The debates and outcomes of the IUCN World Parks Congress were being closely followed by people in all corners of the world, thanks to the support of Star Alliance Biosphere Connections which brought reporters from Africa, Thailand and Costa Rica to cover the event.

These journalists reported on some of the big announcements from the Congress and made sure that messages about the importance of protected areas reach decision makers in their own countries, as well as raising awareness among the general public.

In recent years Star Alliance has transported many experts from developing countries, those who would be unable to cover the cost of international travel, to key environmental events.

As part of IUCN's partnership with the Star Alliance Biosphere Connections, each year a select number of project and field workers are sponsored to travel to international meetings that will benefit their work and boost their knowledge.

Biosphere Connections is a unique global corporate social responsibility initiative from the Star Alliance network, launched in 2007. It is dedicated to supporting sustainability by flying environmental field workers, scientists and educators across its global network to further their knowledge, skills and understanding of major environmental issues and initiatives, and to help conserve some of the world’s most unique habitats.