Prof. Dr. Benoît Goossens (Belgium)

Prof. Dr. Benoît Goossens (Belgium)

Director of the Danau Girang Field Centre, Sabah and Professor, Cardiff University

Prof. Dr. Benoît Goossens is the Director of the Danau Girang Field Centre in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a research and training facility co-managed by Sabah Wildlife Department and Cardiff University, where he leads projects on biodiversity responses to habitat fragmentation and degradation. He is also a Professor at Cardiff University and has more than 25 years of experience in the field of conservation genetics, conservation biology and landscape ecology. Benoît holds a PhD in biology from University of Grenoble, France. He started working in Sabah back in 1999. He is holding a work permit from the Sabah State Government and is acting as an advisor for the Sabah Wildlife Department. Benoît is a member of the IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle, Asian Elephant, Crocodile and Primate Specialist Groups.

3.30 PM | Plenary

DAY 1 (Thursday) 27th February

The Role of Environmental Conservation in Tourism and Hospitality : For a Promising Future

Plenary Session IV (90 minutes) : Environmental conservation is crucial in the tourism and hospitality industry. As a cornerstone of many economies, this industry increasingly recognises that its future prosperity depends on the health and functionality of surrounding ecosystems. Embracing environmental conservation is vital for sustainable development, preserving natural and cultural assets, mitigating climate change impacts, and meeting consumer expectations. By integrating environmental stewardship into their strategies, tourism and hospitality businesses can foster growth and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient sector.