Read time: 6 minutes

Welcome to the weekly AST Briefing.

This week, it’s all about learning to get sustainability right.

We attended Destination Think’s Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel webinar, and read up on Austrade’s Sustainable Tourism Toolkit and Creatives for Climate’s The Anti-Greenwashing Guide for Agency Leaders. 

We are particularly proud of this week’s Feature Story. In developing this story, e learned a great deal about how hotels around Asia approach marine conservation education for young guests and community members.  

How These Family Vacation Activities Teach Children to Protect Our Oceans

Our oceans cover over 70% of the planet's surface and house an estimated 80% of Earth's biodiversity, providing us with oxygen and food, regulating our climate, and supporting our economy.

However, this precious resource is in crisis due to human activities like overfishing, offshore drilling, pollution, and carbon emissions. These actions have led to the depletion of marine life, the destruction of coral reefs, and increased ocean acidification.

Recent estimates from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicate that more than half of the world's marine species could face extinction by 2100.

With the current temperature increase of 1.1°C, approximately 60% of marine ecosystems worldwide have been degraded or used unsustainably. A temperature rise to 1.5°C is projected to threaten 70 to 90 percent of coral reefs, while a 2°C increase could result in nearly total coral loss, marking a critical threshold.

These alarming statistics highlight the pressing need for marine conservation efforts.

As adults, we have a responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations.

But what about instilling this mindset in our children at an early age?

Can family vacations help address this crisis by educating our younger generations?

The short answer is yes!

Family vacations can be an excellent opportunity to teach children about the importance of preserving our oceans and how they can get involved in conservation efforts.

Teaching children about marine conservation isn't just beneficial—it's essential.

Kids who participate in environmental activities are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for ecological preservation throughout their lives.

Initiatives like youth-led conservation projects show how early involvement can empower young people to become proactive advocates for sustainable development.

Six Senses Laamu’s Junior Marine Biology Program Inspires Future Ocean Stewards

"Marine conservation is so much more than research or policy," emphasizes Lawrence Menz, Director of Sustainability and Conservation at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. This philosophy is embodied in the resort's Junior Marine Biology (JMB) program, which is part of the broader Grow With Six Senses program, the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) by Six Senses Laamu.

»» Read more about the program’s five sessions that cover the formation of the Maldives islands, marine conservation storytelling, and megafauna research here.

Soneva’s Comprehensive Courses for Young Ocean Enthusiasts

The Soneva Academy offers marine biology courses to engage and educate children and young adults about the ocean. Courses like Introduction to Marine Biology, Advanced Marine Biology, and Advanced Coral Restoration combine classroom learning with practical fieldwork and can be tailored to guests' interests.

»» Read more about the courses here.

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Engages Families in Coral Conservation

Held three times a week at the Marine Discovery Center, launched as part of AYANA Cares during the resort's opening in September 2018, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach's Coral Planting Program allows guests to participate in the hands-on conservation of coral reefs.

»» Learn about AYANA’s workshop with 50 children from a nearby village here.

Hyatt Regency Phuket Empowers Young Minds Through Marine Conservation Workshops

At the Marine Biological Center(MBC) of Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, marine conservation workshops cater to both children and adults and feature interactive sessions led by resident marine biologist Marat Khaidarov. Activities include guided snorkeling tours, hands-on experiences with jellyfish, mangroves, touch pools, sea urchins, and clownfish tanks, and discussions on marine conservation.

»» Learn more about the workshops here.

When you're ready, here are the services that we offer to level up your brand awareness: 

Advertise with us.

80% of our readers hold a VP-level or above position in various hotel and travel companies. They come from 55 countries and territories.

• Advertorials: AST produces content about brands and features across our channels.

• Sponsored features: Brands sponsor our original features.

• Re-aired features: Brands provide content, images, and videos. AST moderates and redistributes (re-airs) content across our channels.

Hire us to produce original brand content. 

• Long-form content: blog entries, newsletters, and website copy.

• Social media content

• Reports: impact reports and e-books. 

We work with a tiered pricing system to ensure businesses of all sizes can benefit from our services.