Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The call funds innovation actions that demonstrate community-led sustainable tourism businesses in coastal, river and lake areas, linking local income with the protection of ecosystems. Projects work with local communities and the private sector in one European sea basin.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

The topic engages coastal, riverside and lakeside communities in building local businesses that support livelihoods and investment while protecting marine, coastal and freshwater habitats. It focuses on testing the feasibility and socio-economic viability of site-specific initiatives that combine business activity with ecosystem protection and restoration, with attention to vulnerable groups, gender equality and non-discrimination. Synergies with the New European Bauhaus are encouraged.

Proposals should address all of the following

• Demonstrate community-driven tourism business models in at least 3 European coastal and freshwater areas in different Member States or Associated Countries, with initiatives that involve tourists or sea users, such as citizen science, clean-ups or co-management of protected areas.
• Promote practices that reduce the pressure of tourism on marine and freshwater environments.
• Provide inclusive capacity building and training for local entrepreneurs and for tourists.
• Set up a governance structure that involves all stakeholders and secures long-term financial sustainability.
• Explore financial instruments for upscaling, such as reinvested profits, crowdfunding or philanthropy.

Each proposal addresses one sea basin or Mission lighthouse and cooperates with the relevant Lighthouse CSA and the Mission Implementation Platform.

Expected outcomes

New business models for community-driven sustainable tourism, replicable initiatives, jobs and skills, improved habitats and changed behaviour of tourists and local communities.

Cosa ci si aspetta dalle proposte?

• All five listed aspects of the scope should be addressed.

Quando scade il bando?

21 settembre 2027 (320 giorni)

21 September 2027 (single-stage)