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Rehabilitation of wild orchids (India) [2025]

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Country: India

Site: Kappad Blue Flag Beach

Target: Tourists and visitors, Practitioners, Local communities and residents, Families and Kids

Short Description

In 2025, the Kappad Blue Flag Beach in Kerala launched a biodiversity initiative to rescue and rehabilitate endangered wild orchids displaced by highway development. Led by DTPC Kozhikode with the Malabar Botanical Garden, hundreds of native orchid species were carefully transplanted onto host trees within the beach’s protected ecosystem, with each plant geotagged for monitoring. Local staff and communities actively participated, turning the site into a living conservation classroom that links biodiversity with education and tourism. The project, inaugurated by Kerala’s Tourism Minister, showcased policy-level support and gained wide publicity, encouraging replication at other tourist destinations. By combining scientific expertise, community engagement, and the Blue Flag framework, it stands as a replicable model for conserving biodiversity in ecologically sensitive coastal regions.

Goals

  • To rescue and restore native wild orchids threatened by development, while promoting biodiversity conservation, community involvement, and eco-education at Kappad Blue Flag Beach.

Reproducibility

  • Lessons Learned: Timely action can prevent habitat loss, while empowering local communities fosters stewardship of natural heritage. Linking conservation with education and ecotourism boosts sustainability, and collaboration with academia, government, and international standards ensures credibility and scalability.

  • Reproducibility: The model is replicable in other ecologically sensitive regions, with success depending on scientific expertise, institutional collaboration, accurate development mapping, and strong community involvement. It serves as a good practice for biodiversity conservation in areas affected by infrastructure.

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Sustainable paths: Inclusion and Nature(Brazil) [2025]

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Country: Brazil

Site: Praia do Patacho

Target: Practitioners, Local communities and residents

Short Description

The activity “Sustainable Paths: Inclusion and Nature”, held on April 28, 2025, at Sítio Vale da Mata during the Blue Flag Program’s Global Action Days, brought together CAPS users, artisans, and local residents for an ecological trail and clay craft workshop. Participants planted cocoa seedlings to support reforestation and observed the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, fostering environmental awareness and a stronger bond with nature. The clay workshop offered a creative, sensory experience in connection with local artisanal traditions, promoting mental health, cultural appreciation, and social inclusion. Together, these activities reinforced sustainability, community integration, and a sense of belonging to the territory. The initiative was guided by a methodology of dialogical and inclusive environmental education, emphasizing participation, knowledge exchange, and accessible communication. Local residents highlighted the importance of reforestation with native species and the benefits of contact with nature for well-being, while artisans shared traditional practices that encouraged creativity and cultural pride. Through collective planting, hands-on learning, and open dialogue, participants were invited to see nature as a space of healing, learning, and inclusion. The activity ultimately combined environmental care with social support, demonstrating how community-based actions can strengthen both ecosystems and mental health.

Goals

  • Caring for nature also means caring for yourself and others. By planting a tree and walking through the forest, we strengthen our bond with the planet and the community.

  • Social inclusion involves valuing the territory, local culture and popular knowledge. The clay workshop showed that everyone can create, express themselves and belong.

  • Small collective actions generate great environmental and human transformations. Preserving biodiversity and promoting well-being go hand in hand towards sustainability.

Reproducibility

  • The “Sustainable Paths: Inclusion and Nature” activity combined reforestation and cultural exchange by planting cocoa seedlings and hosting a clay workshop, promoting ecosystem recovery, creativity, and social inclusion. It strengthened community ties, highlighted the mental health benefits of nature, and encouraged sustainable practices that can be replicated in other communities.

Oyster Farm Visit (Brazil) [2025]

Country: Brazil

Site: Late Clube de Santa Catarina-Centro

Target: Practitioners, Professionals, Local communities and residents

Short Description

The Blue Flag Program Management Committee of the Iate Clube de Santa Catarina organized a technical visit to an oyster farm in Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Florianópolis, to explore the links between mariculture, the environment, and climate change. Santa Catarina, Brazil’s largest oyster producer, relies heavily on environmental stability, yet oyster farmer Leonardo highlighted rising mortality rates caused by El Niño, connecting the climate crisis directly to economic losses. Through direct engagement with farmers, observation of cultivation structures,and technical discussions, participants gained insight into how climate variations affect ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security.

To extend the impact, an educational video will share the lessons learned with the wider community, positioning mariculture as both a key element of the ocean economy and a symbol of climate urgency.

The activity served as an effective awareness-raising method and will be replicated as a model for future educational actions.

Goals

  • Understand the connection between climate change and the impacts on mariculture.

  • Value the oyster production chain as part of the coastal economy.

  • Encourage sustainable attitudes based on knowledge acquired in the field.

Reproducibility

  • The activity resulted in strong involvement among the members of the Management Committee and reinforced the Yacht Club's role in promoting coastal sustainability. The technical visit has already directly mobilized more than 40 participants, including staff and employees.

  • The message now has the potential to reach thousands of people on the club's digital platforms.

