Global context and aims of Llaüt 2022 in Alicante
Alicante hosted the International Marine Sports Sustainability Conference, known as LLaüt 2022, from October 26 to 28. The event was organized through a collaboration between the Generalitat Valenciana Department of Education, Culture and Sport, the Valencian Community Sailing Federation, and the University of Alicante through its Office of Social Responsibility. The conference took place in Alicante and marked the culmination of 2017 efforts in recognizing the health of the sea as a pivotal factor for maritime activity and coastal tourism. The imagery associated with the Diputación de Alicante frames the moment and underlines the regional commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
The first edition of LLaüt 2022 carried the overarching theme Sea of athletes and stewards, focusing on how maritime and tourism activity influence the Health of the Sea. It served as a space for reflection, awareness, and concrete action. With sea sports expanding along coastlines, the event emphasized the need for sustainable routines that protect the vitality of coastal ecosystems while enabling responsible sporting activity for future generations. The program also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the health of oceans and seas, promoting responsible tourism, and fostering a thoughtful society. LLaüt 2022 was designed as an annual analytic tool to monitor these interlinked issues, and it featured the Valencian Community’s 20th Sailing Schools Congress as part of its commitment to sustainability in sailing communities.
Speaking at the congress, the General Director of Sports for the Valencian Government stated that the event was not only necessary but essential. The program promised high-quality presentations that addressed sustainability challenges aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, with strong institutional backing and enthusiasm from regional authorities.
The University of Alicante’s Head of Social Responsibility reinforced the university’s role in showcasing both public and private sector initiatives, research outcomes, and business ideas that advance sustainability and marine respect. She noted that the congress would feature presentations, roundtables, and actionable proposals demonstrating how sustainable actions today can support the well-being of people and the planet in parallel with economic and social development.
Jose Antonio Chapa, Vice President of the Valencian Community Sailing Federation, emphasized the importance of educating young people. He argued that instilling responsible traditions in youth would help ensure that both natural environments and sea clubs can be enjoyed for generations to come. The event’s content, including the themes of LLaüt and the 20th Escoles de Vela Congress, was positioned to meet these goals in sailing and coastal clubs across the region.
The Digital Transformation Association (SPTD) highlighted the breadth and necessity of the conference’s agenda, noting that the content was expansive and impactful. The Ocean Race expressed its support for LLaüt’s emphasis on sustainability and suggested presenting ocean-care initiatives during the event, with the potential to carry such initiatives to UN platforms in the future. A project focused on ocean stewardship was anticipated as part of the program, underscoring the event’s aspirational reach.
The conference also anchored its mission in People, Planet, and Welfare, aligning with the 12 Sustainable Development Goals. Its core aim was to gather national and international experts from diverse fields to promote sustainable practices within marine sports and coastal tourism, while raising awareness of how these activities can coexist with ocean health. The event highlighted notable social responsibility initiatives by public and private entities, illustrating practical pathways for responsible action in the sector.
The audience for LLaüt 2022 encompassed professionals in marine sports and tourism, students, coastal municipal councils, river basin authorities, companies focused on ocean sustainability, environmental NGOs, sports clubs, travel and tourism associations, and marine schools. The program highlighted a broad slate of speakers from UNESCO Tourism Planning and Sustainable Development, Ocean Race, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the National Association of Maritime Companies, State Ports, and the Philippe Cousteau Foundation. It also included representations from universities, municipalities, yacht clubs, and public administrations in regions such as the Generalitat Valenciana and Govern de les Illes Balears. Discussions addressed gender equality, youth participation in water sports, and the balance between sustainability and recreational boating. A recurring thread was the need for compatible, sustainable tourism and sea sports models that protect marine ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.
LLaüt 2022 introduced a dedicated Social Responsibility program called La Playa Canalla. This initiative aims to recognize and reward the best SR actions undertaken by city councils on beach care and awareness among tourists and water athletes. Municipalities were invited to submit initiatives that had been developed in the months leading up to the congress via the event site. The program and its awards reflect the event’s commitment to practical, impactful action on the coast and in communities. .
The concept for Llaüt 2022 was conceived by Agliata RSCompany, a consultancy specializing in Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility. .
Participation and outcomes
As a platform for knowledge exchange, Llaüt 2022 aimed to unite national and international experts to present sustainable practices in the sea sports sector, analyze the compatibility of sea sports with tourism, and highlight successful social responsibility initiatives from both public and private sectors. The event underscored a shared responsibility among industry stakeholders to advance health of the sea while supporting vibrant coastal communities. The inclusion of multiple partners, from academia to industry, signaled an integrated approach to marine sustainability that extends beyond the conference itself and into ongoing regional projects and policies. .