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Vanessa Vivian Wabitsch, hailing from Austria, is a fervent believer in the power of passion, transformation and regeneration. Her story unfolds across various landscapes, both geographical and metaphorical, as she navigates the realms of travel, sustainability, and community empowerment. Vanessa’s journey began with a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of travel. Having explored numerous countries and cultures, she asserts that her identity is intricately woven into the fabric of her global adventures.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without the enriching experiences, the people I met and the things I learned having traveled and lived in various countries."
In a world that often criticizes the environmental impact of tourism, Vanessa stood firm in her conviction that travel, when approached responsibly, can be a force for positive change. Her perspective took shape during the challenging times of 2020, when the travel industry faced unprecedented scrutiny. Undeterred, Vanessa delved into exploring sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.
This exploration led her to the intersection of sustainable tourism and development, nature-inspired design, community development and behavior change. Vanessa became a trailblazer in this emerging field called regenerative tourism by the development of regenerative tourism principles and contributing to the positive development of regions by tourism. Vanessa’s commitment to sustainability took a tangible form with the initiation of regenerative tourism projects such ason destinations like the Whidbey and Camano Islands. These projects were not merely about tourism but rather a holistic strategy, weaving sustainability into the islands’ identity, strategy and actions.
As a regenerative innovation, development, and leadership specialist, Vanessa is the Co-founder & CEO of Circonnact, a regenerative circular innovation organization. She is also the founder & host of the blogcast “Regenerative World,” highlighting sustainability pioneers. In her roles as Regenerative Tourism Specialist & Facilitator at the Transformational Travel Council and CEO of sustainable building company KOALA, Vanessa’s impact reaches diverse realms.
One of Vanessa’s most magnificent achievements is the facilitation of the transformation of the Whidbey and Camano Islands together with the Transformational Travel Council, where she played a key role in enabling the implementation of their regenerative plan. The community-centric approach involved engaging locals, aligning projects with the islands’ future, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature and the local economy.
She continues her work in the field of regenerative tourism by collaborating with the Transformational Travel Council on the Destination Regeneration program and by capacity building of tourism experts such as on the Symposium for Sustainable Tourism in Lower Austria. These involvements saw her spearheading community engagement programs, emphasizing the importance of inclusive transformation mindsets.
In her efforts, Vanessa emphasizes the significance of showcasing positive examples and fostering collaboration. She states, “Regenerative tourism puts the place and community at its center, contributing to both people and nature, thereby bolstering the local economy.”
Vanessa’s journey is not confined to tourism alone. Her expertise of more than 10 years extends to various fields of regenerative leadership and innovation, circular economy, sustainable building and carbon farming. She underscores the interconnectedness of industries and the potential for collective impact, emphasizing the need for a holistic, regenerative perspective. For Vanessa, the motivation behind her sustainable endeavors is rooted in a desire to foster growth on all levels – personally, for communities, environment and the local economy. She envisions a world where responsible business practices, coupled with regenerative principles, create thriving ecosystems.
As Vanessa continues to shape her journey, she remains dedicated to capacity building, developing regenerative innovation projects, and empowering people for regenerative living & development . Her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact that an individual, driven by passion and purpose, can have on the world.
