Rationale
ReSea Sports: A New Wave of Regenerative Water Sports in Europe
Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport 2024 programme, ReSea Sports brings together six partner organizations from Spain, Croatia, France, Malta, and Italy with a shared goal: to transform water sports and physical activity into regenerative forces that benefit both people and the planet.
At a time when Europe’s coastal areas are under increasing pressure from mass tourism, urban development, and the impacts of climate change, the project introduces an innovative methodology based on regenerative tourism. The concept goes beyond sustainability—it aims not only to avoid harm but to actively restore natural environments and improve community wellbeing.
A Regenerative Model for Sport
Focusing on water-based sports, ReSea Sports introduces a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to managing and revitalizing coastal zones. By creating meaningful collaborations between public authorities, sports clubs, tourism operators, civil society groups, and environmental organizations, the project pioneers a governance model that puts community and ecology at the center of sport.
Implementing Pilot Actions and Stakeholder Engagement
Over the 36 month duration of the project, ReSea Sports will:
- Develop and pilot a new approach to managing coastal sports sustainably.
- Test this model in four real-life pilot sites, hosted by local clubs and organizations across Europe.
- Train sport leaders, trainers, and guides on the environmental impact of sports.
- Foster collaboration through a 5-Helix governance model, involving public authorities, environmental groups, businesses, civil society, and academia.
Objectives
- Developing Educational Pathways for Eco-Sporting: A core objective of the project is the creation of structured educational modules focused on eco-sporting. These modules aim to equip participants, practitioners, and organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate sustainability into sporting activities.
- Promoting Sustainable Events in Coastal Regions: ReSea Sports will organise and support sustainable sporting events in coastal areas, showcasing best practices in environmentally responsible event management.
- Engaging Youth in Climate-Conscious Action: The project places a strong emphasis on youth engagement, encouraging younger generations to participate in climate-conscious outdoor activities.
ReSea Sports is committed to redefining the role of outdoor sports by shifting the perception from “low-impact” activities to “high-benefit” practices. Through a strong focus on water sports, the initiative promotes a new cultural and environmental framework that actively contributes to the regeneration of natural ecosystems while strengthening the connection between communities and their surrounding environments. This approach positions sport as a catalyst for both ecological restoration and social empowerment.
”ReSea Sports is more than a project. It’s a movement to redefine how we engage with our coastal spaces—through sport, education, and collective action
Fabio FigurellaEU Project Coordinator for DAN Europe
Partners
Reports
Regenerative Sports Methodology
ReSea Sports Good practices report
Infographic: Regenerative Sea Sports at a Glance
Outcomes
- A practical model for regenerative water sports that can be replicated across Europe
- Pilot actions in coastal regions demonstrating how sports can restore natural environments
- Training programmes for coaches, guides, and organisations on sustainable and regenerative practices
- A toolkit of methods and best practices for managing outdoor sports with positive environmental impact
- Strong partnerships across sectors (sport, environment, communities, policy) through a collaborative approach
- Workshops and local events that bring communities together around sustainable sport
Expected impact:
ReSea Sports aims to drive a shift from “do no harm” approaches towards outdoor sports that actively benefit nature. By promoting regenerative practices, the project will contribute to healthier coastal ecosystems while increasing environmental awareness and encouraging lasting behaviour change among participants and organisations. It will empower local communities to engage more sustainably with their natural surroundings and inspire greater youth involvement in climate action through sport. At the same time, ReSea Sports will strengthen collaboration across sectors, fostering more coordinated responses to environmental challenges. In the long term, the project seeks to influence policies and practices across Europe, helping to establish regenerative outdoor sports as a new standard.