Learner Stories – Shannon Airport

Arek Gdulinski, Sustainability Specialist, Shannon Airport.

Discover how Shannon Airport, “Ireland’s favourite airport”, benefitted from our Biodiversity Leaders Programme, by using the knowledge and strategies they learned to develop and successfully implement a Biodiversity Action plan. We spoke to Arek Gdulinski, Sustainability Specialist, at Shannon Airport to find out more.

In your own words, how would you describe your role?

I am a Sustainability Specialist at the Shannon Airport Group, where I am responsible for delivering our Biodiversity Action plan. My role involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance and manage biodiversity across our operations, ensuring alignment with environmental goals and regulatory requirements.

What motivated you to undertake a programme at the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy?

When I started my role, I was relatively new to the field of biodiversity enhancement and management. I enrolled in the Biodiversity Leaders Programme back in 2023 to gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity principles and best practices, as well as to acquire the tools and knowledge needed to effectively lead our organisation’s biodiversity initiatives.

How has this programme helped you in your career or daily work?

The programme was a true eye-opener, providing me with a comprehensive foundation in biodiversity management. It equipped me with practical skills and insights that I could immediately apply to my role. Additionally, the networking opportunities were invaluable, allowing me to connect with like-minded professionals and experts, whose advice and collaboration have been instrumental in my work.

How has your organisation benefitted from the knowledge and skills you gained?

The knowledge and strategies I gained from the programme have directly contributed to the development and successful implementation of our Biodiversity Action plan. It helped me set a clear direction for our sustainability efforts, ensuring that our initiatives are impactful and that we are not missing the “bigger picture”.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?

The Biodiversity Leaders Programme was a transformative experience that not only built my confidence in navigating the complexities of biodiversity management but also inspired me to drive meaningful change within our organisation. The Academy’s practical approach and emphasis on real-world application made it an excellent learning opportunity, and I would highly recommend it to others in similar roles.

Inspired by their success? Explore our online training programmes and find the right one for your company.