Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on earth and it is used as an indicator of ecosystem health. Working in the tourism sector, it is important to recognize the significant impacts travel businesses can have on global biodiversity. The development of infrastructure like hotels, resorts and airports often leads to habitat destruction, and travelers contribute to pollution and waste generation, along with wildlife disturbance and resource depletion. But spectacular displays of biodiversity like the Amazon Rainforest, national parks, or remote islands in the Pacific attract tourists to these destinations. When tourism is managed responsibly, it can actually help preserve these natural wonders.
For those focused on how to develop and implement climate strategies in their businesses, biodiversity should be a central focus. In this article learn more about biodiversity’s connection to climate, and how travel companies are uniquely positioned to help.
Why Biodiversity Is Key for Climate Action
Climate change is intricately connected to biodiversity. When temperatures warm, sea levels rise, weather patterns change, and animals and plants lose their habitats and become extinct. And as we have learned, the plants and animals we share this earth with all make vital contributions for healthy ecosystems. According to the UN, “Climate change and biodiversity loss (as well as pollution) are part of an interlinked triple planetary crisis the world is facing today. They need to be tackled together if we are to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a viable future on this planet.”
This triple planetary crisis refers to the three main issues humanity faces today: 1. Climate change, 2. Pollution, and 3. Biodiversity loss. “Climate change is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. And climate change depends on biodiversity as part of the solution. So clearly the two are linked, and cannot be separated” says Elizabeth Mrema Executive Secretary for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
How Tourism Can Help
Tourism can both harm and support biodiversity. A good example can be found in Norway, a country filled with untouched landscapes and brimming with unique varieties of marine life, vegetation and arctic wildlife. Accessibility to this biodiversity is a cornerstone of Norwegian culture and tourism. Before the pandemic, the tourism sector was growing steadily but the country was starting to suffer from overtourism. With nature as the draw, picturesque towns like the Lofoten Islands could not accommodate the explosion of campers, garbage and physical waste.
To combat overtourism the islands were declared a national park and receive funding from government agencies to help maintain trails, manage waste and support the local communities. Other initiatives like the Nature Diversity Act and the Outdoor Recreation Act, and have been implemented to help protect Norway’s biological diversity and in turn, combat climate change. Additionally, Innovation Norway, a Norwegian company and governmental agency, works to foster a profitable tourism industry while safeguarding environmental and social values. Biodiversity is listed as one of their 10 pillars of sustainable tourism.
Research from the Convention on Biological Diversity explains that biodiversity-focused tourism can actually reduce costs, attract investment, and improve employee productivity.
Norway, site of the inaugural Innovate for Tomorrow: Climate Action Summit, is known for its rich marine biodiversity. The fisheries protection zone around Svalbard and Jane Mayen in fact is 5 times larger than the country's land area.
Innovation Norway in partnership with Tomorrow’s Air and the Adventure Travel Trade Association will be hosting the Innovate for Tomorrow: Climate Action Summit. Biodiversity will be an important topic at the summit, and delegates will leave equipped with ways to transition their business to embrace innovations that can help our climate while considering biodiversity implications as key component. Learn more here.