OCEAN INNOVATION AFRICA’s Post

Leaders International, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), and with the presence of the Azraq District Directorate, and the New Azraq Municipality, hosted the “Azraq Entrepreneurial Ideas” Competition at the beautiful Azraq Lodge. This two-day competition celebrated innovation and entrepreneurship, with 20 participants presenting project ideas in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness. Out of 41 initial applicants, 10 exceptional finalists were awarded grants along with tailored business development support to turn their visions into reality. ✨🐫 From stargazing under Al Azraq’s pristine night skies to yoga sessions in tranquil desert landscapes and cultural experiences that celebrate Bedouin, Druze, and Chechen heritage, the projects showcased the region's unique potential. This pitching competition is part of the #NatureWorks project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan and implemented in partnership with The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), highlights the collective effort to promote sustainable tourism, empower underrepresented groups, and drive economic growth in Jordan’s Eastern Badia region. Together, we’re creating opportunities, preserving biodiversity, and building a brighter future for Al Azraq! 🌍✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/geYy8sYc #AzraqEntrepreneurs #SustainableDevelopment #EcoTourism #LeadersInternational #JordanTourism #EmpoweringCommunities #MSME #Reserves

📣 𝐓𝐫𝐞-𝐞-𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🤝 A collaboration between plan(e)t partners. 🌱 Plant-based initiatives play a crucial role in the transition to a sustainable future. In Flanders, we have much more potential than we often think. During the free event the power of plants by bigtrees, you will get the chance to discover a number of promising initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible with plant-based solutions. Next to other inspiring speakers, our colleague Sarah Parent will be talking about the socio-economic benefits of treeplanting in countries like DRC.   🌳 As if that wasn't enough, you'll also witness the announcement of a new exciting partnership!   🤔 When? We look forward to welcoming you to the Palmarium in Ghent on October 7 with the following agenda: 4 pm — reception and welcome 4:20 pm — speakers and workshop tour 6:20 pm — food and networking 7 pm — guided tour for the first 15 registrants   🌎 Where? We think the perfect place for this event is the Palmarium, a beautiful greenhouse in the enchanting Botanical Garden of Ghent. Surrounded by the most beautiful garden of Ghent, this location offers a unique and inspiring environment to think about the possibilities of a plant-based future.   ✨ Prepare to meet some promising initiatives If you decide to show up to this wonderful plant event, you will be introduced to some promising plant-based initiatives. Register fast: https://lnkd.in/e65U-UH2   🌿 And for every guest, one tree is planted in Democratic Republic Congo. Keynotes & Partners: bigtrees | GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin | BambooLogic | Mycelia | Go Forest | Claire-CO2 | BonMush

🌍 EBOWN Americas and Caribbean Regional Update 🌎 We are delighted to share recent developments from our network across the Americas and the Caribbean region, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, economic collaboration, and biodiversity. 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires' Ecopark hosts a photographic exhibition by the European Union on Argentina's biodiversity. This initiative aims to raise awareness about biodiversity protection, aligning with the EU's Biodiversity Strategy and the European Green Deal. 🇨🇦 On July 1st, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) was successfully modernised, now including digital trade, services, and standards for inclusivity, environment, and labour. Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng emphasised the agreement's significance for Ukraine’s economic recovery and SME support. Canada's investment includes $14 billion in humanitarian, military, and financial aid, with the trade agreement being a vital component. 🇨🇱 Fundación Eurochile launched a waste management pilot project in Barrio Plaza Ñuñoa, Santiago, focusing on the Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafeterias (HORECA) sector. The "Circular Urban Tourism Barrio Plaza Ñuñoa" project, developed with Corfo, the Ñuñoa Chamber of Commerce, and local SMEs, aims to enhance productivity through efficient organic waste management. We continue to foster connections and drive initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and economic growth across the region. Stay tuned for more updates! #EBOWN #EuropeanBusiness #Sustainability #Biodiversity #Trade #EconomicCollaboration #GreenDeal #CircularEconomy #SMEs #TeamEurope

🤓Gain insights from Ecotourism Kenya's Chairman, Mr. Richard Ndiga in the latest article- What's in an Award? 🌍He shares a compelling perspective on how the #ecowarriorawards initiative uplifts #sustainabletourism, #ClimateAction, #localeconomies and #BiodiversityConservation champions. ✨Discover how these awards honour commitment, foster innovation, and inspire a collective push toward a more #sustainable future. 🔗https://lnkd.in/dk3PpfVs

Meet Dr Amakove Wala, a distinguished healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Wanderlust Diaries Ltd, a social enterprise advocating for sustainable development through ecotourism. She is also the seventh guest on #DDWithMaqC. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship focuses on creating social value while maintaining financial sustainability. In this episode, Dr Amakove Wala shares her vision for anchoring Wanderlust Diaries Ltd around sustainability: “I want to leverage our conversation around sustainability — both environmental sustainability and the respecting of cultures by using local crops and encouraging local production." Some key highlights 💡 #Sustainability Focus: Dr. Wala emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and respecting local cultures through the use of local crops and supporting local production. 💡 #KnowledgeSharing: Insights on green destinations, greenwashing, disability mainstreaming, and the value of conscious travel are explored. 💡 Impact of #ConsciousTravel: Research shows that conscious travel positively impacts destinations, supporting sustainable tourism and industry regeneration. Our conversation with Dr Amakove Wala featured several amazing insights, which will be included in The Lives, Times, & Chapters of Luminaries Making Good Happen in Africa, a book featuring reflections from leaders and practitioners in the development and social impact ecosystem. Get ready for its launch on the 26th of September, 2024. Stay tuned for more details. Watch Dr Amakove Wala's full conversation here! https://bit.ly/3zagXSW #WalaAmakove on #DDWithMaqC #DDAt5 #DevelopmentDynamics

