IZURAN Odyssey: A Collective Momentum for Shaping the Future of Ecotourism in Al Hoceima National Park
Al Hoceima, Morocco – 22 June 2026
How can the achievements of a project be transformed into a lasting momentum that benefits both local communities and the environment? This question brought together more than 60 representatives from public institutions, associations, cooperatives, tour guides, tourism stakeholders, technical and financial partners, as well as members of local communities at the Radisson Blu Resort Hotel in Al Hoceima for the closing workshop of the IZURAN Odysseyproject.
Far more than a closing ceremony, the event served as a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and collective reflection on the future of ecotourism in Al Hoceima National Park. Through presentations, experience-sharing sessions and participatory workshops, participants reaffirmed a common vision: making ecotourism a driver of biodiversity conservation, the promotion of natural and cultural heritage, and sustainable economic development for local communities.
The IZURAN Odyssey project is implemented within the framework of the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI), a regional initiative led by IUCN Med that promotes a sustainable tourism model combining biodiversity conservation, community development and the blue economy across Mediterranean coastal regions. In Morocco, the project is implemented by the Blue Mediterranean League for Youth (BML) in partnership with the Mérou Diving, Environment and Water Sports Association (AMPESA), with the support of the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), in collaboration with the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) and local stakeholders of Al Hoceima National Park.
A TERRITORIAL DYNAMIC FOR SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM
Since its launch, the IZURAN Odyssey project has pursued a clear ambition: to make ecotourism a driver of local development by actively engaging communities in the sustainable promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of Al Hoceima National Park.
Throughout the implementation of the project, the Blue Mediterranean League for Youth (BMLY) carried out a series of actions that helped establish a strong collaborative dynamic across the territory. Among its key achievements was the creation of the Local Ecotourism Group (GEL), bringing together cooperatives, guesthouses, tour guides, water sports clubs, associations, and other local stakeholders around a shared vision. The association also led the design of two new ecotourism itineraries, developed in accordance with the MEET (Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism) methodology, to offer authentic experiences showcasing the marine, mountain, and cultural heritage of Al Hoceima National Park.
As part of the project, the Blue Mediterranean League for Youth also strengthened the capacities of local stakeholders through a series of training programmes covering tour guiding, sustainable hospitality, digital marketing, tourism business management, and the promotion of local products.
Beyond developing the ecotourism offer, the project also strengthened the activities carried out by the Mérou Diving, Environment and Water Sports Association (AMPESA) to preserve the marine natural heritage. During the workshop, participants learned about the association’s initiatives, including environmental awareness activities, direct support to the national park, scientific and underwater clean-up dives, support for Marine Protected Areas, the transition of fishers towards ecotourism, as well as efforts to rehabilitate and enhance the park’s infrastructure. These initiatives illustrate the close link between biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism development.
As part of this initiative, the Blue Mediterranean League for Youth (BMLY) developed the IZURAN Odyssey website (www.izuranodyssey.com), designed as a showcase for the achievements and initiatives implemented throughout the project. In the long term, the website is intended to evolve into a fully collaborative platform bringing together members of the Local Ecotourism Group (GEL) to promote ecotourism routes, cooperatives, local guides, accommodation providers, local products, and community-based initiatives, while enhancing the visibility of Al Hoceima National Park among visitors, partners, and future project developers.
A WORKSHOP LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Presentations, the screening of the project’s capitalisation film, beneficiary testimonials, an exhibition showcasing local products and participatory workshops provided an opportunity to review the project’s achievements while identifying the next steps needed to ensure the sustainability of its results.
Working groups developed recommendations focusing on strengthening ecotourism products, enhancing the capacities of cooperatives, promoting the destination, replicating this approach in other protected areas and mobilising future partnerships. These discussions confirmed the importance of maintaining the momentum created by the project through stronger cooperation among institutions, associations and local stakeholders.
TESTIMONIES REFLECTING LOCAL COMMITMENT
Ziani Saliha, member of the AZIR Association, praised the continuity provided to the work her association has carried out for more than twenty years in support of Al Hoceima National Park, while calling on public authorities to continue their commitment to the area’s sustainable development.
Provincial Director Mohamed Mouden emphasized the quality of the work achieved thanks to the collective commitment of all partners and reaffirmed the institutions’ willingness to continue working together to promote sustainable tourism.
For her part, Wafaa, member of the IRADA Association, stressed that environmental awareness should target not only children but also their parents, while expressing her pride in contributing to an initiative that promotes the territory in a sustainable way.
A DYNAMIC THAT CONTINUES
Although this workshop officially marked the end of the IZURAN Odyssey project, it also demonstrated that the momentum created extends well beyond the project’s lifetime.
Thanks to the commitment of institutions, associations, cooperatives, guides, partners and local communities, the foundations of a sustainable ecotourism network are now firmly established. The project’s achievements demonstrate that a collaborative approach based on the promotion of natural resources, capacity building and community participation provides a practical pathway for reconciling biodiversity conservation with local development.
Through the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI), IUCN Med, with the support of the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) and in partnership with the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), reaffirms its commitment to initiatives that place territories and local communities at the heart of the transition towards sustainable tourism. More than a project, IZURAN Odyssey leaves behind a network of committed stakeholders, practical tools and a shared vision that will continue contributing to the sustainable development of Al Hoceima National Park.
To discover the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) and its efforts to promote sustainable tourism across the Mediterranean, visit:
https://bluetourisminitiative.org
To learn more about the IZURAN Odyssey project, its achievements and the initiatives developed within Al Hoceima National Park, visit:
You can also stay up to date with Mubadarat and discover other initiatives supported by IUCN Med across North Africa through our Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/mubadaratbyiucn
