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pril 8th to 10th, the NaTour4CChange project hosted a three-day training event on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the city of Marseille. Held at the Hôtel de Région – Conseil Régional de Région Sud – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the training brought together all project partners and pilot site representatives from across the Mediterranean for an inspiring and hands-on learning experience.
Delivered over the first two days by IUCN Med with expert guidance from Irene Morell Rodríguez and Claudia Sánchez of NBSCLIMATE, the training explored the concept and value of Nature-Based Solutions through a mix of interactive sessions, co-design workshops, and role-playing exercises focused on stakeholder engagement in the implementation of NbS at each pilot site.
Participants discussed current challenges, progress milestones and future goals, representing the six NaTour4CChange pilot destinations:
- Zadar County & Dugi Otok (Croatia)
- Regione Autonoma della Sardegna & Capo Carbonara CMPA (Italy)
- Neretva Canton & Hutovo Blato National Park (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Andalusia Region (Turismo Andaluz) & Cabo de Gata National Park (Spain)
- Region of Crete & Ori Zakrou, Koufonisi Island (Greece)
- Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (France)
Samson Bellières from project partner Plan Bleu presented geo-spatial maps from the Plan Bleu Observatory, offering insights into climate vulnerability and adaptive capacity across the pilot regions.
On April 10th, project partners convened for the Project Steering Committee, reviewing progress and outlining the next strategic steps. The training concluded with a field trip to the Frioul Archipelago and Calanques National Park, giving participants the opportunity to observe real-life examples of ecological preservation and sustainable tourism.
The Marseille training proved to be more than just an educational event, serving as a demonstration of cross-border collaboration. By sharing knowledge, addressing common challenges, and co-creating solutions, NaTour4CChange partners are paving the way toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for coastal tourism in the Mediterranean.
