Between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, our territory is full of initiatives to preserve its landscapes, its heritage and its quality of life.
A look back at the behind-the-scenes of the Green Destinations initiative, which enabled our Pyrenees Mediterranean destination to achieve Bronze level and strengthen its commitment to more sustainable tourism.
A region committed to sustainable tourism
Between sea and mountains, the Pyrenees Mediterranean region is home to exceptional nature and remarkable heritage.
When I joined the Tourist Office team as an apprentice in charge of sustainable tourism in 2024, I discovered the wealth of local initiatives and the commitment of residents, professionals and communities to build a more responsible future.
The beauty of our landscapes is our greatest asset. It must be protected, shared, and passed on.
I also had the opportunity to participate, alongside my director and the sustainable development officer of the Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris Community of Municipalities, in a major milestone: the Green Destinations certification process.
This international recognition has allowed our destination to achieve Bronze level and to promote the collective efforts undertaken to develop tourism that respects the environment, local culture and the inhabitants.
Why choose the Green Destinations approach?
In November 2023, the Pyrénées Méditerranée Tourist Office was selected by the Occitanie Regional Tourism and Leisure Committee, in partnership with the Occitanie Region, ADEME and ADN Tourisme, to join a Green Destinations support program.
Created in the Netherlands, this international framework is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals defined by the UN and supports destinations wishing to structure their sustainable tourism strategy.
For our region, this approach was a no-brainer. It helps to highlight actions already undertaken, to identify areas for improvement and above all to mobilize all stakeholders around a common vision.
Faced with the challenges of climate change and high tourist traffic, we wanted to better measure our impact and strengthen the actions already implemented.
A diagnosis developed in collaboration with local stakeholders
Accompanied by the Regional Federation of Tourist Offices of Normandy, we carried out significant work collecting data and consulting with local stakeholders: scientists, managers of protected natural areas, accommodation providers, associations, elected officials and technicians.
These discussions allowed us to address many topics, including territorial governance, biodiversity, water management, waste prevention and management, natural risks, cultural heritage, quality of life and the local economy.
As the meetings progressed, one thing became clear: our territory is already strongly committed to the ecological and tourism transition.
Day 1
Between heritage, biodiversity and coastal management
The audit began with a meeting with the directors of the destination's tourist offices to collectively present the tourism management of the territory.
We then joined Cap Béar, an emblematic site of the Côte Vermeille, where heritage, landscapes and biodiversity meet.
Alongside specialists in coastal risks and Natura 2000 sites, we addressed the challenges related to coastal erosion, marine submersion, and the preservation of natural environments. My colleague Béatrice, in charge of heritage, also provided a particularly enriching historical perspective.
We continued our journey within the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve.
Its curator presented us with fifty years of research, scientific monitoring and concrete actions carried out to protect the Côte Vermeille and its projects for the future.
The listener emphasized the importance of this reserve in our territory and its role in preservation.
I was touched by the link between science, passion and pedagogy that emerged from this meeting. An important meeting that highlighted the essential role of the reserve in protecting Mediterranean biodiversity.
Water and waste management: everyday challenges
The visit continued at the Albères-Côte Vermeille-Illibéris Community of Municipalities.
The heads of the water authority and the waste prevention department presented their actions to us, as well as the REUT project aiming to promote the reuse of treated wastewater.
These are sometimes technical topics, but essential for preparing the future of the territory.
Les Galets campsite, an inspiring example
We then met with the director of Camping Les Galets, also a member of the Occitanie Outdoor Hospitality Federation.
This visit demonstrated that it is possible to reconcile tourism activity, quality hospitality and environmental commitment.
A friendly fence on board the E-Sperança
The day ended on a convivial note aboard the 100% electric boat of the Bubble Paradise, in the company of its founder.
Over local products, we exchanged ideas with representatives from the Gulf of Lion Marine Natural Park, the Pyrenees Mediterranean region, and the President of the Tourist Office.
A special moment that reminded us of the full meaning of our commitment.
Day 2
Preserved nature, risk prevention and sustainable mobility
The second day began in the heart of the Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve.
Its curator and the curator of the Massane Nature Reserve presented their management plans, their scientific monitoring missions and the actions taken to preserve these remarkable natural spaces.
Meeting about fire risk
After this nature visit, we met with elected officials from Saint-André, Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines and Montesquieu-des-Albères to discuss territorial strategies for transition and risk prevention.
Fire risk awareness initiatives, including educational activities carried out by the Pyrenees Mediterranean Country, particularly caught the listener's attention.
Sustainable mobility: a major challenge for the destination
The audit concluded in Argelès-sur-Mer with a meeting dedicated to mobility.
A crucial discussion to understand how to make travel smoother, more sustainable, and more accessible across the entire territory.
Green Destinations: a collective momentum to be continued
These two days of auditing were particularly rich in discoveries and exchanges.
They have helped to highlight the many initiatives already underway in the Pyrénées Méditerranée region and to confirm our shared commitment to building a more sustainable tourist destination.
Achieving the Bronze Green Destinations level is an important step, but above all the starting point of a collective dynamic that will continue to mobilize residents, professionals, associations and communities.
Because such a rich territory deserves our full attention, we are continuing together on this path towards ever more responsible tourism.
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