Funviralpark Now the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) wants visitors to start leaving traces.
The Commission launched the ‘Nature Positive Travel’ initiative to encourage tourists to put nature first.
The idea was presented just before COP15, the recent UN biodiversity conference in Montreal.
How does travel harm nature?
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson told The New York Times:
This may lie on beachsnorkeling coral reef, hiking mountains and trekking mangrove.
Travelers are becoming increasingly conscious of leaving as little trace as possible in the natural environment.
But the impact is always felt.
The WTTC reports that travel and tourism is one of six economic sectors, with more than 80% of its goods and services Nature.
What is “Nature Positive Travel”?
To limit the negative impact travel has on nature, the WTTC has released a report demonstrating the new concept of ‘nature positive travel’.
This encourages travelers and the travel industry to actually leave their mark, as long as it is positive.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the value of biodiversity, analyze the impact of travel companies on nature, and work with and invest in local communities as guardians of nature. species protection When Habitat reconstruction.
Simpson calls the idea “a practical guide for our industry.”
How can the travel industry have a positive impact on nature?
The WTTC report describes some of the ways the travel industry can leave a positive footprint on the natural world.
This initiative calls on the government and the tourism sector to community To protect and protect nature.
Simpson gives the example of South Africa, where rhino poaching is widespread.
“Many organizations, including government agencies, private conservation groups and safari lodges, have given incentives to people so that by protecting rhinos, communities actually earn more,” she explains. Did.
Similarly, in Rwanda, the government works with local people to reclaim land converted for agriculture. forest A place where gorillas live.
How can hotels become more sustainable?
Restoration of nature is an important theme of the report. emphasizes that hotel Resorts should also engage in ‘green investments’.
“I was just at a resort in Bali where they were using a 3D printer to print corals and plug them into place to start rebuilding reefs and protecting fish species,” Simpson said. told the New York Times.
hotel We also need to assess the sustainability of energy sources and food supply chains. Growing food on site is one of his ways of avoiding emissions from transportation.
The report also encourages hotels and resorts to relocate their facilities to avoid habitat damage.impose time limits and reduce vehicle use noise pollutionwork with local communities to restore damaged habitats;
How can travelers have a positive impact on nature?
On a personal level, travelers can also contribute to nature conservation.
“Hotels don’t have to change sheets and towels every day. If the hotel has plastic, ask why,” Simpson said.
“In a small hotel PET bottles For shampoo please email the hotel management. “
