On October 11, the web series “Beach tourism in times of COVID” was presented, an Ibero-American co-production carried out by the Red PROPLAYAS, Sou Praia and Sistemas Costeros and recorded during the confinement in 10 different countries.
Dr. Rafael Sardà, specialist in marine biology and researcher at CEAB-CSIC participates in this production reinforcing those academic, organizational and regulatory aspects that are to be transmitted through the web series. Within the Red PROPLAYAS, the CEAB-CSIC is part of the scientific node of Catalonia.
How the web series was born
During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen many stories of trips to the coast that have had to be canceled. In recent months, hundreds of videos have been seen about beaches that have recovered their ecological status thanks to this lower influx of tourists.
On April 21 of this year, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPLA) issued a report in which it measured the effects of COVID-19 to think about the best way to face a reactivation. The report highlighted that now and as it had never happened in the last 30 years, the dominant model of insertion of the region in the international economy based mainly on raw materials, assembly manufactures and beach and sun tourism is open to discussion.
This main scenario, it is the one that frames and where the web series “Beach tourism in times of COVID” was born.
The web series has the support of 29 experts in the management of tourist beaches from 10 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Portugal and Puerto Rico) and its first chapter was released on 11 October, the seven months since the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The series consists of a total of 7 chapters that are broadcast openly on the YouTube channel of the Red PROPLAYAS. At this time, there are already 3 chapters available.
“Beach tourism in times of COVID” revolves around the story of two friends – Sarah and Ricardo – who saw their trip to the beach canceled due to the arrival of the pandemic. In addition to staging the experiences of these two quarantined characters, their dilemma unfolds in parallel with the opinions and alternatives for beach tourism in times of COVID, which are provided by specialists on the care that tourists should have as well as the activities that they may develop on the beaches during and in the post-pandemic, taking into account all the necessary biosecurity protocols.
What is the Red PROPLAYAS?
It is a platform for collaborative exchange in beach management and certification, with a spectrum of action in 15 countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. They are scientists, activists and entrepreneurs integrated for a common goal: the integrated management of the valuable marine-coastal ecosystem.
The Red PROPLAYAS encompasses all activities that can be related to maintaining healthy and attractive beaches. From research projects and citizen awareness campaigns, to consulting services and academic events.
