Guidelines for the sustainability of cruising and recreational boating in the Mediterranean

Developed by the so-called Blue Growth Community, which consists of several EU-funded project, the Guidelines for the sustainability of cruising and recreational boating in the Mediterranean were presented.


Five major challenges have been identified for both sectors: 1) Eliminating atmospheric emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases; 2) Safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity; 3) Eliminating water pollution (chemical, organic, wastewater effluents), preventing waste generation and improving waste management; 4) Boosting knowledge and innovation; and 5) Avoiding the impacts on local socio-economic systems.


Key elements of the Guidelines include the overall sustainability objectives for both sectors, suggested solutions to sustainability challenges, a list of high-impact actions for each sector and topic, as well as sustainability indicators. Case studies are also provided specific to the recreational boating industry, namely on the Portofino Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the French Clean Harbours certification.


EBI provided substantive input to the draft report in relation to its policy recommendations and overall practical and technical considerations from the boating industry. The main concern was confusion of the cruise and boating sector, which has been improved but not resolved in the final report. Improvements from the draft report can be seen in several crucial areas, such as a recognition of different environmental impact of cruise and boating, recognition that most boats are below 8-10m, and that the sector has a specific transition pathway.


The full Guidelines can be downloaded here.

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