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How can cities take a nature positive approach when it comes to tourism? What aspects need to be considered while planning for this by local governments? How can we align the environmental benefits of nature conservation and economic benefits of tourism?
With more than half of the world’s GDP moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, there is an urgent need to rethink our relationship with the natural environment. This is particularly true for the travel and tourism sector, where more than 80% of the value of goods and services comes from natural resources. Nature-based tourism, which accounts for over 50% of the market, generates more than $600 billion annually, with wildlife tourism alone contributing $343 billion and supporting 21.8 million jobs globally.
This tourism model provides essential resources for conservation efforts and protected areas, having the potential to drive sustainable development, empower local communities, and improve natural resource governance. These contributions are critical to achieving global conservation targets, particularly Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which seeks to protect 30% of Earth’s habitats by 2030.
To create a more sustainable and resilient sector, the travel industry must embrace a “Nature Positive” approach. This involves halting and reversing the damage to ecosystems, minimizing current negative impacts, and actively working to restore nature. By doing so, the tourism sector can generate a net positive impact on biodiversity.
Join us as we learn more from global experts and cities in Asia.