Mediterranean Observer
The Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness (SEA) Project was presented during the second edition of the iBlue Congress by Lanzarote Islands Innovation Summit, held on 12 and 13 March 2026 at the iconic Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote, Spain.
The international congress brought together policymakers, sustainability experts, tourism leaders, researchers, and island stakeholders from across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific regions to discuss the future of island tourism through innovation, regeneration, and sustainable development.
Tonio Cini, Operations Executive and Administrator of the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation (MTF), participated as a panellist in the session titled “Tourism and Circular Economy: Sustainable Regeneration”, alongside distinguished international speakers from Madeira, Lanzarote, Benidorm, and the Canary Islands Government.
During his intervention, Tonio Cini highlighted the role of the Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness (SEA) Project in supporting tourism destinations and businesses in their transition towards more sustainable and responsible operational models. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening green skills within the tourism workforce, encouraging practical sustainability measures among SMEs, and promoting collaboration between education providers, industry stakeholders, and tourism authorities across the Mediterranean region.
The discussion focused on effective circular economy practices for island destinations, environmental sustainability, water management challenges, and the need for regenerative tourism strategies capable of balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community wellbeing.
The iBlue Congress has rapidly established itself as an important international platform for island cooperation, bringing together territories such as Galápagos, Cozumel, Madeira, and Mediterranean islands to exchange experiences and develop innovative solutions for the future of tourism and island resilience.
The SEA Project continues to contribute to these international discussions by promoting sustainability awareness, vocational education, and innovative digital learning solutions that support the tourism sector’s green transition.
The Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness Project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
