Safeguard Nature
Tourism and Nature
Travel allows us to discover some of our planet’s most stunning natural wonders and diverse ecosystems. From vibrant coral reefs and lush rainforests to snowy landscapes and soaring mountain peaks, our natural world provides countless opportunities for exploration.
Because tourism connects people with nature, it has the unique ability to spur environmental responsibility and conservation. But when tourism is not sustainable, it can have the opposite effect and devastate the environments it relies on. If we want to preserve the wild places that inspire us, we must take care to minimize our harmful impacts and protect the fragile ecosystems we visit.
How Tourism Impacts the Environment
Tourism can strain ecosystems through overdevelopment, resource use, pollution, and wildlife disturbance. Explore how these environmental pressures affect destinations and the species that live there.
Tourism generates plastic waste, sewage, and food waste that are often poorly managed and pollute the environment.
When visitor numbers exceed a destination’s capacity, it can cause trail erosion, water shortages, and other environmental strains.
Travel-related emissions accelerate global warming, leading to coral bleaching, stronger storms, wildfires, and other threats.
Poorly planned hotels, roads, and infrastructure can destroy habitats, fragment ecosystems, and alter coastlines.
Tourism can strain limited resources like water, energy, and seafood, especially in small islands and arid regions.
Careless behavior by tourists can stress animals and damage fragile habitats like coral reefs and nesting areas.
What's At Stake
Travel depends on nature’s most treasured ecosystems. From coral reefs to rainforests, these places, species, and resources are vital to tourism yet vulnerable to its impacts.
People Need Nature
The forests, reefs, and coastlines that travelers come to admire are also essential to the people who live alongside them. For many communities —from Indigenous groups to small-scale fishers —nature provides food, water, building materials, and livelihoods. Trees supply timber for homes and fuel. Fish and shellfish nourish coastal families. Native plants are used for healing and traditions, and many animals hold cultural and spiritual meaning.
As travelers, it’s important to remember that the landscapes we visit are not just beautiful backdrops. They’re living systems that support daily life. Protecting nature helps ensure these communities continue to thrive.
How Tourism Benefits Nature and Wildlife
When managed responsibly, tourism can help conserve the natural places and species it depends on. Park fees and visitor permits fund protected areas, local guides earn livelihoods linked to conservation, and travelers who experience wildlife firsthand are more likely to support its protection. Tourism can also contribute to regeneration, funding habitat restoration and actively helping ecosystems recover from damage.
What We're Doing
Natural Climate Solutions
Our carbon offset program channels funding to nature-based projects such as forest protection and mangrove restoration.
Environmental Awareness
We educate tourists, communities, and businesses on the importance of conservation and how to protect the world’s natural treasures.
Eco-Friendly Businesses
We help tourism businesses green their product offering and implement practices that conserve natural resources and environments.
Sustainable Tourism Destinations
We help destinations strategically plan for sustainable tourism development and manage the environmental impacts of tourism.
Did You Know?
Two-thirds of travelers are motivated to travel to experience nature and beautiful scenery
Wildlife tourism directly contributes more than $120 billion to global GDP each year
75% of terrestrial environments and 66% of marine environments have been severely altered by humans
More than
1 million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction
News & Stories
Projects that Conserve Nature & Wildlife
Transform Your Impact on Nature
Your can help conserve the natural places and wildlife that fuel your explorations.
Protect the Places You Love
Give back to conserve our planet’s most vulnerable destinations and empower the people who live there. Join the movement today.
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