Summary: Mexico's iCOAST project aims to modernize coastal tourism with low-carbon and circular economy strategies, targeting a reduction of over 405,000 metric tons of CO2 and delivering benefits to more than 877,000 people across six coastal states.

Mexico has launched the Integrated Collaborative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism (iCOAST) initiative to reorient its coastal tourism industry toward sustainability, climate resilience and shared economic gains. The iCOAST project will promote low-carbon development, circular economy practices and measures to protect marine and coastal ecosystems while supporting local communities.

Policy Goals and Strategic Priorities

Spearheaded by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, iCOAST is designed to steer a structural shift in the tourism sector toward competitiveness that is compatible with national climate and environmental objectives. The project emphasizes pollution reduction, increased climate resilience, and inclusive economic benefits for coastal territories.

  • Adopt low-carbon tourism development models
  • Promote circular economy practices across tourism value chains
  • Reduce plastic pollution and eliminate hazardous chemicals
  • Strengthen resilience to climate impacts in coastal communities

Geographic Focus: Six Coastal States

iCOAST will concentrate its efforts in key coastal regions that are central to Mexico’s tourism economy: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco. These states contain significant marine biodiversity and host a large share of the country’s coastal visitors, making them priorities for sustainable transformation.

From an environmental standpoint, the project projects a reduction of more than 405,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. It also targets cuts in plastic waste and toxic residues, and aims to phase out hazardous chemicals to better protect marine ecosystems.

  • Estimated emissions reduction: over 405,000 metric tons of CO2
  • Planned actions: reduce plastic waste, eliminate hazardous chemicals, lower toxic residues
  • Social reach: benefits expected for more than 877,000 people with a focus on gender equality and inclusion
Mexican coastline showing tourism areas and marine conservation efforts along the shore
Coastal tourism destinations in Mexico will be targeted by iCOAST to enhance sustainability and protect marine habitats

Approvals, Review and Next Steps

The project’s preparation phase is complete and the proposal has been submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat. Mexico’s GEF Operational Focal Point has provided an endorsement letter, and the initiative has already secured internal approvals from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GEF Secretariat is now conducting technical evaluations of the project’s environmental and social impacts.

Once approved, iCOAST will move into implementation with coordination across national ministries — including Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, and Finance — as well as state governments, private-sector partners, small and medium tourism enterprises, and local communities.

Implementation Priorities and Partnerships

Key elements of execution include strengthening regulatory frameworks, mobilizing sustainable finance, expanding clean technologies and adopting circular economy solutions. Building institutional capacity at national and local levels will be central to ensuring the long-term viability of the project’s outcomes.

iCOAST is part of a global initiative financed by the GEF and implemented by UNEP, with UNDP acting as the lead agency. In Mexico, the national rollout will be coordinated with Pronatura Noroeste alongside government partners to deliver and scale sustainable coastal tourism practices.

Why This Matters for Travelers and the Tourism Industry

iCOAST’s emphasis on cleaner operations, waste reduction and resilient coastal communities has practical implications for travelers and businesses. For tourists, the initiative should improve environmental quality at beaches and marine areas, support responsible service providers, and help preserve attractions that draw visitors. For the tourism sector, the project aims to create green jobs, open sustainable financing channels and raise standards that could enhance the long-term competitiveness of Mexico’s coastal destinations.

So what? If iCOAST achieves its targets, visitors can expect cleaner, more resilient coastal environments and a tourism offering that balances growth with ecosystem protection — while local communities receive economic opportunities tied to sustainable practices.