Wildlife tourism plays a crucial role in supporting conservation and communities, especially in the Global South. However, they caution that poorly managed tourism can contribute significantly to nature loss. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the delicate balance in this sector, revealing both the negative impact of a sudden halt in tourism on local economies and conservation efforts, and the environmental consequences of mismanaged tourism practices. The article emphasizes the need for the tourism industry to reform and adopt sustainable practices. This includes a shift towards nature-positive tourism, as evidenced by initiatives like the Nature-positive Travel & Tourism Alliance and Resolution 130, which encourage the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem health into business decisions. The authors stress the collective responsibility of tourism businesses and individual tourists in achieving sustainable tourism that supports conservation and local communities while minimizing environmental impact.
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