Swansea University, Bay Campus 11am- 5pm

Oceans are of great importance in ecological (climate regulation, biodiversity) and societal (economic activities, environmental services, and residence) terms. In line with recent interest in ‘Blue Growth’, healthy oceans are fundamental to achieving global sustainability, and are thus identified as one of the core SDGs in goal 14 ‘Life below Water’. However, there are significant challenges in everyday understanding of the influence of the oceans on our lives and the impacts of our behaviour on it. Marine adventure tourism has a key role to play here given our dependence on the health of the ocean for a wide range of recreational and ecosystem services.

This one day think-tank will address issues surrounding sustainable growth in the marine adventure tourism realm.  In presentations from leading businesses, agencies and researchers we will examine existing challenges faced by the sector and scope for future economic opportunity and collaboration. Government delegates will provide a policy background and we will invite European funding experts to identify future opportunities.  After lunch we hope to maximise the university’s location on Swansea Bay, engaging directly with contemporary issues in our marine environment. The afternoon will explore funding and collaboration opportunities for marine adventure tourism.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Dr Olga Garcia, Interpretation Spanish Regional Government.
• Dr Steve Taylor. University of the Highlands and Islands
• Dr Robert Bowen, Cardiff University
• Dr Carl Cater, Swansea University
• Dr Maggie Miller, Swansea University

This event is supported by the Welsh Government SCORE (Supporting Collaborative Research and innovation in Europe) fund.

If you are interested in attending or would like to be informed of workshop outcomes please contact carl.cater@swansea.ac.uk.