We would like to take you through a number of projects that we are proud to have started over the past few years to contribute to a sustainable world. We do want to make that sustainable 'contribution' bigger and bigger, so via a 'sneak preview' you can read what's in store for Worldmeetings in the field of sustainability!
"About 10 years ago, I wanted to contribute something to the world with Worldmeetings" explains our founder Bob Pieterson. "But I didn't know what, I didn't know how: I was searching hard. At one point I was listening to the radio. I heard an interview with Paul Fentener van Vlissingen, the founder of African Parks. In this interview, he spoke passionately about his foundation and his vision of a sustainable world. In fact, African Parks contributes to the recovery of Africa's deforested natural parks. I was immediately touched! After this interview, I immediately contacted African Parks and we started a sponsorship. But it didn't stop there! Because in addition to the sponsorship, together we created a plan to raise more donors in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Netherlands.
African Parks - WikipediaAfrican Parks, meanwhile, manages 19 national parks and protected areas in 11 countries comprising more than 14.2 million hectares ground. The goal is to manage at least 20 national parks by the end of 2020. Much help is still needed to reach the goal, support can be given!
"After African Parks' headquarters moved to South Africa, which was a good move for the foundation, the contact with Worldmeetings.com unfortunately diluted," Bob continues. "Fortunately, we didn't sit back and explore what more could be done in terms of sustainability. Therefore, 6-7 years ago, we started sourcing sustainable venues. This includes locations that work with people who are disadvantaged.
There is a growing demand from the market for meetings in so-called sustainable locations. Requirements are becoming more and more specific. Just using environmentally friendly cleaning products is no longer enough. By listening to market needs, we can positively influence our venue partners. Venues can make the sustainable options they offer visible on our website. This way, bookers can see via a filter which venues operate sustainably."
"Furthermore, in recent years we have focused on automating our processes. This has ensured not only better service but also a 'paperless' office. We have also made social return agreements with several clients, encouraging people with a distance to the labour market into the employment process. There are many locations that work with people from this target group and we encourage this initiative enormously!
"Internally, we make Worldmeetings.com employees aware of a sustainable world, for example by separating waste. Last year, our employees received a sustainable Christmas package from Zustainabox. Fun and sustainable!".
To take sustainability even more seriously, we partnered with Bureau MVO in 2019. Because we don't just want to make ourselves more sustainable. We would like to use our influence to positively influence the chain we are in the middle of. Read more here sustainability At Worldmeetings.
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