The MED Cluster Climate Change Adaptation
The Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR) is a non-profit organisation that brings together 47 regional tourism authorities and 27 academic and associated members.
Overview of the project
Tourism is a key sector in the Mediterranean. With the region warming 20% faster than the global average, this initiative addresses the escalating climate risks threatening coastal tourism destinations. Coordinated by NECSTouR and Plan Bleu within the Interreg Euro-MED Community4Tourism project, the MED Cluster Climate Change Adaptation is a transnational network driving concrete, replicable solutions to enhance territorial resilience and promote sustainable tourism models. Uniting field-tested EU-funded projects and tourism and climate experts, our cluster translates regional cooperation into actionable strategies, directly addressing key topics such as:
1/ Nature-Based Solutions & Urban Resilience: NaTour4CChange project integrates ecosystems into coastal planning to mitigate erosion and preserve biodiversity, COOL NOONS project designs ; utilizing vegetation and urban design to maintain thermal comfort and walkability during extreme heatwaves;
2/ Sustainable Water Management: Confronting severe water scarcity, AQUAMAN deploys participatory Living Labs for smarter water governance and WATERISE project tests low-impact technologies, such as natural wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting, on tourism-heavy islands
3/ Technological & Social Innovations: HERIT ADAPT project leverages technological tools (i.e AI and digital twins) to support conservation and visitor flow management of cultural heritage sites against climate hazards. Regenera4MED and MED4REGEN projects drive social innovation by establishing community-led governance models that actively involve citizens in the transition toward regenerative tourism
A strategic network of projects and experts promoting climate change adaptation for more resilient tourism in the Mediterranean.
Multi-site development
01/01/2023 - 30/09/2029. Project still in progress.
The MED Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation gathers : 30 organisation members bringing together a wide range of expertise: international and intergovernmental organizations; networks and associations; public authorities (national, regional, local); tourism boards and directorates; research institutes, think tanks and foundations; universities…7 field pilot projects testing concrete solutions on the ground across the Mediterranean ; 16 solutions developed on diverse Topics (NbS, water management, heritage conservation…) ; 43 pilot sites where the solutions are tested
The MED Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation facilitates the dissemination of knowledge and the transfer and mainstreaming of relevant solutions to enhance their impact. It also draws on activities from the two governance projects of the Sustainable Tourism Mission (Community4Tourism and Dialogue4Tourism). Some of the key activities delivered so far include:
- Networking and knowledge-sharing activities for the members of the cluster, including 4 online meetings and 2 in-person events
- Analysis and Identification of synergies, common challenges and solutions between projects
- Publication of a Thematic Paper “Climate resilience in coastal tourism destinations: solutions from Nature and Cultural Heritage” (upcoming)
- Publication of a White Paper on Sustainable Tourism Governance in the Euro-MED
Community4Tourism is a project co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.
organisation
The Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR) is a non-profit organisation that brings together 47 regional tourism authorities and 27 academic and associated members across 18 European countries. NECSTouR develops interregional projects and fosters cooperation to enable sustainable tourism governance in Europe, positioning it as a key driver of destination competitiveness. Through its Climate Hub, NECSTouR provides a platform to accelerate climate action in European tourism destinations, actively supporting its members in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures and integrating climate strategies into tourism policies.
in collaboration
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Barcelona Provincial Council
Local Government
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University of Thessaly
University
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Adriatic Ionian Euroregion
Network
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Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions
Non-profit organisation
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UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union
Universities Network
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Plan Bleu
Non-profit association
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University of Tirana
University