Abta has announced a new initiative offering free workshops on biodiversity literacy for its members, aiming to integrate sustainability into travel plans.
- The workshops, conducted in partnership with Animondial, will provide essential insights into the relationship between biodiversity and tourism.
- These sessions will be available both virtually and in-person, ensuring broad accessibility for participants.
- Attendees who complete all five workshops will receive a certificate, enhancing their credentials in sustainability.
- Abta underscores the importance of such training as part of the travel industry’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting decarbonisation.
Abta is pioneering an initiative aimed at enhancing the travel industry’s engagement with sustainability by offering a series of free workshops on biodiversity literacy. These workshops are designed for agents and operators, enabling them to understand and incorporate biodiversity into their sustainability strategies efficiently.
Conducted in collaboration with biodiversity experts from Animondial, the workshops intend to furnish participants with crucial insights into how travel and tourism are intertwined with biodiversity. The increasing pressure from international policies, national regulations, and evolving consumer expectations highlights the necessity of this educational endeavour.
Participants can attend these workshops either virtually or in person at Abta’s London office, ensuring accessibility for everyone involved. The certification provided upon completion of all sessions not only augments the participants’ knowledge but also formally acknowledges their commitment to sustainability.
The workshop series commences on November 13 with ‘Biodiversity Basics,’ followed by ‘Understanding the State of Nature’ on November 20, ‘One Planet – One Plan’ on November 26, ‘Business Action for Nature’ on December 3, and concludes with ‘Collaborating for Change’ on December 11. Each session is meticulously designed to educate participants on the intricacies of biodiversity and its significance in achieving net-zero goals.
Carol Rose, Abta’s head of sustainability, emphasized the indispensable role of biodiversity in the broader context of climate action. “Decarbonisation remains a key element, but restoring nature and biodiversity is equally crucial,” she stated. The travel industry is increasingly recognising the necessity of integrating these elements into its operations.
Helen Usher, co-founder and director of Animondial, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Nature and biodiversity are becoming imperative topics in travel and tourism, driven by global initiatives and rising expectations from stakeholders.” This training is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding, preparing them to navigate the complexities of contemporary sustainability demands.
The workshops are an exemplary step towards equipping the travel industry with the necessary tools to tackle the pressing issue of climate change.
