SEALabHaus

?? Protecting Our Oceans for a Sustainable Future ?? During Ocean Week in Brussels, 140 organizations united to urge the newly elected EU institutions to prioritize ocean health through bold and transformative measures. Their demands include the establishment of an Ocean Fund and a ban on destructive activities, such as bottom trawling and deep-sea mining, as well as tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. ???? The Blue Manifesto, spearheaded by leading environmental NGOs, presents a clear roadmap for restoring Europe's marine ecosystems, aligning with the European Commission’s commitment to a "European Ocean Pact." With Europe’s seas facing immense pressure from human activities, the manifesto calls for immediate action to protect our oceans and promote a sustainable future. ??? At #SeaLabHaus, we are inspired by these efforts and believe that future tourism can align with the New European Bauhaus values of Durability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion, fostering a harmonious relationship between tourism, culture, and the environment. ?? ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmT9X7ny #BlueTourism #OceanHealth #SustainableFuture #ProtectOurSeas #NewEuropeanBauhaus #SEALabHaus Interreg Atlantic Area

???? Because Blue Tourism is also about Solidarity and Inclusivity ?? In Cap Sizun, Brittany, La Pointe Emmaüs has opened a third place dedicated to solidarity tourism, offering half-price overnight stays for lower-income individuals. ?? Those who can afford to pay the full price do so, with part of their payment going towards subsidizing the reduced rates for others. But that's not all! ?? This initiative goes beyond just affordable stays—La Pointe Emmaüs also features an eco-responsible café-restaurant and a second-hand shop. Additionally, they have partnered with local businesses to offer a variety of activities at preferential rates, from kayaking to cultural workshops. ??? By creating a space that promotes accessibility and solidarity, this project is making tourism more inclusive and sustainable for everyone. It’s a perfect example of how Blue Tourism can foster community support while respecting the environment. ???? ?? What do you think about initiatives like this? Would you support solidarity-based tourism in your community? #AtlanticArea #SEALabHaus #BlueTourism #SolidarityTourism #SustainableTravel #InclusiveTourism #EcoFriendly Interreg Atlantic Area

??? Barcelona's Overtourism Crisis: When Locals Say "Enough" Protests erupted in Barcelona against overtourism, with demonstrators throwing objects and spraying tourists with water while shouting "tourists go home." Around 3,000 people blocked hotel entrances and cafes in Barceloneta, frustrated by the strain tourism places on the city. Barcelona has struggled with overcrowding, with over 4 million visitors during peak months, and a record 85 million foreign arrivals in Spain in 2023. Locals face rising rents, congested public transport, and overcrowded public spaces, sparking calls for "tourism degrowth" as a necessary measure to protect the well-being of residents. Despite some acknowledging tourism’s economic benefits and its contribution to local economies, many believe the city has reached its capacity limit for visitors and must find new ways to achieve balance. At #SeaLabHaus, we are deeply concerned by inhabitants' inclusion in tourism policies. We study and promote innovative ways to encourage tourism that is sustainable, balanced, and respectful of local communities. Our goal is to support models that prioritize both the well-being of residents and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Initiatives inspired by the New European Bauhaus framework focus on aesthetics, inclusivity, and sustainability, guiding our efforts to create solutions that harmonize tourism with community needs and environmental resilience. https://lnkd.in/dwx8eE7E #SustainableTourism #CommunityFirst #InclusionMatters #TourismPolicies #UrbanBalance #CulturalHeritage Interreg Atlantic Area

France's first Regional Action Group Seminar: Working better together ?? On October 10, Brest Métropole held the first French Regional Action Group at the Ateliers des Capucins. This dynamic event brought together around 20 local tourism stakeholders, including representatives from public institutions, private sector leaders, and community advocates, to discuss the good practices they are implementing to achieve a more sustainable tourism. ?? Participants shared innovative strategies and highlighted successful projects already making an impact in the region, emphasizing collaboration as a key element for meaningful change. Discussions also focused on joint actions that could be initiated, such as creating a 'green route' to encourage tourists to explore the city in an eco-friendly way and discover hidden gems, or setting up a user-friendly app that centralizes everything a tourist might need: recommendations, information, transport tickets, and more. ?? This seminar is part of SeaLabHaus' ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism through collective effort. The insights gained from this meeting will contribute to building the SEALab catalog of good practices, which aims to serve as a valuable resource for other regions across the Atlantic Area. ??? Thank you to our partners and participants for this enriching exchange of ideas and for paving the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future in tourism! ?? Stay connected as we continue to showcase and implement these practices to benefit communities and the environment alike. ?? #BlueTourism #SEALabHaus #SustainableTourism #Innovation #Collaboration #GoodPractices #Brest #NewEuropeanBauhaus Interreg Atlantic Area

