Sustainable Wildlife Conservation Tourism
The days of riding elephants and volunteering for turtle hatcheries are over. A decade ago, such tourism practices were well-intentioned, but research revealed malpractice at many establishments and minimal positive impact.
Fortunately, numerous tour operators and conservation projects have updated their policies to eliminate these experiences. However, in an era of ‘greenwashing’—where misleading claims make tours seem more ethical than they are—how can you discern between genuine and superficial initiatives?
Justin Francis, founder and CEO of an activist travel company, advises travelers to ask probing questions. Inquire if locals are trained for employment in tourism and whether the tour operator directly funds conservation projects. Additionally, request to see independently published research reports on conservation success.
Your Choice Counts
Today, the operators and destinations you select can demonstrate soft diplomacy, signaling to governments which areas are worth protecting and can generate income through tourism as opposed to industrial investment. A prime example of this is tracking jaguars in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. Rainforest fires raged in 2019, possibly started to clear land deemed more valuable for agriculture.
Rainbow Tours collaborates with Caiman Ecological Refuge, a working cattle ranch evolved to include two ecolodges and an acclaimed jaguar conservation project. As the first of its kind in South America, it focuses on reintroducing jaguars into the wild, assessing their health and behavior, and raising local awareness through lectures and activities. Opting for trips that support local conservation efforts helps prevent the land from being repurposed for other uses.
Part of the Solution
If you prefer hands-on experiences, ample opportunities are available. Adventure Creators hosts a leave-no-trace wild-camping tour tracking brown bears in the Pyrenees. Guests, led by experienced guides, search for tracks and observe bear movements, contributing valuable data to local wildlife authorities.
At the luxury end, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, located near the UNESCO-listed Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve in British Columbia, has introduced the Coastal Ambassador Program. Guests can participate in wildlife habitat rehabilitation efforts, including removing marine debris and preserving breeding habitats. A portion of accommodation fees is directed to local cleanup initiatives.
Inclusive of Locals
Sustainability in conservation projects relies heavily on local community involvement. Your travels can support conservation by creating livelihoods for local people who often face conflicting economic choices. For instance, Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, offers upskilling and employment opportunities for nearby settlements, providing essential services while promoting conservation.
Hands-on Involvement to Secure Long-term Support
Some initiatives offer immersive experiences that evoke emotional investment in species conservation. For example, some travel companies present opportunities for small groups to join a leading conservationist on expeditions in renowned reserves. These activities focus on tracking and documenting wildlife, contributing directly to conservation efforts.
Visitor choices profoundly influence conservation practices. The models presented here demonstrate how to identify ethical and sustainable wildlife tourism opportunities amidst potential greenwashing.
