Rowing for the Planet: Active Tourism and Ecotourism with Begi Bistan in the OSES Project
If someone had once told our grandmothers and grandfathers that rowing could help save the planet, they would probably have raised an eyebrow and asked, perhaps with a hint of irony, whether rowing had stopped being a sport and become an ecological movement. Yet, incredible as it may seem, at Begi Bistan we have turned active tourism and ecotourism into powerful tools to tackle one of today’s most urgent global challenges: plastic pollution in our seas and rivers.
What is the OSES Project? Blue Tourism and Environmental Sustainability
The OSES project (Ocean Sustainability through Sport) is a European initiative that uses outdoor sports and recreational activities to combat plastic pollution in aquatic environments. Its main goal is to raise awareness about protecting marine and river ecosystems through direct, hands-on experiences with nature — perfectly aligned with the concept of sustainable blue tourism that we champion at Begi Bistan.
This project brings together leading organizations from across Europe, including Surfrider Foundation Europe (France), experts in marine conservation; Sport and Citizenship (France), promoting sport as a driver of social change; EMSEA (European Marine Science Educators Association, United Kingdom), specialists in marine education; and companies like Begi Bistan, offering local expertise and practical experience in active tourism.
Pilot Experience in Orio: Environmental Education for Schools and Companies
During the final quarter of 2024, we carried out a pilot implementation of the OSES project in Orio, working with two very different groups: students from Zaragueta School and employees from the company Biobide. Both experiences reaffirmed our belief that these types of initiatives are a highly effective option for both schools and companies seeking to strengthen their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) — taking environmental responsibility beyond the office and into real-world action.
With the Zaragueta students, we quickly learned the importance of flexibility in the face of unexpected weather conditions. What was initially planned as a kayaking activity became a valuable educational session on the banks of the Oria River. Through games and direct observation, we engaged the students while reinforcing key concepts around biodiversity and sustainability.
For the Biobide team, effective scientific communication and practical, hands-on learning were the main focus. Participants from a range of technical and scientific backgrounds experienced first-hand the critical importance of protecting our environment through activities such as collecting plastic waste and conducting environmental monitoring in the Oria estuary.
Active Tourism and Ecotourism: Essential Tools for Raising Environmental Awareness
Our participation in OSES reinforces something we at Begi Bistan have long believed: that active tourism, ecotourism, and blue tourism are essential tools for building real environmental awareness. There is no better teacher than direct experience in nature. When someone rows, walks, or actively takes part in environmental preservation, they personally feel the urgency and importance of protecting the planet.
The Commitment Continues: Next Event – Ura Mugimenduan 2025
Continuing our mission to promote sustainable and active tourism, our next major event will be “Ura Mugimenduan,” taking place in Orio on September 27, 2025. This day dedicated to regenerative ecotourism will feature river clean-ups, a collaborative beach clean-up at Antilla, educational workshops, and an eco-responsible marketplace. Our goal is clear: to demonstrate that small community actions can lead to major positive changes — making these initiatives an ideal choice for schools and companies seeking to take their environmental commitment to the next level.
At Begi Bistan, we are convinced that rowing together not only makes the journey easier, but also transforms it into a rewarding and meaningful experience towards building a more sustainable world.