Nature: The Missing Link in Climate Strategies

Tourism’s future is inseparable from nature. From thriving wildlife and pristine coastlines to stable weather, carbon regulation, and functioning ecosystems, nature underpins everything in tourism. Yet biodiversity loss is accelerating, destabilising destinations and eroding the natural assets on which tourism operations depend.

At the same time, nature is the foundation of effective climate action. Forests, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs store carbon, buffer extreme weather, regulate water and maintain the environmental stability that destinations and tourism rely on. Without healthy ecosystems, climate mitigation and adaptation efforts fall short, leaving both destinations and its tourism increasingly vulnerable.

Climate strategies that focus solely on calculating and reducing emissions – without integrating biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration – are inherently incomplete.

Governments at COP30 confirmed that nature is essential to effective Climate Action

Outcomes from the global climate conference, COP30, reinforced the need for businesses to:

• Assess and disclose nature-related risks and impacts, alongside climate impacts;
• Integrate climate and nature strategies for build long-term resilience;
• Invest in nature-based solutions that protect destinations and local communities;
• Deliver place-based action in the destinations where they operate, supporting and accelerating national conservation priorities.

For tourism, this is far more than an environmental responsibility – it is a strategic business imperative.

Protecting and restoring nature safeguards the quality and stability of destinations, strengthens climate resilience, and drives the systemic shift needed to align climate action with ecosystem recovery. By integrating nature and climate strategies, tourism businesses position themselves as true “Guardians of Nature,” enhancing natural capital, reducing risk and securing long-term destination value.

Healthy ecosystems significantly amplify both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

To turn these insights into action, ANIMONDIAL is advancing “Tourism for Nature 2026” – a core component of its Act Now for Nature campaign – positioning tourism as a force for good. The initiative guides businesses to:

• Publish a Nature Positive Commitment, placing nature at the heart of sustainability;
• Use NATOUR IMPACT, the tourism-specific ESG HealthCheck, to identify their nature risks, opportunities and strategic actions;
• Deliver measurable improvements in priority destinations;
• Receive a digital badge that signals leadership in nature-positive tourism.

By embedding nature protection and restoration at the centre of climate and sustainability strategies, tourism businesses can ensure resilience, enhance visitor experiences, and contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity and climate goals.

The takeaway is simple: if nature thrives, tourism thrives.

Daniel Turner, ANIMONDIAL

Find out more …

• Use NATOUR IMPACT, the ESG HealthCheck, to identify your nature risks, opportunities and strategic actions
• Book a call with Daniel at ANIMONDIAL, to explore how your business can Act Now for Nature