On November 4, our project partner IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation joined the event ‘Three Initiatives, One Goal: Promoting a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean’ in Tunis, organised in collaboration with REBOOT MED, BlueMissionMed, and WestMED. The event focused on key challenges facing the Mediterranean’s blue economy, including combating marine pollution, enhancing coastal ecotourism, promoting clean maritime transport, and fostering sustainable fishing and aquaculture—strengthening regional governance and cooperation. 

During REBOOT MED’s workshop, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) presented WestMED policy recommendations, developed with project partners and the MEET Network, to address future pathways for ecotourism and blue tourism in the region. These recommendations highlight the need for policy shifts that embrace a green, digital, and circular approach to diversify maritime and coastal tourism in the Western Mediterranean.

The Blue Tourism Initiative report, ‘Towards Sustainable Blue Tourism: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Pathway’, was highlighted within the policy recommendations for its strong alignment with REBOOT MED’s objectives. The report underscores the economic importance of tourism and the urgent need for sustainable practices while advocating for robust governance, legal frameworks, and collaborative stakeholder efforts.

By aligning with REBOOT MED’s goals, the Blue Tourism Initiative continues to champion sustainable tourism practices that protect natural resources and promote responsible tourism in the Mediterranean.