This a pioneering regional report on nature-based tourism in the Western Indian Ocean led by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation with funding from WIOMSA SCALABLE project grant.
Despite coastal and marine tourism acting as a cornerstone of the region’s Blue Economy, it has historically been understudied. The report bridges this gap by highlighting how ecosystems support livelihoods, conservation efforts, and regional economies.
Key Findings & Themes
Country Scope: Assesses 10 coastal and island states, providing specific case studies and data on the available NBT activities in each territory.
Socio-Economic Value: Emphasizes the critical economic potential of marine and coastal NBT.
Conservation & Growth: Examines the growing interest in NBT and provides reflections on how to effectively manage marine biodiversity alongside tourism.
Challenges & Sustainability: Identifies growing natural pressures and the ongoing need for sustainable management practices to protect marine habitats.
You can learn more about the findings and review the report’s deep-dive case studies here