Saudi Arabia and the Mediterranean Benefit from G20’s Focus on Ocean Conservation and Tourism, Get the Details Here

Published on November 29, 2025

OACM now works internationally to protect marine ecosystems through the use of cutting edge surveying and debris removal techniques and long-term monitoring. OACM has committed to assisting countries in implementing their international obligations through the use of OACM’s techniques. The G20 Summit, the first ever held in Africa, focused on critical environmental and economic challenges facing the world today.

G20 Reaffirms Global Commitment to Ocean Health

A central theme of the summit was ocean health, with leaders reaffirming the importance of safeguarding the oceans for food security, renewable energy, and marine biodiversity. In particular, Article 100 of the Summit’s communiqué emphasized the critical role oceans play in sustaining human and environmental health, calling for enhanced global action to reverse the degradation of marine ecosystems.

OACM, which has been at the forefront of ocean conservation, welcomed the G20’s focus on these issues. Ambassador Christides, who represents the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions for OACM, stressed the direct connection between ocean health and global stability. “The G20’s recognition that ocean health underpins global stability is both timely and essential,” he said. “In regions like the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the degradation of marine ecosystems threatens food security, tourism, and the livelihoods of millions.”

Tourism and Climate Action: A Critical Link

As global tourism continues to grow, OACM recognizes the need for the sector to evolve to become more sustainable. Tourism now represents a significant portion of the global economy, with the G20 countries accounting for approximately 70% of international tourism. During the Summit, leaders emphasized the need for the tourism sector to be integrated into national development strategies focused on environmental resilience.

In Article 116, the G20 underscored that the tourism industry must move quickly to ensure long-term sustainability, noting the necessity for transparent investment frameworks. This shift is particularly crucial in regions where tourism and environmental challenges intersect, like coastal and island destinations, where both the marine environment and tourism infrastructure are under increasing pressure.

The impact of these initiatives on global tourism will be significant, especially for destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, which rely heavily on tourism for their economies. The G20’s actions highlight the need to balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that tourism continues to thrive without compromising natural resources.

OACM’s Expanding Global Program to Support Sustainable Tourism

OACM has been actively engaged in promoting sustainable tourism through its various conservation programs. One key initiative is the Certified SAFE Marine Areas (CSMA) Programme, which pairs ecological protection with sustainable tourism development. This program is designed to safeguard marine biodiversity while promoting responsible tourism in coastal regions.

The organization’s Global Environmental Promotion Network (GEPN) plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about environmental achievements. Through a network of digital displays in high-traffic locations such as airports, hotels, and museums, OACM highlights the sustainable practices of various destinations, promoting both environmental awareness and tourism visibility. These efforts contribute to a broader understanding of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems while also supporting tourism businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Targeted Support for Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions

OACM’s work in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions is a prime example of how the organization is taking action to protect these biodiversity hotspots while fostering tourism growth. The Mediterranean is a particularly vital area, with its rich marine life and extensive tourism industry drawing millions of visitors every year.

In partnership with private-sector stakeholders, OACM has issued €3 million conservation bonds to each Mediterranean coastal state, aiming to accelerate the implementation of the CSMA program. These funds are being used to protect marine areas and support sustainable tourism infrastructure, helping to ensure that these regions remain resilient and economically viable for future generations.

“The Mediterranean and Black Sea regions are biodiversity hotspots and pillars of international tourism,” said Ambassador Christides. “The investments through mechanisms like our CSMA initiative are vital to ensuring that these seas remain vibrant, resilient, and economically valuable.”

The Path to the Next G20 Summit: Advancing Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

Looking ahead to the next G20 Summit, OACM is optimistic about the progress that will be made in protecting aquatic ecosystems and advancing sustainable tourism practices. The organization hopes that more member states will join its efforts and that meaningful progress will be demonstrated by 2026. By continuing to build on the commitments made at the Johannesburg Summit, OACM aims to create a global coalition focused on both protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in the world.

With tourism set to continue as a major economic driver, particularly in regions heavily reliant on coastal and marine tourism, it is essential for governments, organizations, and industry players to collaborate in safeguarding the natural environment. OACM’s initiatives provide a model for how this can be achieved, and the growing global emphasis on sustainable tourism offers hope for the future of both the oceans and the tourism industry.

Future of Tourism and Ocean Health

Addressing the G20’s commitments to maintain the health of the oceans and to encourage sustainable tourism is a sea and ocean health industry breakthrough. The global community is ensuring the tourism growth in parallel to the conservation of ecosystems in the ocean so that future generations will enjoy the beauty and richness of the world’s oceans and coastal areas. OACM’s attempts of integrating these two areas should provide a positive pathway towards sustainability.