How responsible tourism can save wildlife
Blog
Responsible tourism is transforming wildlife encounters by moving away from captivity toward respectful coexistence. Programs like Wildlife Heritage Areas allow travellers to experience animals in their natural habitats, supporting both conservation and local communities.
World-leading innovation in wildlife tourism
Imagine being able to watch a jaguar as he stalks his prey in the treetops of the Amazon or a family of gorillas as they care for their young. Experiencing animals in their natural environment is the cornerstone of the first-of-its-kind Wildlife Heritage Areas program.
Launched in 2023, this global benchmark program fills a gap in the tourism industry enabling people to experience wildlife without disturbing them. It is the responsible alternative to zoos, elephant rides, swimming with dolphins and other captive animal attractions.
By creating this innovative, animal-friendly alternative, we can better protect wild animals and habitats. Responsible tourism can play a pivotal role in shifting the industry away from harmful captivity, towards respectful coexistence between nature and communities.
A Marsican bear in the Apennines Marsican Bear Heritage Area. (Photo: Massimiliano Paolino / Shutterstock)
At the Apennines Marsican Bear Heritage Area, for example, efforts to protect the critically endangered Marsican bear have positive impacts on both animals and communities. Local experts are leading efforts to enhance harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. The aim of their efforts is to reduce potential threats to the bears such as poaching, poisoning and traffic collisions. Communities in this region are learning proven strategies to avoid conflict and are enjoying the benefits of establishing strong connections with wildlife. As a result, there has been an encouraging increase in the number of bear cubs born in recent years. And local communities are building thriving nature-based economies including ecotourism.
Building on success
The concept of heritage areas builds on the success of the Whale Heritage Sites program, developed by our partner World Cetacean Alliance. The success of this program laid the foundation for expansion beyond marine wildlife to include species like big cats, great apes, bears, reptiles and many more.
Meeting the highest standards
Candidate areas submit to an evaluation process towards achieving the ‘designated’ level of a Wildlife Heritage Area. This process involves providing robust evidence showing that they meet indicators for cultural heritage, responsible tourism, human-wildlife coexistence and governance.
As a result of this process, tourists and tour operators can be assured that these destinations meet the highest standards of animal welfare. Choosing these areas to visit also helps empower local communities to care for and protect the unique wildlife in their environment, using tourism as a powerful driver for positive change.
Help create a world where animals thrive
Wildlife Heritage Areas are innovative solutions to help address exploitation in wildlife tourism. Since its launch in 2023, we have successfully grown our list of partners to include 18 Wildlife Heritage Areas around the world. By supporting World Animal Protection and our Wildlife Heritage Areas program, you can help create a world where animals thrive.
Banner photo: An Orangutan in the wild forests of Sumatra. (Photo: Denys.Kutsevalov / Shutterstock)
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News
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