WHY ACT NOW?

A nature-based solution to combat global crises

Protecting and restoring our natural world is now recognised as integral to halting biodiversity loss and minimising climate change – the biggest threats that we have ever faced.

Our wellbeing and prosperity are dependent on rich biodiversity and an abundance of animal and plant species, providing us with unpolluted air, clean water to drink, plentiful seas, fertile land to grow our food and safe places to live. These are all things that we take for granted and that the natural world provides at no cost. But nature’s larder is almost empty, and we are already exceeding the equivalent of 1.7 Earths to sustain our demands*. We have become disconnected from the natural world and our actions have damaged its delicate life balance. In so doing, we threaten life itself, our very survival, and that of so many other species.

* United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration – Key Messages – Becoming #GenerationRestoration – Ecosystem Restoration for People, Nature and Climate

“We place little value on nature even though it is our essential life support system”

  – David Attenborough, BBC Earthshot 2021

Travel and tourism will be a force for good

The travel and tourism industry is criticised for its negative impact on nature, including its level of carbon emissions, unsustainable land development and animal exploitation.

Dramatically reducing emissions is an inherently difficult challenge for our sector, but as an industry so greatly reliant on the beauty and abundance of nature – and on better protecting and enhancing the natural world and its biodiversity – tourism is uniquely placed to drive considerable positive change that outweighs the negative impact.

We can bring people back closer to nature – to appreciate it, respect it and care for it. That’s our unique opportunity and privilege. We can show people how to be a part of nature, not apart from nature with new levels of awareness and increased demand for sustainable travel. By enhancing our value to the work and financial stability of much-loved destinations and community organisations that support animals and the natural world, we help secure the future of travel destinations and our own businesses.


Five ways NATOUR IMPACT helps save nature and save ourselves

Climate action: nature is the silver bullet to limit climate change

NATOUR IMPACT helps the travel and tourism sector reduce its negative impact on animals and nature, restore biodiversity, and enhance nature’s way of dealing with carbon.

Biodiversity: providing our air, water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy

NATOUR IMPACT encourages nature-based solutions to halt biodiversity loss, restore nature and mitigate climate change, helping you play your part.

Animal Welfare: where safeguarding the individual animal and species-specific welfare needs are integral to the protection of the species

NATOUR IMPACT upholds industry animal welfare standards and supports travel and tourism to integrate safeguards, overcome industry challenges, source responsible alternatives, and better protect animals in the tourism supply chain.

Global health: the overexploitation of nature and its wildlife increases the risk of viral pandemics

NATOUR IMPACT provides a means for travel and tourism to identify operational impact on animals and nature, minimise risk, and maximise nature-enhancing benefits.

Local guardianship: tourism bringing greater value to nature in the destinations we visit

Collaboration is key to addressing the problems we face. Governments, businesses, and local communities must work together to bridge the gap in knowledge and understanding, empower local guardianship, and bring greater value to nature in the destinations we visit. NATOUR IMPACT encourages local partnerships with community-led animal protection organisations to safeguard local livelihoods, encourage knowledge exchange, and deliver lasting positive change for all.

How can NATOUR IMPACT support my business?

NATOUR IMPACT is an evaluation and education tool that is an integral part of your climate change and sustainability efforts.