Tourism and Biodiversity: Friend or Foe?

Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. Biodiversity loss is one of two inextricably linked existential crises which confront us. Post COVID-19, how can we reset tourism's relationships with nature to contribute positively to conservation and contribute more significantly to the livelihoods of the communities who bear the opportunity costs of maintaining the wildlife and other species that the tourism industry sells?

Tourism is also heavily dependent on the ecosystem services provided by nature - food, water and energy. WTFL and WTM Responsible Tourism believe that stewardship is not only about zero impact or mitigating impact; it must also be about making a positive contribution – economic, social and ecological.

This round table discussion will focus on the positive steps the sector can take to make a substantial contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. We shall look at how tourism compares with other industries and at what policymakers, accommodation providers, tour operators and guides can do to take responsibility for ensuring that tourism makes a positive contribution to the maintenance of biodiversity.

#ResponsibleTourism #WTM #SustainableTravel

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