News
Launching Sustainable Blue Tourism in the Mediterranean
January 2025
The Mediterranean region is home to vibrant coastal cultures and fragile marine ecosystems, many of which are under pressure from mass tourism, climate change, and economic uncertainty. Through the Blue Tourism Initiative, led by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med), pilot actions are now in motion in Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, offering real-world examples of how tourism can become a driver of sustainability and resilience. These pilots include:
- Lebanon – Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, Palm Islands Nature Reserve and Anfeh Salt Pans
- Morocco – Al Hoceima National Park
- Tunisia – Djerba Island
Introducing Mediterranean Pilot Sites
Lebanon: A Community-based Approach Across Three Coastal Sites
Despite a challenging national context, three pilot sites in Lebanon are making strides by putting local actors in the driver’s seat:
- At Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, sustainable tourism is being integrated with post-crisis recovery, aiming to manage seasonal visitor flows and empower local communities. Infrastructure repairs, including the visitor centre and patrol boat, are underway, while awareness campaigns and eco-education activities are fostering a conservation culture. Local livelihoods are being supported through women-led initiatives that produce eco-accessories and participate in early-stage eco-label efforts.
- In Palm Islands Nature Reserve, the focus is on enhancing governance and managing peak-season pressures through improved infrastructure and community engagement. Rangers and local businesses are receiving training, a new reservation and ticketing system is improving visitor flow, and awareness campaigns are helping educate tourists about the reserve’s ecological value and responsible behaviour.
- In Anfeh, Lebanon’s only active salt pans are being revitalised as a cultural and nature-based tourism destination. A community-led trail now connects key heritage sites with local storytelling experiences, while media tours and a growing online presence are boosting visibility. Plans for tourism promotion and better governance of the area are in development, with strong participation from local stakeholders and salt artisans.
Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, local organisations are receiving direct support through a grant program, ensuring that activities are tailored to each site’s needs and capacity.
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Morocco: Ecotourism Revitalisation in Al Hoceima National Park
In Morocco, the Blue Tourism Initiative is bringing fresh energy to Al Hoceima National Park, a coastal treasure in the Rif region. Though the area has long held potential for ecotourism, the industry has struggled to move beyond seasonal tourism and reach international markets.
The new pilot aims to change that by working with local cooperatives, small businesses, and conservation groups to create high-quality tourism experiences rooted in nature, culture, and community.
In Morocco, activities include:
- Establishing a local governance structure to coordinate services and strategies
- Installing light infrastructure like trails and signage
- Supporting park staff in managing summer nautical activities
- Training local guides and businesses
- Developing authentic ecotourism experiences rooted in the region’s identity.
This approach builds on years of groundwork and is guided by the MEET Network, which supports ecotourism in protected areas across the Mediterranean.
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Tunisia: Protecting Nature and Promoting Responsible Hospitality in Djerba
On Djerba Island, one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist destinations, the pilot action addresses two key priorities:
At the Ras Raml Ramsar Site, the pilot aims to protect this ecologically significant wetland while creating a more sustainable and enriching experience for visitors. Plans include developing light infrastructure such as nature trails and interpretive signage, alongside awareness-raising campaigns and guided tours. By training excursion guides and boat operators, the initiative seeks to manage tourism flows more effectively and minimize the ecological footprint on this sensitive coastal habitat.
In parallel, the initiative is working with the hospitality sector to enhance environmental practices and climate resilience across Djerba’s tourism industry. A coalition of hotels is expected to lead improvements in biodiversity management, addressing challenges such as invasive species, water efficiency, and sustainable landscaping. The development of practical guidelines, combined with capacity-building for hotel staff and beach managers, aims to embed sustainability into day-to-day operations. Through collaboration with industry leaders like Iberostar, the initiative strives to set a new standard for responsible tourism across the region.
A Shared Vision for the Mediterranean
While the pilot actions in Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia are rooted in diverse landscapes and local realities, they are united by a common purpose: making tourism a force for good in the Mediterranean. Each site is working to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, strengthen local economies through sustainable tourism, and raise awareness among communities, businesses, and visitors. Together, these efforts are laying the foundation for a thriving Mediterranean, where tourism supports nature, and nature, in turn, sustains the future of tourism.
The new pilot aims to change that by working with local cooperatives, small businesses, and conservation groups to create high-quality tourism experiences rooted in nature, culture, and community.