The "Katzensprung 2.0" project is the follow-up to the pilot project "Katzensprung. Small paths. Big experiences", which was carried out from 2017 to 2020. It focuses on the conception and further development of attractive and climate-friendly tourism options in Germany. In addition, information about these options is to be made available to a widespread target group. The goal is therefore to expand and implement the "Active for Nature Parks and Climate Protection" partner programme in 20 selected model nature parks. This is intended to help strengthen climate protection in domestic tourism.
Under the lead of the German Nature Park Association, the project partners offer modular training courses for businesses in the tourism sector to sensitise them to the economic, competitive and communicative advantages of more sustainable options. In addition, the aim is to promote the commitment of small businesses to sustainable tourism by recognising them as "Nature Park Partners". Based on this, the businesses implement specific climate-friendly measures, such as a more sustainable hotel concept or a climate-friendly catering offer.
Together with the University of Applied Sciences Münster and the Technical University Berlin, the Wuppertal Institute designs and organises the training module "Sustainable and climate-friendly gastronomy". The content includes topics such as what constitutes sustainable nutrition, designing sustainable menus and recipes, energy-efficient use of equipment, food waste, nudging and communication. The aim is to enable the businesses to offer sustainable and climate-friendly catering.
The basic principles and methodology of the programme will be made available to all interested parties throughout Germany on the project website. At the end of the project, the aim is to extend the knowledge gained to 104 nature parks in order to create new approaches for climate-friendly tourism in regional networks.
The Katzensprung 2.0 project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI) until the end of 2024.