Tourism leaders, policymakers and conservation experts gathered in Jamaica for the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference to discuss collaborative approaches to protecting marine ecosystems while supporting economic development.

During the event, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts highlighted the Grange Pen Fish Sanctuary as an example of how tourism collaborates to generate lasting environmental and community impact.

Established in 2025 in partnership with the Oracabessa Marine Trust, local fishing communities and government agencies, the 3.3 million-square-metre protected area is helping restore marine ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity and enhance the resilience of Jamaica’s coastal ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. As part of the conservation efforts, Iberostar has also established a multi-species coral nursery within the sanctuary, contributing to reef restoration and the long-term health of Jamaica’s marine environment.

Through this collaboration, Iberostar is supporting Jamaica’s national commitment, under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to protect 30 per cent of its coastal and marine ecosystems by 2030.

Coastal tourism destinations are especially exposed to the impacts of climate change. In this context, nature-based solutions are increasingly vital to protect natural resources and thereby strengthen their resilience in the medium and long term.

During the conference, Victor Galván, Global Director of Nature at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that investing in nature is not only an environmental responsibility but also a strategic investment in the future of tourism: “Investing in conservation should not simply be viewed as regulatory compliance. It involves taking actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems, which, in turn, address societal challenges, providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. By investing in nature, we are building more resilient destinations, stronger communities, and a more competitive tourism industry for the future”.

Galván also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector, governments, local communities and conservation organisations to scale nature-based solutions. He noted that Jamaica is well-positioned to strengthen this collaborative approach and continue advancing blended financing in the blue economy and in marine conservation, while projects such as the Grange Pen Fish Sanctuary demonstrate how partnerships can deliver long-term benefits for both destinations and the tourism sector.

The sanctuary follows a community-based management model that supports local fisherfolk through co-management of the protected area while creating employment opportunities, including park wardens, coral gardeners and sanctuary management roles. The initiative is helping strengthen long-term stewardship of Jamaica’s marine resources while generating new opportunities for surrounding communities.

The Grange Pen Fish Sanctuary forms part of the sustainability movement Iberostar Wave of Change, through which the company integrates biodiversity into hotel operations, procurement and development. Through partnerships such as this, Iberostar continues to advance its responsible tourism approach by investing in initiatives that protect coastal ecosystems, strengthen local communities, develop partnerships and enhance the long-term resilience of the destinations where it operates.