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Greener Iguaba Project (Brazil) [2025]

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Country: Brazil

Site: Praia de Ubás

Target: Tourists and visitors, Practitioners, Local communities and residents, Families and Kids

Short Description

The Greener Iguaba Project is an urban afforestation initiative in Iguaba Grande (RJ) that seeks to restore degraded areas, value local biodiversity, and promote environmental education. Launched in April 2025, its first stage involves planting 2,200 seedlings—mainly native species like Aroeira—across neighbourhoods and along the Araruama Lagoon. The work includes soil preparation, organic fertilization, hydrogel use, irrigation, and technical monitoring, contributing to the conservation of fauna, especially birds, while raising public awareness of the ecological and social benefits of afforestation. Beyond tree planting, the project uses environmental education as a central tool by engaging residents in participatory planting, distributing seedlings, and demonstrating proper techniques for planting and care. Activities are tied to symbolic dates such as Earth Day to expand outreach, while integrating sustainability into the city’s daily life and tourist spaces. This hands-on approach fosters community involvement, strengthens connections with nature, and highlights the importance of urban afforestation for both people and ecosystems.

Goals

  • Increase urban vegetation coverage with native species.

  • Promote environmental education and community awareness.

  • Contribute to improving environmental quality and urban health.

Reproducibility

  • In the first phase, 2,200 seedlings were planted, 500 per neighborhood and 200 along the lagoon shore. The action resulted in greater urban shading, creation of habitats for birds and pollinators, and greater dust retention on the roads. The choice of native species favored ecological balance and plant resistance. The social impact is also significant: residents began to actively participate in the care of the seedlings, and there was an increase in the positive perception of urban greenery. The project contributes to the mitigation of heat islands and to the control of erosion and flooding.

Beach SOS (Denmark) [2025]

Country: Denmark

Site: Køge Bugt Strandpark

Target: Tourists and visitors, Practitioners, Students and schools, Teachers and Educators, Local communities and residents, Families and Kids

Short Description

Køge Bugt Strandpark, part of the Interreg Beach-SOS project, strengthens coastal resilience with 200,000 m³ of sand nourishment and reinforced dikes to combat erosion and rising sea levels. Sustainable facilities enhance tourism while minimizing environmental impact.

Havhytten, a marine biology center, is expanding with new classrooms and recreational spaces to integrate learning and conservation. It hosts community engagement activities, including workshops and educational programmes promoting climate adaptation.

Following the 2023 storm surge, the project underscores the urgency of proactive coastal protection. Strandparken stands as a model for sustainable, climate-smart coastal adaptation worldwide.

Goals

  • Reinforce dikes and add sand to prevent erosion

  • Develop sustainable facilities with minimal impact

  • Provide workshops on climate adaptation

  • Enhance pathways and recreational spaces

  • Upgrade Havhytten for marine biology learning

Reproducibility

  • Invest early in long-term solutions to mitigate storm surge damage.

  • Plan ahead, as comprehensive coastal initiatives require time and resources.

  • Maintain and modernize learning centers to support long-term climate education.

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Pocket Parks and Pollinator Gardens (USA) [2025]

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Country: United States of America, Florida

Site: City of Delray Beach, Florida

Target: Students and Schools, Tourists and Visitors, Staff, Local communities and residents, Families and Kids

Short Description

The Pocket Parks and Pollinator Gardens initiative has expanded green spaces in Delray Beach, benefiting both wildlife and the community.Through a partnership with the National Wildlife Refuge and local residents, the City has created 10 pollinator gardens, supporting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These gardens promote biodiversity while serving as public learning spaces.

The City hosts Pollinator BioBlitz and planting events, encouraging residents to document species on iNaturalist and contribute to the wildlife atlas. Community engagement, through events, social media, and volunteer opportunities, has led to increased awareness and private pollinator gardens.

A key lesson learned is the importance of ongoing public communication about seasonal garden maintenance. To address concerns, the City is adding signage explaining plant life cycles. With a 95% survival rate for installed plants, this initiative is fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

Goals

  • Increase pollinator-friendly habitats to support biodiversity in Delray Beach

  • Create gardens that provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

  • Encourage residents to participate in Pollinator BioBlitz events and plantings

  • Maintain high plant survival rates and improve public understanding of garden life cycles

Reproducibility

  • Partnerships with local organizations and residents ensure project success

  • Pollinator gardens require minimal investment but provide lasting ecological benefits

  • Platforms like iNaturalist facilitate species documentation and community involvement

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Pollinator Friendly Schools Network (Portugal) [2025]

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Country: Portugal

Site: Municipality of Leiria, Pedrogao Centro beach

Target: Students and Schools, Teachers and Educators, Local communities and residents

Short Description

This project, in partnership with Quercus, engaged schools in tackling pollinator decline through hands-on solutions. Students learned about the importance of pollinators, insect hotels, and biodiverse grasslands. As a result, 45 myrtles, 45 rosemary plants, and various honey-producing species were planted in six schools, enhancing local biodiversity. The project aligned with SDG 2 by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that support ecological resilience and regeneration. Beyond education, the initiative contributed to ecological restoration by creating pollinator-friendly habitats. Schools became active agents of change, fostering awareness and implementing real-world solutions for environmental conservation.

