The Mediterranean Cooperation Center of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched a call for expressions of interest directed at Tunisian civil society associations for the implementation of the blue tourism initiative on Djerba Island. The selected associations will be invited to develop visitor flow management activities on the ground, specifically at the « Ras Rmel » natural site, as part of the blue tourism program in Tunisia, as confirmed by the center on its website.
These associations will be tasked with developing and implementing a strategy to modify routes and infrastructure, installing lightweight and accessible structures, as well as creating educational materials aimed at raising public awareness and promoting responsible tourism. They will also be required to train local guides and professionals, particularly boat owners, on best practices related to sustainability and environmental respect. The deadline for submitting applications is set for March 24, 2025.
The blue tourism initiative, launched in April 2024, aims to assess the environmental impacts of coastal and maritime tourism globally. It seeks to define the ideal conditions for integrating sustainable management and environmental preservation strategies into tourism practices, while showcasing exemplary programs at model sites to ensure the long-term viability of blue tourism.
The objective of this initiative is to promote comprehensive and sustainable management of coastal and maritime tourism, in line with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Marine Areas. It also encourages the exchange of know-how, best practices, and experiences between three major maritime regions that share similar environmental and social challenges related to tourism: the Mediterranean, the western Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.
