Nature Positive Travel

As continues to grow, so does concern about its impact on the environment. From carbon emissions to plastic waste, tourism is often seen as a destructive force on the natural world. However, a new movement is emerging that aims to change that: nature positive travel.

Nature positive travel is a sustainable tourism practice that focuses on improving the health and resilience of natural systems through travel. It involves tourism that is not only sustainably managed but also actively contributes to the restoration and conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife.

The concept of nature positive travel has arisen amid a growing understanding of the crucial role nature plays in our lives. Scientists have pointed out that healthy ecosystems provide a range of benefits, from providing clean air and water to supplying food and medicine. In addition, studies have shown that spending time in nature can have significant mental and physical health benefits. In short, protecting and restoring nature is essential for both the planet and our well-being.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now more aware of the importance of connection with nature and looking for nature-positive destinations that promote sustainability and environmental conservation. By choosing travel experiences that benefit natural systems, tourists can help foster a positive impact on their surroundings.

Tourists can engage in various nature-positive tourism activities that benefit the environment, such as wildlife safaris, tree planting, and coral reef restoration, among others. These activities do not interfere with the ecological equilibrium but accentuate it and create opportunities for the locals.

One destination that has embraced nature positive tourism is Costa Rica, which represents an excellent example of eco-tourism in action. Over 25% of the country is dedicated to national parks, reserves, and protected areas, and Costa Rica has set an ambitious target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2021, which they achieved.

Visitors can participate in a variety of nature-positive activities in Costa Rica, such as hiking through the rugged terrain of rainforests, ziplining through the jungle canopy, and seeking out rare wildlife like the ocelot or puma. The country also has an extensive network of ecolodges and environmentally friendly accommodations.

Another example is the Niassa Reserve in Northern Mozambique. It offers a different kind of eco-tourism – the preservation of biodiversity and restoration of the wild. Visitors can experience glamping in tented suites nestled on the banks of the Lugenda River while participating in ongoing conservation programs to protect wild dogs, cheetahs, and elephants.

Nature positive travel offers a viable solution to minimize the negative impact of tourism activities on the environment and promote environmental stewardship, an accountability that every responsible tourist should exercise. From walking safaris and birding tours to reforestation and beach cleanups, are many ways for travelers to engage with nature in a positive and meaningful way.

In conclusion, nature positive travel is a way to connect with nature, protect the environment, and empower local communities. By selecting nature-positive activities and supporting eco-friendly accommodations, travelers can responsible stewards of the earth and contribute to a sustainable future for all.