Goals

  • Engage schools in planting pollinator-friendly species and creating insect hotels

  • Improve school environments with native plants that support pollinators

  • Align with SDG 2 by promoting ecological resilience and regeneration

  • Empower students and teachers to take real-world action in conservation efforts

Reproducibility

  • Can be replicated in schools worldwide

  • Engaging students in planting and building insect hotels ensures active learning

  • Selecting region-specific pollinator-friendly species enhances local biodiversity

  • Collaboration with environmental organizations like Quercus ensures expertise and scalability

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Bio Platges Met (Spain) [2025]

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Country: Spain

Site: Municipality of Gavá

Target: Students and Schools, Families and Kids, Tourists and Visitors, Local communities and residents

Short Description

Gavá City Council, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences and CSIC, launched a citizen science project to monitor pollinators at the beach’s natural area. Informative posters invite visitors to photograph and report local flora and fauna, helping document species diversity and conservation status. This initiative raises public awareness of pollinators’ vital role in ecosystems while generating valuable scientific data. Signage effectively reaches a broad audience, but digital platforms further enhance participation. The project highlights the power of community involvement in biodiversity conservation and the importance of pollinators in maintaining environmental balance.

Goals

  • Educate the public on the vital role of pollinators in ecosystems through signage and digital platforms

  • Encourage visitors to photograph and report local flora and fauna to document species diversity

  • Collect valuable information on species conservation status to support research efforts

  • Enhance engagement and broaden reach through online participation tools.

Reproducibility

  • Monitor pollinators through simple, accessible reporting methods

  • Combine physical signage with digital platforms

  • Foster active public participation in monitoring local flora and fauna for data collection

  • Replicate efforts to track and report species diversity

Environmental Volunteering to Restore the Dunes (Spain) [2025]

Country: Spain

Site: Municipality of Denia, Punta del Raset beach

Target: Students and Schools, Teachers and Educators, Local communities and residents

Short Description

A beach regeneration project at Punta del Raset combined sand traps, informational signs, and community action to combat erosion, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainability. Sand traps stabilized sediment, reducing coastal erosion while preserving dunes and seagrass beds essential for biodiversity and climate resilience. Informative signs raised public awareness, encouraging responsible tourism and long-term conservation. An environmental volunteer day engaged 60 participants in restoring the dune system and improving the Kentish plover’s habitat. Volunteers planted 352 native seedlings, removed 75 kg of invasive species, and cleared 2 kg of waste, enhancing ecosystem health.

Goals

  • Remove invasive species to allow native plants to thrive and protect local wildlife.

  • Replant native species to support natural habitats and provide food and shelter for fauna.

  • Remove debris to reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and maintain dune functionality.

Reproducibility

  • Regular awareness programmes ensure volunteers understand dune ecosystems, fostering long-term commitment.

  • Teamwork among volunteers, experts, and communities enhances effectiveness in habitat restoration.

Dune Awareness-Raising Workshops on the Beach (Spain) [2025]

Country: Spain

Site: Municipality of Teulada, Playa de la Ampolla de Moraira

Target: Tourists and visitors, Families and Kids, Local communities and residents

Short Description

A series of environmental education days highlighted the crucial role of seagrass beds and seaweed in coastal protection. These natural barriers reduce erosion and safeguard beaches from wave impact. Raising awareness among visitors is essential to promoting conservation and resilience against climate change. Held on three days during the tourist season, workshops engaged 90 participants. By emphasizing the importance of seagrass accumulation, the initiative fostered respect for natural processes.

Key messages included:

  • “Marine phanerogams and algae are natural barriers that protect our beaches."

  • "Every small action counts to protect our coastline."

  • "Nature plays a key role in the fight against climate change."

Goals

  • Inform visitors about the natural protection of coasts and their resilience to extreme weather

  • Promote good environmental practices and respect for the coastal environment.

  • Highlight the role of seagrass meadows and accumulated biomass on the shore

Reproducibility

  • Community involvement through educational days strengthens environmental commitment and promotes good practices on beaches.

  • Workshops and participatory dynamics are key tools to transmit knowledge and generate a positive impact on visitor behaviour.

Coastal Green (Mexico) [2025]

Country: Mexico

Site: Hotel Viva Azteca By Wyndham

Target: Tourists and visitors

Short Description

The Viva Azteca By Wyndham Hotel has launched a coastal restoration project, planting 400 native plants to stabilize sand, prevent erosion, and promote biodiversity. By restoring the beachfront ecosystem, the initiative strengthens resilience against climate change. Beyond conservation, the project engages tourists and locals through environmental education. Workshops, talks, and hands-on activities highlight the importance of native flora and ecosystem restoration.

Goals

  • Select and plant native flora for coastal restoration

  • Implement maintenance of coastal vegetation.

  • Raise awareness on the protection and conservation of beaches.

Reproducibility

  • The survival rate of the plants was analyzed showing positive results

  • Guests have expressed positive feedback on the initiative

  • The project has been replicated at the Viva Maya By Wyndham Hotel