelihoods and environmental conservation.
