Mexico has launched a strategy to transition its coastal tourism model with a view toward strengthening environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social inclusion, in coordination with United Nations agencies and multilateral environmental institutions.
Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora announced that the Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism (iCOAST) project forms part of a global program financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The initiative is implemented by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) serving as the lead agency, and will be executed nationally by Pronatura Noroeste in coordination with the Mexican government.
The goal is to drive a structural transformation of tourism in coastal destinations by promoting low-carbon models, reducing pollution, advancing circular economy practices, and strengthening climate resilience.
The project will be implemented in six coastal states — Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco — regions that combine significant tourism activity with high-value marine and coastal biodiversity.
Among its projected impacts is a reduction in emissions equivalent to more than 405,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, as well as a decrease in plastic waste, toxic substances, and hazardous chemicals affecting coastal ecosystems.
More than 877,000 people are expected to benefit directly, with a focus on gender equality, community inclusion, and the creation of green jobs in local tourism-dependent economies.
The project has completed its preparatory phase and is currently under technical review by the GEF Secretariat prior to final approval. It has received endorsement from Mexico’s GEF Operational Focal Point, as well as internal clearances from UNEP and UNDP.
Once approved, implementation will proceed in coordination with Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Finance, state governments, the private sector, small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, and local communities.
The strategy includes strengthening regulatory frameworks, mobilizing sustainable finances, introducing clean technologies, and building institutional capacity, aligning the tourism sector with global climate commitments and sustainable development goals.
Through iCOAST, Mexico aims to position its coastal tourism industry as a regional model for ecological transition, demonstrating that the sector’s growth can go hand in hand with climate action and marine ecosystem protection.
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