Sustainability Business Training Programme

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark has organised a Sustainability Training Programme, facilitated by The Tourism Space to commence in March 2024. The Sustainability Training Programme is a framework that allows businesses located within Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to come together to build a sustainable and regenerative tourism offering, achieve cost savings through reductions in waste, water and energy consumption and benefit from clustering through membership of the Geopark Sustainability Business Network.

The Geopark is working to expand and build on the success of the existing Sustainability Business Network and invites businesses to complete the 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, accessibility, sustainability, marketing, storytelling, and Leave no Trace.

Modules

This comprehensive programme covers all the below topics:

• Concepts of Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism
• Pathway to developing your Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and Sustainability Management System
• Energy Conservation & Energy Management
• Biodiversity and your Business
• Water Conservation & Water Management in your business
• Accessibility and Inclusion in the Visitor Experience
• Leave no Trace Certified Awareness Training
• Waste Reduction and Waste Management in your business
• Sustainability Storytelling – effect B2B and B2C Marketing
• Tourism, your business and your community
• Sustainable Tourism Action Planning

Schedule

This is a 14-week programme that will commence on Wednesday 20 March 2024 and finish on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Training sessions will take place mainly every Wednesday, some onsite at a Geopark location and some will be held online. All sessions, other than the Leave no Trace Certified Awareness Training, will take place between 10am/10.30 am – 1pm. The Leave no Trace Awareness Training will be a full day course. A field trip to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark will also take place on Wednesday 1 – Thursday 2 May 2024.

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

Benefits

The Sustainability Training 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 member of the Geopark Sustainability 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 Sustainable 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. 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 a Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Accredited Business plaque 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 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 below by close of business on Friday 23 February 2024.

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. Should the programme become oversubscribed, criteria will be applied during the selection process.

This programme is funded by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark through support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cavan County Council, and Fáilte Ireland.