News
Blue Tourism Mini Symposium: Advancing Policy to Practice and Livelihood Development - Key outcomes
September 2025 – WIOMSA Scientific Symposium
During the WIOMSA 13th Scientific Symposium, the Blue Tourism Initiative organised the Blue Tourism Mini Symposium, held on September 30, 2025, at Shimba, Pride Inn Resort. This event brought together an inspiring community of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.
Themed “Advancing Policy to Practice and Livelihood Development,” the symposium explored how sustainable blue tourism can bridge science, policy, and community action to strengthen coastal livelihoods and ecosystems.
Blue tourism is a cornerstone of the blue economy, contributing nearly US$ 20.8 billion and 10% of employment in the WIO region. The symposium provided a collaborative space for stakeholders to share cutting-edge research, success stories, and policy insights that advance sustainability and inclusivity in tourism.
Convened by Paul Baraka (CORDIO East Africa) and Professor Kevin Mearns (University of South Africa), the event showcased a diverse mix of speakers representing academia, conservation organisations, and industry leaders — all working to align tourism growth with environmental stewardship
The afternoon featured engaging talks, rapid presentations, and dialogue-driven sessions focused on how tourism can become a driver for both economic resilience and ecosystem conservation.
Key highlights:
- The State of Coastal and Marine Tourism in the WIO Region – Irene Mhlanga, School of Wildlife Conservation
- Community Fishing and Tourism around Mnemba Island, Zanzibar – Pius Damalu (&Beyond) & Kevin Mearns (UNISA)
- Interactions Between Tourism and Small-Scale Fisheries in Zanzibar – Marlene Loedel, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Analysing Tourism Experiences for Sustainability – Kevin Mearns (UNISA)
- Culinary Literacy for Seafood Tourism in Coastal Tanzania – Robert Katikiro, GIZ
- Advancing Sustainable Blue Ecotourism in Madagascar – Anjara Saloma, Cetamada
The discussions emphasized the interconnectedness of tourism, livelihoods, and marine conservation, revealing how community-driven initiatives and cross-sectoral partnerships are essential to building a sustainable blue economy.
Speakers and participants identified the need for evidence-based policy frameworks and inclusive governance models that empower local communities. The symposium emphasised the importance of integrating nature-based tourism (NBT) principles into national strategies, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Outcomes from the discussions will inform a forthcoming policy brief on sustainable blue tourism development in the WIO region, offering actionable recommendations to guide decision-making at both regional and national levels.
The Blue Tourism Mini Symposium was more than an event — it was a call to action. By connecting research, policy, and practice, the dialogue set in motion new ideas and partnerships that will continue to shape the future of sustainable blue tourism in the WIO region.
