This interview provides a comprehensive overview of the “Champions of Sustainability” program, highlighting its objectives, implementation plan, and the crucial role of Sustainability Champions within Skål International. The program’s emphasis on communication, collaboration, and practical projects aims to embed a culture of sustainability within the travel and tourism industry, ensuring a responsible and sustainable future.
Skal Europe: Good evening, Ville. Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by giving us an overview of the “Champions of Sustainability” program and its objectives?
Ville Riihimäki: Good evening, and thank you for having me. The “Champions of Sustainability” program is an initiative by the Sustainable Tourism Committee of Skål International. Our main objective is to promote a culture of sustainability within the travel and tourism industries through our extensive network of clubs and members. By doing so, we aim to position Skål International as a leader in embedding sustainable practices across our industry.
Skal Europe: That sounds like an ambitious and much-needed initiative. How does the program aim to achieve these objectives?
Ville Riihimäki: The program is structured to ensure that every club within Skål International can actively participate and contribute to sustainability efforts. Each club is asked to nominate a Sustainability Champion. These Champions will be responsible for identifying existing sustainability projects within their clubs or initiating new projects that can be completed within the calendar year. The projects should ideally engage members directly, allowing them to be hands-on and involved in meaningful activities.
Skal Europe: Can you elaborate on the specific steps included in the implementation plan for this program?
Ville Riihimäki: Certainly. The implementation plan, approved by the SIA Executive, involves several key steps:
- Nomination of Sustainability Champions: Each club is asked to nominate a member who will take the lead on sustainability initiatives.
- Identification and Initiation of Projects: These Champions will identify any ongoing or completed sustainability projects or initiate new ones if none exist.
- Member Engagement: Projects should provide opportunities for members to actively participate and contribute.
- Encouragement for Awards Participation: We encourage at least one member or relevant business in each region to enter the Skål Global Sustainability Awards.
- Regular Updates and Communication: A section on sustainability will be included in every SIA newsletter, highlighting projects undertaken by our clubs, relying on the Club Sustainability Champions to provide this information.
- AGM Involvement: Sustainability will feature prominently on the agenda at each AGM, and workshops on sustainability will be included where practical.
- Resource Utilization: The Skål Sustainability Manual is an excellent resource for clubs to find inspiration and ideas for projects. It can be accessed on the Skål International website.
Skal Europe: It’s clear that communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of this program. How do you plan to facilitate this among the clubs?
Ville Riihimäki: Communication and collaboration are indeed vital. We plan to create a WhatsApp group for all the nominated Sustainability Champions, enabling regular and efficient communication. This group will facilitate monthly meetings to review progress, share ideas, and discuss initiatives. This way, we can ensure that all clubs are aligned and can learn from each other’s experiences.
Skal Europe: How do you envision the role of Sustainability Champions within their respective clubs?
Ville Riihimäki: Sustainability Champions will play a pivotal role within their clubs. They will be the driving force behind identifying and implementing sustainability projects. Their responsibilities include coordinating with club members, engaging them in sustainability activities, and ensuring that projects align with the overall goals of the “Champions of Sustainability” program. They will also be responsible for reporting progress and successes, which will be featured in our newsletters and discussed during our monthly meetings.
Skal Europe: Can you provide some examples of sustainability projects that clubs can undertake?
Ville Riihimäki: Absolutely. Projects can vary widely depending on the club’s location, resources, and member interests. Examples include:
- Organizing local clean-up drives or tree-planting events.
- Partnering with local businesses to promote sustainable tourism practices.
- Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs within the club’s operations.
- Hosting workshops or seminars on sustainability topics to educate members and the community.
- Supporting or initiating conservation projects, such as protecting local wildlife or habitats.
The key is to choose projects that are feasible, impactful, and engaging for members.
Skal Europe: What resources are available to clubs to help them with their sustainability projects?
Ville Riihimäki: The Skål Sustainability Manual is an excellent resource available to all clubs. It provides a wealth of information, including project ideas, best practices, and guidelines for implementing sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the monthly meetings and the WhatsApp group will be invaluable for sharing resources, experiences, and advice among the Sustainability Champions. We also encourage clubs to reach out to their local communities and partners for support and collaboration on projects.
Skal Europe: How will the success of the “Champions of Sustainability” program be measured?
Ville Riihimäki: Success will be measured through several metrics, including the number of clubs participating, the number and impact of projects completed, and member engagement levels. We will also track the entries for the Skål Global Sustainability Awards from our region. Regular reporting and feedback from the Sustainability Champions will help us monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Skal Europe: What are your expectations for the long-term impact of this program on Skål International and the broader travel and tourism industry?
Ville Riihimäki: In the long term, we hope that the “Champions of Sustainability” program will significantly contribute to embedding a culture of sustainability within Skål International and the broader travel and tourism industry. By leading by example, we aim to inspire other organizations and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Ultimately, our goal is to create a more responsible and sustainable future for the travel and tourism industry, benefiting both people and the planet.
Skal Europe: Thank you, Ville, for sharing this comprehensive overview of the “Champions of Sustainability” program. Do you have any final thoughts or messages for the clubs and members?
Ville Riihimäki: I would like to encourage all clubs and members to embrace this opportunity to make a positive impact. Sustainability is a collective effort, and each of us has a role to play. By working together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure a sustainable future for our industry. I look forward to seeing the innovative projects and initiatives that our clubs will undertake and to celebrating our successes together.
Skal Europe: Thank you, Ville, for your time and insights. We look forward to the successful implementation of the “Champions of Sustainability” program and its positive impact on our organization and industry.
