forbes.com
Tourism Businesses Lead Conservation Efforts Where Governments Fall Short
Explora, Misool Resort, and andBeyond demonstrate how tourism businesses are actively funding and implementing conservation and community development projects, even in areas where government support is lacking, leading to positive environmental and social impacts.
- How are tourism businesses effectively funding and implementing conservation projects in regions where government support is insufficient or absent?
- Explora, a B Corp-certified expedition company, won a contract to manage Patagonia National Park's ecotourism, allocating 5% of gross sales to park infrastructure, the National Forestry Corporation of Chile, and the Echo Society Program, funding multiple conservation projects. Misool Resort in Indonesia established a marine reserve, resulting in a 190% increase in shark numbers since 2012 and the planting of nearly 5000m² of new reef.
- What are the specific methods used by Explora, Misool Resort, and andBeyond to integrate conservation and community development into their business models?
- These examples demonstrate how tourism businesses can actively fund and implement conservation initiatives, even when government support is lacking. By integrating conservation directly into their business models, Explora and Misool Resort demonstrate a symbiotic relationship between economic success and environmental protection. andBeyond's model expands this further by investing in community development alongside conservation.
- What are the potential challenges and opportunities for scaling these successful conservation-focused tourism models globally, and what role can governments and international organizations play in supporting their growth?
- The success of these models suggests a shift towards a more sustainable tourism industry, where businesses prioritize conservation and community development. Future growth in this sector hinges on replicating these initiatives on a larger scale, requiring greater collaboration between businesses, governments, and local communities. The potential for tourism to drive positive environmental and social impact is significant.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily emphasizes the positive aspects of sustainable tourism, showcasing successful initiatives. While acknowledging the negative potential of tourism, the overall narrative focuses on solutions and positive examples, potentially downplaying the challenges and widespread issues.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and enthusiastic, especially when describing sustainable tourism initiatives. Words like "inspiring," "award-winning," and "thriving" create a favorable impression. While not overtly biased, the consistently positive tone could subtly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on positive examples of sustainable tourism, potentially omitting instances where tourism has negatively impacted the environment. While acknowledging the negative aspects of tourism in the introduction, the piece doesn't delve into the extent or specific examples of these negative impacts, which could lead to an unbalanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between unsustainable and sustainable tourism, without fully exploring the complexities and nuances within the tourism industry. Many tourism businesses may fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article showcases multiple examples of tourism businesses actively involved in land conservation and restoration. Explora's management of Patagonia National Park, its conservation efforts in Torres del Paine, and andBeyond's extensive land conservation and community development initiatives in Africa, Asia, and South America directly contribute to protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems. These initiatives demonstrate a significant positive impact on biodiversity, habitat preservation, and sustainable land management, aligning directly with SDG 15 targets.