CARBON OFFSET AND SUSTAINABILITY
Through the Carbon Offset and Sustainability Program, attendees can help minimize their footprint by contributing to ecosystem restoration projects and participating in environmentally responsible practices during the event.
The Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference is essential for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and connecting the global marine mammal science community. However, recognizing that international conferences have an environmental footprint, primarily through participant travel, as well as energy use, resource consumption, and waste generation, the SMM2026 is committed to reduce its impact while promoting sustainable practices and supporting local conservation efforts in Puerto Rico.
OFFSET YOUR TRAVEL
Air travel is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions associated with international conferences. To help address these emissions, SMM2026 encourages attendees to voluntarily offset the carbon footprint of their flights based on travel distance.
| Flight Category | Example Distance (One Way) |
Approx. CO₂ Emissions per Passenger (Round Trip) |
Suggested Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Regional Caribbean |
~100–1,000 km | ~250–300 kg CO₂ | $10–15 |
| Medium-Haul Americas |
~2,000–6,000 km | ~800–1,200 kg CO₂ | $20–30 |
| Long-Haul Europe, Oceania, Asia, Africa |
~7,000–12,000 km | ~2,000–3,000 kg CO₂ | $60–80 |
These estimates were based on the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator (https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/environmental-tools/icec) , and are intended to provide participants with a simple reference for understanding the approximate carbon footprint associated with their travel to SMM2026. Actual emissions vary depending on flight routes, aircraft type, and layovers. Suggested offset contributions are voluntary and 100% of the funds will be donated to Para la Naturaleza, a local non-profit organization in Puerto Rico.
ABOUT PARA LA NATURALEZA
Para la Naturaleza (PLN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and protection of ecosystems in Puerto Rico. PLN promotes an ecological culture based on collaboration, mutual learning, and the active participation of communities in caring for the natural environment. Their mission is to protect biodiversity and foster a vibrant ecological culture through conservation actions and restorative history, encouraging a just, equitable, and integrated coexistence among human and non-human communities and the ecosystems of the Puerto Rican archipelago.
Through its innovative mangrove reforestation program, the organization cultivates and plants thousands of red, black, and white mangroves in priority coastal areas, strengthening climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and increasing natural carbon storage.
By supporting this initiative, SMM2026 attendees will contribute directly to long-term conservation efforts in Puerto Rico.
To learn more about Para la Naturaleza and their mangrove reforestation efforts, click here:
SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE VENUE
The SMM2026 Biennial Conference will be hosted at the Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico, the largest and most advanced convention facility in the Caribbean. With a total space of 600,000 sq-ft., located in San Juan, and about 10 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), it serves as a major venue for international conferences, exhibitions, and other large events.
The venue has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water systems, and waste reduction and recycling programs, compostable food-service products (e.g., plates, cups, cutlery), and water refill stations.
To further minimize waste, SMM2026 will provide additional water refill stations throughout the conference and encourages all attendees to support the conference’s sustainability efforts.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can make SMM2026 more sustainable by:
- Making a voluntary carbon offset contribution during registration.
- Using a reusable water bottle.
- Reducing single-use plastics.
- Recycling and disposing waste properly.
- Choosing sustainable transportation when possible.
- Supporting local conservation initiatives during your visit.
Together, we can reduce the environmental footprint of SMM2026, and at the same time, leaving a positive conservation legacy for Puerto Rico.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can make SMM2026 more sustainable by:
- Making a voluntary carbon offset contribution during registration.
- Using a reusable water bottle.
- Reducing single-use plastics.
- Recycling and disposing waste properly.
- Choosing sustainable transportation when possible.
- Supporting local conservation initiatives during your visit.