From 2 to 7 October, a delegation from the Maputo Region (Mozambique) will visit the Island of Elba for a study visit dedicated to responsible tourism and the protection of coastal ecosystems.
The initiative is part of the international project MangAction – Preservation and enhancement of environmental heritage for sustainable and resilient development in Maputo Bay, funded by AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – Maputo office) and coordinated by ICEI – Institute for International Economic Cooperation.
The project, active in the districts of KaNyaka (Inhaca Island) and Matola, aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities to climate change by enhancing mangroves as ecosystems that are fundamental for the protection of coastal areas and the provision of environmental services.
ICEI, an Italian NGO with international experience in responsible tourism and environmental protection, played a central role in organising the visit, carried out in collaboration with AITR (Italian Association for Responsible Tourism). The itinerary, designed by Turismo Sostenibile – Viaggi del Genio T.O. in close coordination with ICEI, was designed to meet the needs of the institutions in Maputo and to promote a concrete exchange of good practices.
The study visit to Elba will be an opportunity for learning in the field, with a particular focus on scientific, academic, voluntary and educational tourism (SAVE). The initiative also involves the municipalities of Portoferraio, Marciana and Marciana Marina, with the strategic support of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
The delegation will be composed of:
· Bernardete Jucundo Salia Cinco Reis – Head of the Department of Tourism Marketing and Destination Management, Maputo Municipal Council
· Januário B. Rafael – Head of the Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Economic Activities Services of the City of Maputo
· Ângelo Arlindo Manguele – tourism entrepreneur and President of the AOTUKA association for the development of sustainable tourism on the island of Inhaca
The group will be accompanied by Giulia Benedetto, Responsible Tourism expert for ICEI, whose task will be to support the delegation and facilitate discussions.
‘The development of a tourist destination also stems from comparison with other realities and the exchange of good practices. The study visit, carried out as part of the MangAction project, is an opportunity for learning and in-depth analysis to strengthen the sustainable management of the territory,’ says Giulia Benedetto of ICEI.
The visit aims to:
· compare international best practices,
· create parallels with destinations that are similar in terms of environmental and socio-economic characteristics,
· strengthen shared planning and the development of regenerative tourism.