rePLANET’s Post

The elephant in the room: how hotels can take on the biodiversity challenge "While World Wildlife Day – which took place at the beginning of this month – should be a day to celebrate our rich and thriving ecosystems across the world, the current state of biodiversity makes for a more sombre occasion. Wildlife populations have declined by 69% since 1970, and up to one million species are facing extinction due to human activity. One report, endorsed by the World Travel & Tourism Council and the #SustainableHospitalityAlliance, found more than 80% of the value of all goods and services in travel and tourism are dependent on nature’s resources and ecosystems – so it is clear the sector must act." Read more: https://ow.ly/fF0a50R3qjp via Hospitality Net #Hospitality #HospitalityIndustry #BioDiversity

🌿 Biodiversity and Tourism🌿 Intact nature and harmony between humans and nature are prerequisites for all life, well-being and are core for travel experiences. That's why, together with our partner Ventura TRAVEL, we are engaged in a learning process to discover how we can strengthen approaches from our network of local communities—including some deeply nature-connected indigenous communities—through tourism, and learn from them. At the #DialogforumUBi, we gained valuable insights into the current state of the tourism industry regarding biodiversity conservation. We heard from pioneers such as travel-to-nature GmbH and exchanged ideas about challenges and new perspectives. Many thanks to Biodiversity in Good Company for providing this platform. #Biodiversity #Tourism #Sustainability #CommunityTourism #IndigenousCommunities #VSocialFoundation #VenturaTravel #UbiDialogforum

Biodiversity is vital for tourism and a healthy environment is a critical factor for the competitiveness of the tourism sector. Sustainable tourism can provide critical financial support for biodiversity conservation and offer economic opportunities for local communities. #biodiversity #tourismdevelopment #environment UN Biodiversity

The tourism industry stands to lose far more than other industry sectors if biodiversity and natural environments are not adequately conserved. An essential part of SME tour operator accountability is open and effective communication so that they are informed and can participate in the conservation of biodiversity. Connect at localbooking.net for tour operators and accommodation owners.

Did you see the Baththalamgunduwa bush frogs unique to the island ? Baththalamgunduwa is a lesser-known destination in Sri Lanka, but it holds a rich history and unique characteristics. Here are some interesting facts about it:Remote Location: Baththalamgunduwa is a remote island located off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, in the Gulf of Mannar.Historical Significance: The island has historical significance dating back to the colonial era when it was used as a base by Portuguese and Dutch sailors. It was also believed to be a hideout for pirates during that time.Biodiversity Hotspot: Despite its small size, Baththalamgunduwa is a biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich marine life and diverse bird species. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.Endemic Species: The island is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Baththalamgunduwa bush frog (Pseudophilautus baththalams), a species of frog found exclusively on the island.Conservation Efforts: Due to its ecological significance, Baththalamgunduwa has been recognized as a conservation priority area. Efforts are being made to protect its fragile ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism practices.Traditional Fishing Communities: The island is inhabited by traditional fishing communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to the surrounding marine resources. Visitors can experience the unique culture and way of life of these communities.Scenic Beauty: Baththalamgunduwa boasts stunning natural scenery, including pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged coastline. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a secluded and untouched paradise.Overall, Baththalamgunduwa may be lesser-known compared to other tourist hotspots in Sri Lanka, but it offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions for intrepid travelers.

Did you know the African elephant’s browsing habits shape landscapes? Their movements create pathways for other animals, while their dung even helps disperse seeds, promoting biodiversity. Despite their immense value to ecosystems, elephant populations face severe threats. Poaching for ivory, habitat loss due to human expansion, and increasing human-elephant conflict have all contributed to their decline. Sustain believes ecotourism can be a powerful tool for elephant conservation. By developing sustainable tourism models that centre around elephant viewing and conservation, we can: • Create economic incentives for local communities: Elephant-focused tourism can provide income and employment opportunities, empowering local people to become custodians of their natural resources. • Fund conservation efforts: Revenue generated from responsible tourism can be invested in anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and research initiatives. • Raise awareness and educate visitors: Through interpretive programmes and responsible wildlife encounters, ecotourism can encourage a greater understanding of elephants and their challenges. Sustain is dedicated to supporting projects that nurture a harmonious balance between elephant conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism. #SustainEcoEnv #SustainEcotourism #conservation #wildlifetourism

