The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) sustainability initiative, TreadRight, has recently partnered with the Barena Association in Venice. This collaboration highlights TreadRight’s commitment to enhancing natural environments through nature-based solutions, marking its fifth partnership of this kind.
Preservation of the Northern Venetian Lagoon
This partnership focuses on the vital preservation of the Northern Venetian Lagoon, which boasts diverse wetland ecosystems teeming with unique fauna and flora, as well as rich cultural heritage. The Barena Association leads the charge with its initiative, “SOS Barena,” which aims to safeguard and restore critical sections of intertidal salt marshes, locally known as “Barene.”
Confronting Erosion Challenges
The habitats of the lagoon are currently under threat, facing rapid erosion largely due to human activities. To combat this challenge, TreadRight is providing support through a dedicated grant that will finance the construction of biodegradable barriers, called fascines, extending up to 150 meters. Local fishermen will collaborate on the installation of these structures.
How Fascines Work
Once in place, the fascines will be used to pump sediment between themselves and the marsh edge. These barriers will serve a dual purpose: they will protect the marshes from the erosive forces of waves while concurrently nurturing the root systems within the mud, thus helping to prevent further soil erosion.
An Ecologically Significant Initiative
Shannon Guihan, the Chief Sustainability Officer at TTC and head of TreadRight, emphasized the ecological and cultural importance of the Venice Lagoon. “As one of Italy’s largest coastal wetlands, the Venice Lagoon offers significant environmental benefits while also holding great cultural value,” she noted. The Barena Association taps into traditional local knowledge and skills of fishermen, who play an essential role in crafting and implementing effective conservation strategies.
Community Engagement in Conservation
Central to the SOS Barena project is active involvement from local fishermen and community members in both the planning and execution of conservation efforts. This collaborative approach aims to build a sustainable, long-lasting, and ecologically sound framework that benefits both the environment and the local community.
TreadRight’s Global Commitment
Since its establishment in 2008, TreadRight has supported over 60 projects worldwide, aligning its efforts with TTC’s net-zero ambitions and the Climate Action Plan. The foundation is placing a greater emphasis on nature-based solutions, addressing the climate crisis while empowering local communities to become more resilient.
Learn more about TreadRight’s initiatives and their mission to create a positive impact in travel at TreadRight.org.
