Tripoli: Sustainable tourism development has been identified as a strategic priority for Libya by the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of National Unity. This announcement was made during the national dialogue on "Beaches and Marine Life: Between Investment and Environmental Preservation," which concluded in Tripoli and was organized in collaboration with the Development Organization for Supporting Youth and Women.
According to Libyan News Agency, participants in the dialogue recommended several initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability in tourism projects. These include adopting sustainability standards, launching a national program to monitor marine water quality, issuing legislation for beach management and diving activities, and strengthening oversight of fishing and urban expansion. The involvement of local communities in protecting the coastal environment was also emphasized.
The dialogue concluded with a call for developing a comprehensive national strategy for managing and developing Libyan coasts. This strategy aims to use natural resources rationally, preserve biodiversity, and enhance Libya's position as a promising ecotourism destination in the region. Participants stressed the importance of launching community awareness programs and strengthening public-private partnerships to support sustainable tourism initiatives that protect environmental resources and stimulate the local economy.
The event saw the participation of several high-profile figures, including the Minister of Tourism and Traditional Industries, Nasreddine Al-Fazzani, and other ministers such as the Minister of Planning, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Minister of Labor and Rehabilitation. Undersecretaries from various ministries, representatives from academic institutions and tourism colleges, and numerous environmental and tourism stakeholders were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of balancing tourism investment with environmental conservation, highlighting that sustainable tourism development requires consideration of environmental and social dimensions. Samira Badr Al-Din Al-Masoudi, Chair of the Dialogue Preparatory Committee, stated the event aimed to build an integrated national vision to balance economic development with marine and coastal environment preservation.
The dialogue covered four main themes, including the tourism value of the Libyan coast, the current status of the marine environment, tourism investment and environmental impacts, and the role of public and private sectors in environmental protection. The sessions featured visual presentations showcasing Libya's coastline and projects based on responsible tourism and environmental conservation principles.