Beyond simply being mindful of the various cultures and places we interact with, there is an aspect of responsible travel that may not always be on the forefront of peoples’ minds when they are exploring other parts of the world. What I want to touch on today are the best practices involving animal welfare and responsible wildlife tourism to help ensure that as tourists we are behaving in the best interest of the beautiful places and adorable animals we love so much.
Responsible wildlife tourism aims to protect wildlife, endangered species, and their habitats while providing educational opportunities and fun ways to connect with nature. They are many ways in which you can take part in activities such as wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and visiting sanctuaries or national parks, while still doing your part.
Responsible Wildlife Tourism Initiatives
Successful and responsible wildlife tourism initiatives have been seen in various parts of the world. For example, in Costa Rica, the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism has led to the growth of eco-lodges and community-based tourism initiatives.
An example I was able to experience first-hand is hiking on the Zagros Mountain Trail in Kurdistan. This organization developed a 215 km long trail for slow tourism to occur, knitting together several amazing Kurdish communities, while working to boost local economy and preserve the natural environment and resources in the region.
Another neat responsible wildlife experience I had was at Le Village Des Tortues, a Tortoise Reserve in Senegal. Their efforts focus on rehabilitating previously mistreated tortoises and education around various species. During this awesome three-week volunteer experience, I recall connecting with the local family running the reserve, and the communities from the two nearby villages. It was through their facilitation and guidance that I learned about tortoises, enjoyed daily chores, such as cleaning out the Geochelone Sulcata stalls while continuing to learn, work on projects, and enjoy all the fresh baobab juice I wanted.
The Role of Local Communities in Responsible Wildlife Tourism
Local communities play a crucial role in responsible wildlife tourism. Community members are often the stewards of the land and have valuable local knowledge about the ecosystems they interact with regularly. Involving local communities in your travel plans can lead to more sustainable practices and ensure that the benefits of the tourism you bring are shared with those who live in close proximity to wildlife and natural resource areas.
By engaging local communities economic opportunities are created that can incentivize and support conservation efforts, provide employment opportunities, and improve infrastructure and services. Additionally, responsible wildlife and ecotourism can stimulate the growth of other industries, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and food services.
While there can be many benefits, try to stay clear of activities that feel exploitative to humans and animals, alike. Do your due diligence and investigate how local communities engage in affiliated activities and are compensated for their efforts, or how your involvement in these activities impacts the people, animals, and places you visit.
Consequences of Irresponsible Wildlife Tourism
Oftentimes, ill-intent is not at the root of irresponsible practices, rather these practices often stem from ignorance. Unfortunately, regardless of the intention, irresponsible practices can result in detrimental and permanent effects on animals and their habitats. Some examples of irresponsible wildlife tourism practices include overcrowding, feeding or touching animals, using flash photography, disturbing nesting or breeding areas, and hiking off the designated path in an area with protected vegetation, can lead to greater negative impacts. Pollution, habitat destruction for the construction of hotels or resorts, and overdevelopment of tourist infrastructure can all degrade natural environments, harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems.
It is our responsibility as travelers to educate ourselves on what we should work on in the context of ecological settings and the specific issues they face, this can include increasing our self-awareness and geographic awareness, sussing out the kinds of things we might do that could have an adverse effect or compound already existing problems in those areas, and seeking out the better alternatives, even if they might lie outside our comfort zones. Just think of what we can learn when we tune into the needs of others and broaden our knowledge, ability, and skillset through new experiences.
How to Spot Responsible Wildlife Tourism Opportunities and Operators
The demand for responsible and sustainable tourism is growing, as is the industry. However, with the growth, it is important to look out for greenwashing or false promotion of environmental initiatives or practices that are attempting to capture your business. So, it remains important to do your research. Here are a few things to look for to help identify responsible wildlife tourism opportunities and operators:
Mission, values and affiliations: Look for operators with a clear commitment to wildlife conservation and responsible tourism practices. Check if they are affiliated with reputable conservation organizations such as World Wild Life Fund or Conservation International and have certifications or affiliations with reputable organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Reputation: Read the operator’s reviews from previous customers. Look for feedback regarding commitment to responsible wildlife tourism practices.
Impact on animals and their habitats: Evaluate the activities offered by the operator and assess whether they prioritize the well-being of animals and their habitats. Avoid operations that allow direct contact with animals or those that disrupt natural behaviors. If there is a 100% guarantee to spot animals in the wild, consider how that guarantee is made possible and how that may impact the animals involved long term.
Group size and visitor capacity: Look for wildlife tourism operators that limit the number of visitors to minimize disturbance to animals and their habitats.
Educational components: Look for operators that offer informative guides or educational programs. Many wildlife tourism operators offer educational programs or guided tours providing information about the animals, their habitats, and conservation initiatives. These programs can help us develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife, fostering a sense of responsibility towards their protection.
Local partnerships: Look for operators that have established partnerships with local stakeholders. Local communities play a crucial role in responsible wildlife tourism.
Minimizing Your Impact on Wildlife Habitats
When participating in wildlife tourism activities, it is important to minimize your impact on wildlife habitats. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Stay on designated paths: Stick to designated trails or paths to avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing nesting or breeding areas.
2. Keep a safe distance: Respect the personal space of animals by maintaining a safe distance. Use binoculars or zoom lenses for closer views instead of approaching animals too closely.
3. Avoid flash photography: Flash photography can startle or disorient animals, so it is best to avoid using flash when taking photos.
4. Follow guidelines and regulations: Always follow any guidelines or regulations provided by tour operators or park authorities. These guidelines are in place to protect both animals and visitors.
5. Leave no trace: Pack out all trash and litter, including food scraps and toilet paper.
Supporting Responsible Wildlife Tourism Practices
Responsible wildlife tourism is a vital component of sustainable travel that aims to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats while providing educational and enjoyable experiences for tourists. If you are interested in supporting responsible wildlife tourism, consider any of the following:
- Choose to work with responsible wildlife tourism operators that have partnerships with conservation organizations or contribute a portion of their revenue towards conservation efforts.
- Consider donating to reputable conservation organizations that focus on wildlife protection.
- Share your experiences and the value and impact of your experiences.
- Be a responsible traveler. Become OK with possibly not getting the best picture for social media. Go for connecting with nature and the experience rather than solely the image. Always keep the animal’s welfare in mind in choosing your experiences.
By engaging in responsible wildlife tourism practices, we can contribute to the conservation of endangered species, support local communities, and promote sustainable and regenerative travel.
Interested in planning a responsible trip that brings you up close to dynamic and wondrous natural environments? We got you! Contact us today.
Also, check out our newly launched Travel Correspondent Program, as an option for immersive travel and authentic connection.