A unified vision for nature marks a new era of cooperation in travel and tourism

Leading global travel and tourism 'players' have released an important report outlining a joint plan to halt and reverse the negative trend of biodiversity loss.

Launched in 2024 on Earth Day, 'Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action' is the creation of a high-level partnership for nature tourism, which consists of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA).

Developed in collaboration with specialist consultancy Animondial, the report is a pledge from the sector to support implementation Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) - the UN Biodiversity Plan.

The document presents more than 30 case studies of inspiring and progressive action from around the world involving large and small businesses, national and local government agencies, civil society groups and cross-sector partnerships.

Offering actionable guidance and insights, the report not only highlights intrinsic the link between biodiversity and tourism resilience, but also empowers companies to become stewards of nature.

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Historic partnership for nature

Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said that this is a historic partnership with leaders in the field of travel and tourism and a significant step on the common path towards a more sustainable and responsible sector.

"This report is not just a publication, but a movement towards integrating environmental management into the core of travel experiences. As we celebrate Earth Day, let's heed the call to nurture and protect our destinations. Our sector's reliance on nature, coupled with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are ideally placed to be nature's stewards", she said.

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"For years, UN Tourism has been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the wider UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat. This key new collaboration among key global players sets a robust framework for sustainable practices that not only drive significant impact, but also exemplify the power of united efforts to conserve biodiversity", he said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism.

He added that this report is "a testament to what we can achieve together for nature conservation, inspiring a global movement towards more sustainable and resilient tourism".

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"This is a milestone report for travel and tourism, representing our commitment as an industry to the protection and preservation of nature. The Alliance is proud to contribute and collaborate on this insightful, action-oriented report that will bring tangible change to destinations around the world, supporting biodiversity", He said Glenn Mandziuk, executive director of SHA.

"Nature is the basis of our society, economy and in fact our existence. The hospitality industry today is a leader among industries in its Nature Positive approach and this report shows how much our industry understands the true value of nature", he added.

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A coalition led by experts

Recognizing that tourism plays a key role in protecting and preserving biodiversity, the Nature Positive Tourism approach is designed as a cornerstone for effective change. It is focused on equipping the sector with the tools and knowledge needed to nurture and protect the destinations it depends on.

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The Partnership's commitment to working towards a "net positive for nature" is based on extensive consultation with experts from business, government, academia and civil society, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

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The report, which follows the WTTC's 2022 'Nature Positive Travel & Tourism' report, includes practical frameworks and real-world examples that encourage both travel providers and travelers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of our natural treasures.

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Photos: Laura Kuhn / Pixabay
Source: UN Tourism