EcoSTRIM is a European project, ending in 2021, which involved cooperation between France and Italy to build a cross-border territorial strategy for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism and sports activities dedicated to the marine and coastal environment.
The project
The project had three components that aimed at the enhancement of cross-border networks to create ecological quality labels (ecolabels), the development of new tourism products, and investments to increase the accessibility of areas of tourist interest.
EcoSTRIM aimed to improve the competitiveness of businesses in the blue tourism supply chain in national and international markets through the consolidation of a collaborative network within the regions involved and already involved in marine tourism, diving, whale watching, coastal discovery with trails and fish tourism. The project therefore involved public administrations, tourism operators and research centers.
Results
- High Quality Whale-watching Label (two-years course and 18 certified operators betweenLiguria, Sardinia, Tuscany)
- Diving buoys installed to avoid damaging seabed
- Underwater trails and bicycles for people with disabilities
- Slow tourism routes to enjoy the area in a sustainable way, self-contained suitable for every season
- Virtual pathways to provide access to natural excellence
- New profession development for marine tourism
CIMA Research Foundation’s contribution
CIMA Research Foundation has been pursuing project activities in Liguria to promote the seasonal adjustment of tourism proposals, increase sustainable usability and support blue economy operators to develop new proposals with attention to environmental protection.