The Mediterranean, one of the world’s most iconic and visited tourist destinations, attracts millions of tourists every year. However, we know that this large tourist influx also presents significant challenges related to sustainability and nature conservation, particularly of its coastal areas and the world’s unique marine environment.
The impact of marine litter in the Mediterranean is alarming, with a high concentration of plastics and other debris affecting not only marine biodiversity, but also the health and experience of tourists visiting these areas. In this situation, tourism is a source of marine litter generation, but it can also be a crucial catalyst for innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices.
In this session, we will explore how various actors in the tourism sector are adopting innovative and sustainable approaches to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean. We will present examples of best practices that not only help mitigate the environmental impact of tourism, but also boost the local economy and improve the quality of the tourism experience.
We will analyze the changes generated over the last few years, identifying the practices already well adopted and the social, economic and regulatory barriers that still persist. We will also hear speakers’ views on medium-term trends and what is needed to accelerate the transition to positive impact.
