The SDG’s in Wales
Author: Megan Gareh, Geography Enthusiast
Read time: 5 minutes
Flooglebinder are travel experts and a certified B Corporation with tour experience in over 75 countries. We curate sustainable bespoke adventures that incorporate sustainability, conservation and wellness. As a BCorp organisation we use business as a force for good, meet the highest standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency, whilst tracking and monitoring our social and environmental impact.
The Flooglebinder Wales Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals
Aside from having an epic time exploring the beautiful St. David’s coastline in a boat, on land or jumping off rocks, the Wales programme has environmental conservation and sustainability at its heart. As you learn about the local environment, your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals will be enhanced, helping to deepen your understanding of your own social and environmental impact. It is not just a conservation trip, but an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different environment and make a change for both people and the planet.
“Thrilling, challenging, exhausting, exciting, fun”
Gemma, Lecturer, Wales
Especially since the pandemic began, travelling can be a stressful and daunting prospect. This is why the Wales programme is a great choice. With workshops and activities raising recognition and awareness for all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about conservation management in a more local setting with no flight required.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does it cover?
The Wales Programme covers education and activities for many of the SDGs. Some of the key goals covered include:
Goal 2 (Zero hunger)
Target 2.4 - ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices
A visit to The Bug Farm will explore how to viably feed a growing population whilst not compromising on sustainability. As a nutritious source of food, insects could hold the key to mass protein production that does not have the same devastating environmental impacts as cattle farming. You’ll be surprised at how tasty a bug burger is!
Goal 3 (Good health and well-being)
Target 3.4 - promote mental health and well-being
Participating in physical activity such as morning runs along the coastal path, yoga and mindful moments help to promote good mental health and well-being. Taking time out of your day to reflect on what you have learnt and the activities you have done can deepen your understanding and allow a peaceful moment in what can be a busy day.
“I was reminded of my own strength and ability to grow from challenges…brought me back to my passion for sustainable development”Taken from Camille's experience as a Wales programme participant
Goal 12 (Responsible consumption)
Target 12.8 - ensure people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
Knowledge and understanding of how humans impact the local ecosystems and services they provide can inform better choices when consuming products. Making a cup of coffee in a mug instead of buying a coffee in a single use cup is an easy but important change that everyone can make with a little practice!
Goal 13 (Climate action)
Target 13.3 - improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
There are workshops on how to reduce individual emissions and improve sustainability on a local scale - but in an exciting setting! The importance of kelp forests, marine and coastal ecosystems and their impact on climate action is taught from a boat safari around Ramsey Island. You can see seals, dolphins and many sea birds in their natural habitat while speeding round the island in a boat.
Goal 14 (Life below water)
Target 14.1 - prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
Target 14.2 - sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration
The coastal walk, bushcraft and coasteering gives you the chance to learn about topics such as marine pollution, coastal conservation and ecological diversity whilst immersed in the local environment. What better way to learn about coastal flora and fauna than seeing it up close whilst jumping off rocks and cliffs! You also participate in the Big Micro Plastic Survey and beach cleans to actively aid conservation efforts in St. Davids, making a positive environmental impact with your experience.
“once I had taken the first leap into the sea, it was the most exhilarating feeling”
Taken from Camille's experience as a Wales programme participant
Goal 15 (Life on land)
Target 15.5 - take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
Invert, grassland, intertidal and bird surveys are performed to aid understanding of local ecology and species diversity whilst giving practical experience of conservation management. These surveys help to monitor the local biodiversity, aiding decision making about conservation strategies in order to best protect the environment and species which inhabit it.
Goal 17 (Partnerships for the goals)
Target 17.16 - multi-stakeholder partnerships to mobilise and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries
Working with local businesses that focus on sustainable development and conservation management not only helps give to the local community, but also helps efforts to preserve the local environment.
The Wales programme offers the chance to explore many aspects of conservation management and sustainability for a wide audience. You don’t have to fly to find some incredible experiences that can change your perspective and actions towards leading a more sustainable lifestyle, as well as gaining knowledge about a broad array of coastal issues. This sustainable trip is an awesome way to immerse yourself in conservation and sustainability right here in the UK.
