Beyond associations, the workshop also welcomed institutional representatives who are partners of IUCN-Med\u2014including the National Agency for Water and Forests (Morocco), the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), the Tunisian Ministry of Environment, and the Directorate General of Forests (Tunisia)\u2014as well as sustainable tourism experts, including members of the TAPAS Group (Tourism and Protected Areas Specialists) from IUCN\u2019s World Commission on Protected Areas. Their insights enriched lively discussions on how to guide local tourism dynamics towards more responsible practices that respect ecosystems and support equitable development.<\/p>\n
Across the Mediterranean, many associations are committed to steering tourism toward greater sustainability. This training provided them with practical tools, a space for peer exchange, and feedback based on real experiences to strengthen local capacities, highlight natural and cultural heritage, and promote an inclusive tourism economy that benefits local territories.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design.jpg\")
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A training for key actors of the ecological transition<\/h2>\n
The goal of this training was to create a space for exchange and build the capacities of Mediterranean CSOs by equipping them with practical tools to design and implement sustainable, territory-rooted projects. As true actors of inclusive ecological transition, these organizations play a central role in mobilizing communities and building fairer development models.<\/p>\n
This initiative is fully aligned with the mission of the Mubadarat program, which aims to:<\/p>\n
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Strengthen the technical and strategic capacities of local CSOs;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Promote the inclusion of youth and women in environmental projects;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Encourage local development models based on sustainable employment and ecological resilience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The discussions helped identify best practices and address common challenges faced by associations: uncertain legal frameworks, local community engagement, project sustainability beyond funding cycles, access to the tourism market, and more.<\/p>\n
A three-step training<\/h2>\n
Day 1: Understanding the Principles and Tools of Sustainable Tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/6.png\")
<\/p>\nThe first day introduced the key principles of sustainable tourism, tailored to the context of NGOs, blending strategic thinking with hands-on tools. Topics included:<\/p>\n
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An overview of tourism dynamics in the Mediterranean region;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Intervention approaches adapted for CSOs, based on results- and impact-oriented planning;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Lessons learned from projects funded by Mubadarat mechanisms, including PPI OSCAN 3 and TransCap 3 with tourism components;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Adapting coastal tourism destinations to climate change using Nature-based Solutions (NbS);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Reducing tourism pressures on sensitive ecosystems;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Challenges of ecotourism and community tourism: governance, stakeholder engagement, market access;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The role of tourism and visitor management in protected areas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2.png\")
<\/p>\nDay 2: Field visits to Ichkeul National parc and Ghar El Melh<\/strong><\/p>\n
The second day provided participants with on-the-ground experience through two case studies:<\/p>\n
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Ichkeul National Park<\/strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where discussions focused on ecotourism and visitor management in protected areas;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The coastal wetland of Ghar El Melh<\/strong>, known for its rich cultural heritage and climate adaptation efforts. Topics included heritage preservation, managing tourism pressures, community tourism, and local adaptation strategies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/9.png\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/14.png\")
<\/p>\nDay 3: Designing Civil Society Projects on Sustainable Tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n
On the third day, participants applied their learning to develop preliminary project concepts. Through a participatory process, they worked on:<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/25.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Beige-Minimalist-Mood-Photo-Collage.png\")
<\/p>\n