Bhutan’s rivers, known for their pristine beauty, offer some of the world's best whitewater rafting experiences. UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) has trained eight internationally certified river rafting instructors to enhance ecotourism and protect these natural treasures. These instructors will train new guides across Bhutan, helping to grow the ecotourism sector. Ecotourism is a key financing solution for BIOFIN #Bhutan. It has the potential to generate an additional US$108 million annually and create 1,400 new jobs through nature-based tourism, community-run businesses, and public-private partnerships. In addition to guiding tourists, these rafters will also act as guardians of river ecosystems and play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Their efforts will improve waste management, prevent illegal fishing, and protect endangered species such as the white-bellied heron. This initiative is a win-win for both #ecotourism and conservation, protecting Bhutan’s rivers while ensuring sustainable adventure tourism for future generations. UNDP Bhutan Department of Tourism - Bhutan Damcho Rinzin Rinchen Tshering Thinley Tobden Andrew Seidl Pierre Lanfranco Anthony Eddies-Davies Abbie Trinidad #rafting #bhutantravel #finance4nature

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, more than 80% of the value of all goods and services in travel and tourism are dependent on nature’s resources and ecosystems. That's pretty significant considering the impact that human activities can have on the environment. It is essential to promote sustainable tourism practices to protect these resources and ensure their preservation for future generations. Action can be low cost too – from planting native species to leaving grass long enough for pollinators – small steps make a difference. Another way for hotels to get their feet wet, while in line with evolving regulations, is to get a better understanding of their impact and dependency on biodiversity. That way, they can change practices accordingly, reducing risk and taking advantage of the opportunities that nature can offer. #WorldWildlifeDay #Biodiversity #SustainableHotels

Small Aquifers: The Unsung Heroes of Forest Ecosystems 🌱 Did you know that small aquifers play a vital role in sustaining entire forests? These underground water reservoirs act as lifelines for ecosystem. Their constant supply of water ensures that vegetation thrives year-round, supporting not just plants but also wildlife and human communities. At our project location Chatambari-Dharampur Heritage & Rural Tourism Circuit, we are fortunate to have multiple small aquifers. These natural water sources are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of our forest ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of tribal communities, and promoting sustainable tourism. Recognizing and preserving these aquifers is essential for the long-term health of the environment and the communities that depend on it. As we continue our work with SERVE Council, we remain committed to protecting these invaluable resources and fostering harmony between nature and rural development. #Sustainability #Aquifers #ForestConservation #RuralTourism #EcoTourism #WaterConservation #SERVECouncil #EnvironmentalStewardship #HeritageAndRuralTourism

Missed the ITB Berlin Responsible Tourism Track panel ‘Leave No Footprints and Take only Memories: Tourism’s Biodiversity Ambitions and Results”? It is available here https://lnkd.in/eyikg_i8 - here some insights:   “Any project in the world, any business, any organization that is funding and driving the protection of nature, and doing so by also empowering and bringing communities on that journey too, has to be financially resilient” (at 00:22:10) -         Holly Tuppen, Communications Manager, The Long Run “And if we're thinking about an industry such as tourism that's so place based, so localized and has such a deep value proposition with pristine ecosystems, that's something that we pay so much more attention to, because if we understand that double materiality question, what are your dependencies? How much value are you pulling from those systems, but also how you're impacting them as well? It helps us […] to engage where we see some of the opportunities to mitigate that dependency and risk” (at 00:06:20) -         Sage Bucher-Melcer, Associate Director, Pollination   “When it comes to biodiversity, there's a lot of local level things. So ultimately, to say, how are you managing your biodiversity risk? So a certification becomes the best way to say […] that we address our biodiversity risks. I actually think that biodiversity will drive this certification conundrum to get more properties certified, much more than carbon was able to.” (at 00:32:30) -         Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO, Greenview   “For the tourism sector, nature is an asset. It should be the first to invest.” -         Dr. Frauke Fischer Fischer, Founder & Owner, AgenturAuf! (at 00:18:22)   Biodiversity took center and the key takeaways from this opening panel: -         Biodiversity conservation can be incentivized through tourism and other economic activities. -         Biodiversity considerations should be integral to tourism business models and investment decisions. -         Assessment of biodiversity impact needs to be a process that emphasizes qualitative aspects alongside the quantitative elements. -         Tourism companies can enhance their efficiency and sustainability by leveraging available biodiversity financing mechanisms. Thank you to all panelists for this deep dive into all angles of biodiversity and tourism supported with best practices from the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area - KAZA TFCA - thank you Netsai Bollmann and co-moderator Xenia zu Hohenlohe. Access the complete ITB Berlin Convention 2024 - Responsible Tourism Track playlist here: https://lnkd.in/eeTSQx6h   #ITBBerlin #ITBBerlinConvention #ITBTogether #itbberlinconvention2024 #travelindustry #hospitalityindustry #tourismindustry #biodiversity #restoration #responsibletourism