📢 Second Collective Mentoring Session of the FISATUR Project in Spain 🚀 📅 On 19 November 2024, the second collective mentoring session of the FISATUR Project took place in Spain. This meeting focused on strengthening and optimising the business models of the incubated projects, providing participants with key tools to enhance their initiatives. 💡 The session stood out for its focus on the strategic viability of the incubated projects, with the guidance of expert mentors and a space for the exchange of ideas and best practices. One more step towards promoting maritime and fishing tourism projects that generate a positive impact on coastal communities, empowering local initiatives and strengthening our coastal heritage! ⚓ FUNDAMAR- Fundación para la pesca y marisqueo ICSEM (Instituto para el Crecimiento Sostenible de la Empresa) L'Institut Agro Rennes-Angers Technopole Quimper-Cornouaille Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alto Minho (CIM Alto Minho) Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency #Spain #Galicia #ProjectIncubator #IncubationProgramme #MaritimeHeritage #Fishing #Tourism #Maritime #Innovation #Sustainability #Aquaculture We sail together!

Portugal is on the rise, and it’s incredible to see how we’re leading Europe in both sustainability and innovation. Guimarães has just been named European Green Capital 2026! This city’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking projects is a beacon of hope for greener cities everywhere. 🌿 And there’s more to celebrate: Águeda has received the European Green Cities Award 2026, honoring its visionary approach to sustainable urban development. These achievements aren’t just wins for these cities—they’re a reflection of how Portugal is embracing its potential as a hub for green innovation and technology. We’re blending our deep-rooted heritage with bold, modern solutions. This is the Portugal I’m proud of—a country showing Europe (and the world) what’s possible. 🇵🇹 Let’s keep building on this momentum! #portugal #urbanplanning #climateaction #greencities

What can today's leaders learn from Copenhagen's journey to becoming one of the world's greenest cities? Join us this season as we follow the Danish capital's journey to becoming a leader in sustainability. We learn how it transformed its polluted industrial harbour into an international hub where today's locals and visitors enjoy swimming in clean water. In our first episode, we’re joined by the city’s longest-serving Mayor, Jens Kramer Mikkelsen. Listen as he emphasizes the importance of broad alliances and enduring impacts. "There are many routes to the future." #travelandtourism #sustainabletravel https://lnkd.in/eNXbbQJ9

💡We've just uncovered fascinating insights into #Copenhagen's extraordinary journey towards sustainability, thanks to former Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Jens Kramer Mikkelsen in a captivating conversation with Destination Think CEO Rodney Payne on the 'Travel Beyond' podcast. Here's what Jens unveiled that shaped Copenhagen into the city it is today: 🤝𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Copenhagen's transition to a sustainable urban paradise wasn't a solo mission. The discussion highlighted how the #collaboration between public and private sectors, alongside #community involvement, played a pivotal role in paving the way for the city's transformation. 🏞️𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Copenhagen didn't just plan for tomorrow; it envisioned a city that thrives for generations. Emphasis was placed on the importance of long-term vision, leading to initiatives prioritizing clean water, sustainable transportation, and #socialinclusion. Mayor Jens reflected on the city's harbourfront transformation, remarking, "I think the clean water today is a symbol of Copenhagen." 🚀𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: Innovation and adaptability are the city's forte. From bike-friendly infrastructure to reimagining #urban spaces, Copenhagen has set an example for the world. Jens emphasized that each city has its own path to the future, advising #changemakers not to copy but to be inspired by Copenhagen's example. 🌍𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Tourism isn't merely about visiting landmarks; it's about immersing oneself in a city's ethos. Visitors often flock to Copenhagen not only for its beauty but also to draw inspiration from its sustainable initiatives and innovative urban planning. This underscores the pivotal role #tourism can play in spreading sustainability messages and practices worldwide. And that's exactly our mission at Green Bike Tours. We're dedicated to sparking inspiration among tourists visiting Copenhagen, empowering them to learn from one of the world's leading cities in sustainability and carry that #inspiration back home to catalyze positive change.☘ Explore more about what we do here 👉 https://lnkd.in/g3N28MeY If you're passionate about sustainability, #urbandevelopment, and tourism, the Travel Beyond podcast is an absolute must-listen!🎙️  PS: Keep an ear out for our founder Helene's upcoming feature. Don't miss it! 🌍 #GreenBikeTours #SustainableTourism #ExploreCopenhagen

I’m really excited to be going to The Future of Cities summit this October organised by BPCC - British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, Department for Business and Trade and British Embassy Lisbon. Cities only cover 1% of the Earth’s surface, but 55% of the world’s population lives in them, and they create 80% of global GDP. By 2050, 2 billion more people will move to cities, which means huge challenges ahead especially when it comes to the environment. At the summit, we’ll talk about big issues like water management and energy efficiency, focusing on southern Portugal. I’m looking forward to learning more and hearing ideas on how we can make cities better for the future. #RealEstate #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #FutureCities #Innovation