???? SeaLabHaus Regional Seminar in the Canary Islands: Designing a Sustainable Maritime Laboratory for the Atlantic Region On October 25th, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) hosted a successful regional seminar as part of the SeaLabHaus project. This event brought together local stakeholders and partners to collaborate on the design of the SEALab—a collaborative platform aimed at fostering sustainable solutions for the Atlantic region. During the seminar, participants, including key project partners and regional stakeholders, exchanged ideas and best practices for the development of a transnational maritime laboratory. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote a more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful approach to Blue Tourism, aligning with the principles of the New European Bauhaus. With a focus on enhancing the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, the SeaLabHaus project aims to transform the value chain of Blue Tourism in the Atlantic Area. By integrating modern solutions with cultural heritage, the project seeks to ensure long-term resilience and well-being for coastal communities. ?? Stay tuned for more updates as SeaLabHaus continues to explore innovative solutions for a balanced and sustainable relationship with the ocean! ?? #BlueTourism #SEALabHaus #Sustainability #NewEuropeanBauhaus #AtlanticCoast #ULPGC #Innovation #Collaboration Interreg Atlantic Area

Pierre Chanteau's Mosaic Eyes: A Unique Treasure Hunt on the Finistère Coast ????? Pierre Chanteau, a talented artist from Carantec, has brought to life a captivating tribute to sailors lost at sea and the tireless work of sea rescuers through 113 stunning mosaic eyes installed along the shores of Finistère. Each eye, crafted from upcycled glass and earthenware, overlooks the sea, blending art with nature in a powerful message of remembrance and respect. These mosaic eyes are more than just a visual treat; they invite us to slow down, to pay attention to the details, and to discover the hidden gems that Finistère has to offer. It’s an opportunity for tourists and locals alike to embark on a unique treasure hunt, exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich maritime heritage of the region. ? Have you spotted one of these mosaic eyes during your visits? Share your discoveries and let us know your favorite hidden corner in Finistère! ? #ArtAndCulture #SeaLabHaus #MosaicEyes #PierreChanteau #Finistère #HiddenGems #MaritimeHeritage #EcoArt #UpcycledArt #Carantec #AtlanticArea Interreg Atlantic Area

The Océanopolis Metamorphosis ?? Océanopolis, Brest's National Center for Scientific Culture dedicated to the Ocean, has begun its transformation, supported by Brest Métropole and its partners (Brittany Region, Brest'aim, the French State, and the Finistère Department). This project is much more than a simple renovation: buildings are being modernized and new ones are being constructed with a constant focus on sustainability, architectural coherence, and beauty. ?? This transformation allows Océanopolis to continue being a flagship tourist destination in Brittany, better equipped to meet today’s environmental, inclusiveness, and aesthetic concerns. The construction will be completed by summer 2025! ?? Learn more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/dWpQUhvC ?? More info: https://lnkd.in/d_BcSBkA ?? Ready to explore the new Océanopolis? #Océanopolis #SustainableArchitecture #BlueTourism #MarineConservation #Brittany #ArchitectureAndNature #EcoFriendlyTourism #SEALabHaus #InterregAtlanticArea #OceanCulture #Metamorphosis #SustainabilityInTourism #GreenArchitecture Interreg Atlantic Area

Objectif Mer Exhibition: Sports Photography by Jacques de Thézac and Valentin Figuier ?? This exhibition dives into Finistère's maritime and nautical heritage. The photographs of Jacques de Thézac from the 20th century are displayed alongside those of Valentin Figuier from the 21st century, illustrating the enduring connection between people and the sea. Whether we dive, sail, or swim — we live the sea. ?? Discover this exhibition at the Musée départemental breton in Quimper, open until December 2025! https://lnkd.in/dg_pGfTs ?? What is your favorite way to connect with the sea? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! #ArtAndCulture #ObjectifMer #Photography #MaritimeHeritage #SealabHaus #interregatlanticarea Interreg Atlantic Area

?? Reflecting back on our incredible experience on October 9th in Lorient, the final day of our SEALabHaus Forum journey. Despite the rainy start, our spirits remained high as we embarked on a nostalgic visit aboard a traditional schooner, soaking in the rich maritime history (#FoundationTaraOcean). Our guided tour of Lorient Harbour then revealed the vibrant activity and strategic significance of this port. The afternoon at the Cité de la Voile was equally enlightening, offering a deep dive into offshore sailing technologies and the indomitable spirit of sea explorers. A heartfelt thank you to @Université Bretagne Sud (UBS) for their exceptional hospitality and meticulous organization, making our visit seamless and memorable. Enjoy this reel recapping the enriching experiences and lively discussions of our last day. It was a fitting conclusion to a series of unforgettable encounters. ????? #SEALabHaus #MaritimeCulture #LorientAdventures #ThankYouUBS Interreg Atlantic Area

?? Continuing our journey at the SEALabHaus Forum in Vannes with more captivating topics. This afternoon's sessions explored storytelling in tourism, the innovative renovations at Océanopolis, and cutting-edge geoceramics applications. The engagement was high with lively discussions and active participation. Don’t miss out on this highlight reel capturing the key moments! ???? #SEALabHaus #Innovation Interreg Atlantic Area