Green Footprints: Training Course On Climate Change And Environmental Management In Tourism

Introduction

The tourism sector is intrinsically linked to the environment, relying on natural beauty, healthy ecosystems, and stable climates to attract visitors. However, tourism activities also contribute to environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and implementing effective environmental management practices are critical for the sustainability and long-term viability of the global tourism industry. This requires a comprehensive understanding of tourism's carbon footprint, the impacts of a changing climate on destinations, and the strategies for both mitigating emissions and adapting to new conditions.

This essential training course provides tourism professionals and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of climate change and environmental management in the tourism sector. You will learn how to assess and reduce the environmental impact of tourism operations, develop and implement green practices, understand the principles of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and contribute to a more sustainable tourism future. This program is designed for destination managers, tourism businesses, environmental officers, and policymakers committed to minimizing tourism's footprint and building a more resilient industry.

Target Audience

• Tourism Destination Managers
• Environmental Officers in Tourism Organizations
• Sustainability Managers in Hospitality and Tourism
• Tourism Business Owners and Operators
• Policymakers in Tourism and Environment Ministries
• Tourism Industry Association Representatives
• Protected Area Managers involved in Tourism

Course Objectives

• Understand the relationship between climate change, the environment, and tourism.
• Analyze the key environmental impacts of tourism activities.
• Learn strategies for measuring and reducing the carbon footprint of tourism operations.
• Explore principles and practices of environmental management systems in tourism.
• Identify and implement climate change mitigation strategies for the tourism sector.
• Understand the importance of climate change adaptation for tourism destinations and businesses.
• Gain knowledge of green tourism practices and sustainable certifications.
• Develop a framework for monitoring environmental performance in tourism.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module: Tourism's Environmental Footprint

• Understanding the direct and indirect environmental impacts of tourism (resource consumption, pollution, habitat degradation).
• Analyzing the carbon footprint of various tourism components (transportation, accommodation, activities); this module covers carbon accounting.
• The impact of tourism on water resources, energy consumption, and waste generation; this module addresses resource use.
• Assessing the effects of tourism on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The concept of carrying capacity and its relevance to sustainable tourism; this module addresses carrying capacity.

Module: Climate Change Science and Tourism Impacts

• The basics of climate change science and its causes.
• Understanding the current and projected impacts of climate change on tourism destinations (temperature changes, altered weather patterns, sea-level rise); this module covers climate impacts.
• The vulnerability of different tourism sectors and destinations to climate change.
• Extreme weather events and their implications for tourism operations and safety.
• Climate-induced changes in natural attractions (e.g., coral bleaching, snow cover reduction); this module addresses impacts on attractions.

Module: Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in Tourism

• Introduction to environmental management systems (EMS) frameworks (e.g., ISO 14001).
• The benefits of implementing an EMS for tourism businesses and destinations; this module covers EMS benefits.
• Key components of an EMS: policy, planning, implementation, checking, and review.
• Developing environmental policies and setting environmental objectives and targets.
• Implementing operational controls and emergency preparedness procedures; this module addresses operational controls.

Module: Climate Change Mitigation in Tourism

• Understanding the concept of climate change mitigation and its importance for tourism.
• Strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from tourism transportation; this module covers transport emissions.
• Improving energy efficiency in accommodation and tourism facilities.
• Shifting to renewable energy sources in tourism operations.
• Carbon offsetting and insetting mechanisms for the tourism sector; this module addresses carbon offsetting.

Module: Climate Change Adaptation for Tourism

• Understanding the concept of climate change adaptation and its necessity for tourism resilience.
• Assessing the climate vulnerability of tourism assets and operations; this module covers vulnerability assessment.
• Developing and implementing adaptation strategies at the destination and business level.
• Infrastructure adaptation to cope with extreme weather and sea-level rise.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation and the role of natural systems in building resilience; this module addresses ecosystem adaptation.

Module: Green Tourism Practices and Certifications

• Implementing green practices in various tourism sub-sectors (accommodation, F&B, tours).
• Sustainable water and waste management techniques in tourism operations; this module covers waste and water.
• Responsible sourcing and supply chain management for reduced environmental impact.
• Exploring green building and design principles for tourism infrastructure.
• Understanding and utilizing sustainable tourism certifications and labels; this module addresses certifications.

Module: Monitoring, Reporting, and Driving Change

• Establishing systems for monitoring environmental performance and collecting relevant data.
• Analyzing environmental data and reporting on sustainability progress; this module covers data analysis and reporting.
• Communicating environmental management and climate action efforts to stakeholders and guests.
• Engaging employees and suppliers in sustainability initiatives.
• The future of climate change and environmental management in tourism and opportunities for innovation; this module looks ahead.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.