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What is the Blue Economy Summit?
The Blue Economy Summit is a high-level business and knowledge platform designed to connect tourism businesses, financial institutions, organizations, and changemakers to accelerate sustainable growth in Roatan and the Bay Islands through the blue economy.
Key points
Business meets sustainability
Tourism as a driver for local development
Practical tools, alliances and financing opportunities
Why Blue Economy, Why Roatan?
Blue Economy
The blue economy is a development model that recognizes the ocean as a source of economic opportunity. It encompasses industries such as tourism, fishing, maritime transport, and renewable energy, while placing sustainability and environmental responsibility at the core.
Roatan
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Largest Marine Protected Area in Honduras
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Mesoamerican Reef System
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Tourism as the main economic driver
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+2.4 million tourists in 2025
Sustainability is no longer an option, it is a competitive advantage.
Why should you attend?
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Convene key tourism stakeholders
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Strengthen sustainable business practices
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Build local capacity through practical tools
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Promote inclusive economic development
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Scale conservation impact through alliances
Who Should Attend?
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Tourism business owners & executives
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Entrepreneurs & SMEs in tourism
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Authorities, NGOs & partners
Agenda Blue Economy Summit 2026
Day I: Friday, June 5 | Conferences and Panesl
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09:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Accreditation
Fast-track digital check-in and distribution of the corporate 'Blue Bag,' designed under a Zero-Waste philosophy.
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9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Official Opening Ceremony
Opening prayer, welcome remarks from RMP and BAC Honduras leadership, and introduction of authorities and special guests. Inaugural walkthrough of the exhibitions "RMP: 20 Years of Conservation" and "BAC Honduras: 50 Years."
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10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote I: The Bay Islands National Marine Park "Zoning and Boundaries"
Speaker: Bessy Aspra, Executive Director, Roatan Marine Park
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10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote II: Ecosystem Services and the Blue Economy
Speaker: Gerardo Barrantes (Costa Rica)
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11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
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11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Sargassum: Turning a Challenge into a Business Opportunity
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12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Technical Session: Impact-Driven Financial Solutions
Presented by BAC Honduras | Showcase of the 'Positive Green Credit' portfolio, tailored financing for SMEs and tourism enterprises.
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12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | LUNCH & NETWORKING
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1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Keynote III: Making the Case for Environmental Investment
Speaker: Dr. Julio César Raudales | How strategic environmental investment drives private sector competitiveness.
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2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Keynote IV: Coastal Circular Economy
Speaker: Pili Luna | Responsible commerce, innovation, and emerging market development.
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2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
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3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Panel Discussion: Green Taxonomy
Moderator: Dr. Julio Gom (FUNDAHRSE)
Panelists: Embassy of the Netherlands, Central American Port Operator (OPC), and the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH)
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3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Presentation: Grievance and Feedback Mechanisms at the BINMP
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3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Seed Funding Ceremony for Community Tour Operators
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4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Keynote V: Sustainable Construction "Stories from the Field"
Speaker: Gracia Barahona, Vice President, Honduras Green Building Council
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4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Panel Discussion: "The Blue Economy, Challenges and Opportunities"
Round Table featuring representatives from dive centers, cruise ports, tour operators, and maritime transport companies.
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5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Presentation: Reef Ally
Unveiling of Roatan Marine Park's new impact investment platform.
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6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | BLUE AWARDS CEREMONY
The Blue Awards honor individuals whose exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment are making a tangible difference in marine conservation, sustainable development, and community resilience across the island of Roatan.
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6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Become a sponsor
Invest in the sustainable future of Roatan while positioning your brand as a leader in responsible tourism.
I would like to join as a Sponsor. Contact us!
