I notice more interest and attention on the importance of perserving nature, including a recent educational module from 'Tourism Cares' called "Nature Positive". Starting with how humans are a part of Nature, yet contributing to its demise. Then a pivot to the economic perspective, with data including the $44Trilion a year in critical life support nature provides. And how destination preservation is tied their economic survival.
I understand the module is targeting corporate clients who respond best to data driven motivators, the cost of doing nothing and the benefits of positve action. But this continues to objectify Nature as a resource to be managed, rather than a living system we are intrinsically part of. Providing mitigation and focused primarily on regulations, rules, and fees rather than addressing the root cause: disconnection. 1) Nature Is Not Separate From Us—It Is Us Every chemical in our bodies exists in the Earth and atmosphere. Our ability to breathe depends on trees and oceans, and our survival is inextricably tied to water and food from the land. Yet, modern society has been conditioned to act in ways that harm these fundamental life-support systems, often under the illusion that it serves our interests. No intelligent species would knowingly destroy its own foundation for life unless it had been misled to do so. 2) Nature Defines Every Travel Experience Travel is not just enhanced by Nature—it is entirely shaped by it. The defining features of any destination—its land, water, sky, plants, wildlife, community, culture, and heritage—are all rooted in Nature. These eight interconnected layers are what attract travelers in the first place. Sustainability in tourism must begin by recognizing that preserving and regenerating these elements is not an optional responsibility; it is the very essence of what makes travel meaningful and viable in the long term. 3) Carrying Capacity: The First Step in True Sustainability Would you knowingly feed a friend with a life-threatening allergy the food that could kill them? Of course not. When we care about someone, we respect their limits and ensure they are not harmed. The same principle applies to destinations. Each ecosystem has a carrying capacity—the limit to how much human impact it can sustain before degradation occurs. True sustainability begins with assessing this capacity as Step One. Without this foundation, all other conservation efforts are mere surface-level fixes. 4) Indigenous Knowledge: A Missing Piece in Sustainability Efforts Every inch of America was once inhabited by Indigenous communities who thrived for thousands of years without the need for ‘waste management’ or extractive industries. Their wisdom in maintaining reciprocal relationships with the land is invaluable to modern conservation efforts. Yet, Indigenous perspectives remain largely absent in mainstream sustainability discussions. If Indigenous knowledge is not integrated into sustainability programs, these programs will remain incomplete and ineffective. 5) The Power of Hosting: Inviting Visitors to Be Stewards Sustainability in tourism is not just about setting rules—it’s about creating a culture of respect and reciprocity. Hosting is the key piece missing from most corporate sustainability models. Destinations must establish a visitor menu of activities and experiences that do not harm the environment but instead foster a deep connection with it. A well-designed welcome protocol sets clear expectations, while immersive, educational, and enjoyable guided experiences help visitors understand the fragility of the habitat. When people connect, they care—and when they care, they become partners in sustaining and enhancing the very beauty and diversity they came to explore. Moving Beyond ‘Less Harm’ to Active Regeneration People do not set out to harm the places they visit. However, without mindful guidance and community-supported frameworks, unintended destruction is inevitable. Sustainable Tahoe's blueprint guides destinations on how to enroll visitors in actively sustaining and enhancing the places they explore—creating rewarding experiences that inspire travelers to seek and support regenerative tourism. The goal is not just to minimize harm but to create a future where tourism contributes to the well-being of the land, waters, and communities that make each place unique. It’s time to move beyond corporate checklists and financial incentives. The future of travel depends on our ability to re-establish a conscious, reciprocal relationship with Nature—one where tourism is a force for regeneration, not just mitigation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Jacquie ChandlerNational Geographic Sustainable Destinations appointed Geotourism (destination stewardship) Liaison of Lake Tahoe Archives
January 2025
Categories |