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

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Innovative business models for the development of entrepreneurship and successful local community-driven marine, coastal and freshwater sustainable tourism initiatives;Scalable and economically viable initiatives with the potential to be replicated across multiple sea basins;Enhanced capacity-building and increased engagement of the coastal/river/lake communities and the private sector;Job creation and skills development;Improved marine, coastal and freshwater habitats, biodiversity and enhanced conservation capacity;Increased awareness and behavioural change of tourists and coastal communities towards the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Scope:The community-driven approach under this topic puts strong emphasis on engaging coastal, riparian and/or lakeside communities as well as relevant actors to build, in a sustainable way, local businesses that will support livelihood opportunities and stimulate investments, and will contribute to preserve and protect marine, coastal and freshwater habitats.Activities under this topic will contribute to the achievement of the Mission “Public mobilisation and engagement” actions by fostering community involvement, awareness and citizen participation to amplify impact, accelerating the uptake of community-led initiatives, anticipating and planning future investments for sustainable tourism. These activities should consider the specific needs and challenges of diverse individuals and groups in local communities, including groups in a vulnerable situation, with a focus on promoting gender equality and non-discrimination addressing the intersectionality with poverty and social exclusion.The focus of activities will be on testing the feasibility and socio-economic viability of site-specific initiatives providing opportunities to couple business-based activities with the protection and restoration of marine and freshwa