A multi-stakeholder network associated with the Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism (MEET) project this week unveiled a new web platform (www.meetnetwork.org) where protected area managers and tourism operators can exchange information and share experiences and expertise, with a view to fostering the development of sustainable ecotourism activities in Mediterranean protected areas.

The MEET network further acts as a framework in which knowledge and information can be shared between the private sector, civil society and experts. Initiated in October 2013, the network has grown to include 29 Members and Partners from protected areas, regional governments and conservation organizations.

The website is designed to be interactive and informative. It includes links to the current areas of work-19 protected areas in 8 countries-and an e-learning platform with documentation, materials and tools to connect managers, ecotourism agencies and other protected area stakeholders interested in exploring new sustainable tourism opportunities in the Mediterranean region.
The website includes quizzes and FAQs that will greatly help users to adopt a sustainable and practical administration model.

The first MEET catalogue of ecotourism packages in Mediterranean protected areas is currently being tested in preparation for its release in 2015. The catalogue will include some of the most attractive protected areas and some of the best nature-based destinations and activities with local communities in the Mediterranean basin.

The new website has been developed by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, which acts as the secretariat of the MEET network and is a member of the network's Executive Council. The other four Council members are MedPAN, Federparchi, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and Al-Shouf Cedar Society. The MEET network platform was developed as part of the Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism (MEET) project, led by Federparchi/Europarc-Italy and funded by the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI CBC MED).

For further information please contact Carla Danelutti