Abta is to help agents and operators understand the links between biodiversity and travel and tourism to enable them to incorporate these into their sustainability plans.
A series of free training workshops for members will run in November and December in collaboration with biodiversity in tourism experts Animondial.
The 90 minute ‘biodiversity literacy for travel and tourism’ workshops can be attended virtually or in person at Abta’s office in London.
The training includes material that participants will use during the course and can be kept for future reference. Those who attend all five workshops will receive a certificate of attendance on completion.
Workshop dates:
- Biodiversity Basics – November 13, 2-3.30pm
- Understanding the State of Nature – November 20, 2-3.30pm
- One Planet – One Plan – November 26, 3.30-5.00pm
- Business Action for Nature – December 3, 2-3.30pm
- Collaborating for Change – December 11, 2-3.30pm
Abta head of sustainability Carol Rose said: “As an industry, we are acutely aware of the impact of climate change on the world, and to destinations, and the need to take action. Decarbonisation is one part of the solution, restoring nature and biodiversity is another.
“Biodiversity and fully functioning ecosystems are essential for achieving sustainability and net zero goals. Businesses must therefore minimise their operational impacts on nature and contribute to nature protection and destination regeneration.
“It’s a topic that the industry has been looking at more and more in recent years, but it’s an area of expertise which not many are familiar with, which is why we are pleased to be offering members these free workshops to help develop their insight.”
Animondial co-founder and director Helen Usher added: “Nature and biodiversity are increasingly important topics for travel and tourism. Pressure is mounting from international initiatives and national legislation as well as investor, consumer and client/supplier expectations.
“These biodiversity literacy in travel and tourism webinars not only provide a clear explanation of the current situation but will give participants a fundamental understanding of the underlying topics that allows them to navigate this changing landscape.”