The Jurassic Coast Trust recently held a successful event for businesses, centring on the theme of sustainability, and promoting responsible tourism along the Jurassic Coast.
Termed “Jurassic January”, the event was held at the RNLI College in Poole and attracted over 100 attendees representing local businesses of all sizes. The event’s opening speaker was Peter Moore from Giant’s Causeway National Trust, speaking about the organisation’s sustainability project. A UNESCO World Heritage Site like the Jurassic Coast, Giant’s Causeway attracts over a million visitors each year, and its natural beauty is particularly vulnerable to human impacts. Peter spoke extensively about the research and practices put in place to help mitigate the effects of so many visitors.
Download the brochure for Jurassic January 2020
Anna Frizzell from the RNLI spoke passionately about the organisation’s sustainability operations, raising pertinent points about how reliant all businesses are on their supply chains, and how these could be affected by climate change. Gwyn Jones from the Association of Sustainability Practitioners set the subject in a broad context, encouraging attendees to identify their core values and how their business practice reflects these.
Other speakers at the event included Patrick Ward from Purbeck Ice Cream and Karen Kennedy and Chrissie Guppy from Bagwell Farm, all of whom are leaders in sustainability amongst businesses in Dorset. Sally Everton from Visit Devon spoke about how to attract international visitors, and the need to balance this with environmental considerations, whilst Brian Bleese from Dorset Wildlife Trust led a workshop asking what businesses can do to look after their local environment. The day concluded with Dorset County Museum’s Director, Jon Murden, talking through their exciting plans for Tomorrow’s Museum for Dorset.
Additionally, the Jurassic Coast Trust’s new CEO, Lucy Culkin, set out her intentions for the Trust, with a focus on inclusivity, engagement and partnership working in order to promote the scientific and heritage value of this 95-mile stretch of coast.
This year’s event built on the success of 2019’s version, held at The Tank Museum, and the Jurassic Coast Trust intends for it be a regular event for businesses, encouraging them to network, share ideas and be inspired at the start of the new year.
Download All the Presentations from Jurassic January 2020 Speakers
