News
Launching Sustainable Blue Tourism in the Caribbean
March 2025
The Blue Tourism Initiative, in collaboration with its partner, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), is pleased to announce the launch of activities at four Caribbean pilot sites:
- Nariva Swamp in Trinidad,
- Tobago (island-wide),
- Laborie in Saint Lucia;
- The south coast of St Vincent island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In each of the pilot sites, CANARI, along with local stakeholders, will:
- Conduct a diagnosis focusing on the site’s characteristics, the state of blue tourism, its impacts, challenges and opportunities;
- Develop a strategy and a roadmap with the local stakeholders;
- Identify and finance exemplary community coastal and marine blue tourism initiatives addressing local issues to promote sustainable actions, either directly or through a call for projects.
Introducing Caribbean’s Pilot Sites
Nariva Swamp, Trinidad
Nestled on Trinidad’s east coast, the Nariva Swamp Protected Area is the island’s largest freshwater wetland and a Ramsar-designated site of international importance. It is a vital ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife, including the West Indian manatee, and provides crucial ecosystem services such as flood regulation and carbon sequestration.
In Nariva, the Blue Tourism Initiative will focus on implementing practical sustainable blue tourism solutions in collaboration with local communities to bring tangible benefits to their livelihoods.
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Tobago
Located at the southernmost edge of the Caribbean, Tobago is renowned for its spectacular coastal and marine biodiversity. Its beaches provide vital nesting sites for leatherback turtles, while its reefs and seagrass beds support fisheries and ecotourism.
The pilot project in Tobago aims to shape a new approach to revitalising tourism on the island by developing and promoting sustainable tourism with civil society, public, and private sector stakeholders.
Saint Lucia
Laborie, Saint Lucia, embodies the essence of authentic Caribbean coastal charm and sustainable community-based tourism. The idyllic Caribbean countryside village boasts bountiful farming and fishing, beautiful beaches, stunning views and exceptionally friendly smiles.
The activities of the Blue Tourism Initiative in Laborie, Saint Lucia focus on piloting the participatory development of local blue tourism strategies and roadmaps, concurrently developing experience packages, creating an MSME cluster and implementing a marketing strategy that would support the growth of community-based coastal and marine tourism that benefits local stakeholders.
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Spanning across the southeastern Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago of 32 islands and cays known for its rugged volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems. This multi-island state boasts unspoiled natural landscapes, perfect for eco-adventure experiences – especially within the South Coast of St. Vincent.
Key priorities for advancing CBT include supporting the development of a national CBT policy, capacity building for local MSMEs in sustainable tourism practices, business development, and climate resilience, as well as enhancing marketing efforts through dedicated online platforms. Additionally, creating niche CBT-branded experiences and providing financial support to MSMEs will be crucial for their growth and sustainability.