By Kristen Gill

The Adventure Travel Trade Association‘s World Summit is taking up a “Carbon Neutral Challenge” for its upcoming World Summit in Anchorage, Alaska.

“We were publicly challenged at last year’s Summit to make strides toward a carbon neutral event,” said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. “We took that challenge seriously and literally, knowing that being responsible and doing the right thing is the best way to make a difference. As an industry, we’re ready to set an example.”

While no easy feat, the organization has entered into a sustainable partnership made possible by Visit Anchorage, Alaska Airlines, EARTH University, and Essential Costa Rica. The project will calculate carbon usage from the four day conference, including estimating the carbon generation from the four day conference (such as flights for nearly 800 delegates coming from all over the world and transportation to and from the venue), and make plans to completely mitigate that usage via tree planting within Costa Rica’s Pacuare River watershed.

Visit Anchorage has also arranged for the conference to be shuttle-free, with all hotels located within walking distance of the venue and free bikes to use during the conference.

“When we personally act to protect, conserve and reciprocate for the health of people, place and planet we are more invested in the outcome,” said Rafael Gallo, Costa Rica’s representative in the sustainability partnership who manages the private forest reserve.

Kristen Gill Media is proud to be attending this year’s Adventure Travel World Summit, and will be reporting back from the beautiful state of Alaska in future posts.

Adventure on!