Business Sustainability Training Programme

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark has organised a Business Sustainability Training Programme, facilitated by The Tourism Space to take place in September 2022. The Business Sustainability Training Programme is a framework that allows businesses located within Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to come together to build a sustainable tourism offering, achieve cost savings through reductions in waste, water and energy consumption and benefit from becoming a member of The Geopark Business Network.

The Geopark is working to expand The Geopark Business Network and invites businesses to complete the Geoparks Sustainability Training Programme as an entry point for membership.

The training programme is highly practical providing businesses with the tools to establish baseline information and benchmark standards in the areas of energy, water, and waste management. The programme also expands to cover biodiversity, conservation, marketing, and promotion.

Modules

This comprehensive programme covers all the below topics:

• Energy Conservation & Energy Management
• Biodiversity and Tourism in The Geopark
• Water Conservation & Water Management
• Leave no Trace
• Waste Management
• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism
• Marketing The Geopark Together
• Building sustainability into The Geopark Visitor Experience

Schedule

This is a 10-week programme that will commence on Tuesday 6 September 2022 and finish on Tuesday 15 November 2022. Training sessions will take place mainly every Tuesday, some onsite at a Geopark location and some will be held online via Zoom. All sessions, other than the Leave no Trace Awareness Course, will take place between 10.00am/10.30 am – 1pm. The Leave no Trace Awareness Course will be a full day course taking place form 10.00am – 4.00pm. A field trip to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark will also take place on Tuesday 27 – Wednesday 28 September.

For a full detailed schedule of this programme, download the schedule click here.

Benefits

The Business Sustainability Programme which aims to make cost and energy savings for your business, is free of charge to complete. Once completed the programme you will be awarded with a certificate of completion, as well as becoming a part of The Geopark Business Network. Within this network you have the following benefits:

• Increased visibility via marketing opportunities and profiling on The Geopark website. Businesses are promoted on our Business Network
• Promotion and profiling on Geopark social media accounts including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Businesses are an official accredited Geopark Business and have the right to display The Geopark logo on marketing and promotional materials.
• The Geopark is working to secure national and international public relations and media coverage. Business Network members will be given preference when showcasing what The Geopark has to offer.
• Networking, cross promotion and collaborating opportunities with other network members.
• Build trade relationships by including your business offering in sample itineraries and holiday plans for the region which will be presented on your behalf to relevant trade partners, familiarisation trips, etc.
• Various training opportunities including Sustainability Training Programme, Leave No Trace Principles, Marketing, social media, etc.
• Learn from key guest speakers during network meetings.
• All network members receive Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Accredited Business label to showcase on their premises.
• Opportunity for members to promote approved events in The Geoparks Events Brochure published online and distributed amongst tourism venues across The Geopark.

How to participate

Do you have an existing business located in Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark (Map) and are interested in sustainability, regenerative tourism and becoming a Geopark Ambassador?

Can you fully commit to becoming a Sustainable Geopark Business and attending this facilitated programme?

If so, please submit your expression of interest to info@cuilcaghlakelands.org by close of business on Wednesday 27 July 2022.

Please note, there are limited places on this free programme, facilitated by The Tourism Space. A commitment to attend the programme in full is necessary. Businesses will be selected on their ability to commit to the full programme.