The free training modules aim to build the capacities of staff in protected areas, as well as of other relevant stakeholders from the Conservation and Tourism sectors (tourism boards, tour operators, sustainable tourism associations). Visit the training modules and register on www.conservationtraining.org.

On the 28th of October 2020, the MEET Network Secretariat hosted a public-facing webinar to announce the launch of this new online course on ecotourism development. Over 80 Participants from Mediterranean tourism and conservation sectors attended the webinar. The MEET Network began the session by explaining its objectives as a membership association for Mediterranean Protected Areas, as well as current projects it is involved in such as the Interreg-Med project DestiMED PLUS.

The ecotourism course is made of two modules and is primarily directed at Protected Areas staff interested in ecotourism development for their destination, but is also highly relevant to other stakeholders in the tourism and conservation sectors.

The first module focuses on how to develop an ecotourism product following MEET´s tried and tested methodology, and the second is on how to use the MEET DestiMED Calculator to measure the ecological footprint of the ecotourism product.

The MEET DestiMED calculator allows those who are developing the ecotourism package to measure the environmental impact of components of the package including food and drink, transfer and mobility, activities and accommodation. The ecological footprint of the tourism package can then be improved following the results of the calculator. For example, if the main impact of the package is coming from imported foods it may be recommended to include more local food options in the package itinerary.

Both modules in the course are free and can be accessed by creating an account at www.conservationtraining.org and searching for ´MEET Network´.

If you didn't get an opportunity to attend the webinar you can find the live recording on the MEET Network's Youtube Channel

The development of this course was funded by a Learning Grant from the MAVA Foundation for Nature to bring together MEET´s developed experiences from previous projects such as ENI CBC MEET and Interreg-Med DestiMED. Project partners, IUCN Mediterranean and the Global Footprint Network, worked together with support from the Travel Foundation and the Nature Conservancy´s e-learning platform, Conservation Training, where you can access the course.

Actively transforming ecotourism into a viable alternative for the Mediterranean region¨ - MEET Network 

Learn more about joining the MEET Network through this informative video. 

For further enquiries about the MEET Network please contact secretariat@meetnetwork.org.

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