Nature and Conservation: What are the next steps towards sustainable destination management?

Sustainable destination management can be challenging, and it may sometimes be difficult to know where to start. From reducing GHG emissions, becoming nature-positive, supporting local businesses, managing waste, water and energy efficiently, etc., destination managers have a lot of responsibilities. All the while marketing and positioning their destination to attract visitors and satisfy their expectations.

If you haven’t read our article about the First steps for sustainable destination management focused on nature and conservation, you may want to start with that one. It outlines why this topic is essential and the criteria identified as the first steps for sustainability performance. 

Once you’re confident with these first steps, then here are the next ones you can take:

1. Nature conservation

The destination must have a system to conserve ecosystems, habitats, and species. Biodiversity can play a tremendous role in absorbing carbon emissions, therefore contributing to offsetting some of the destination’s footprint. It is also an important factor in attracting visitors and ensuring residents’ quality of life.

2. Captive animal welfare

The destination must comply with international, national, and local laws and regulations for animal welfare. Captive animals in tourism must be adequately cared for and used only for appropriate activities.

Download our free ebook “The next steps towards sustainable destination management” to learn more about these criteria, including examples of good practices.

What’s next?

You can receive extensive training and guidance on the first steps towards becoming a sustainable destination through the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition. A great opportunity for destinations to learn more about sustainable management while getting global visibility and reach for a project or initiative they have done.

As Green Destinations Representatives, Acorn Tourism can support you through your submissions to the Top 100 competition should you want to increase your scores and chances to get selected. Contact us to learn more.

The 2023 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition is now open for registrations.

These guidelines come from the Core-15 criteria of the Green Destinations Standard, recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). These criteria have been identified as the basics for sustainability performance.