One of the most recent Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN is to conserve biodiversity through sustainable forest management, combating desertification, and land degradation, as well as prevent the loss of biodiversity.
So…
What is Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity?
It is the variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, including genetic variations and the different types of ecosystems found on our planet. Biodiversity offers goods and services that are the pillars of our own and this earth’s existence.
Currently, 664 animal species are already extinct and around 1,826 species are in danger of extinction. For this reason, it is essential that we contribute to sustainable conservation of the still existing flora, fauna, natural resources, and more in order to secure a future for the next generations of all the species that make up our planet.
How can we contribute to sustainable conservation of biodiversity?
We can contribute through responsible tourism, also known as sustainable tourism. Traveling, raising awareness, and improving the world has been and continues to be the goal of recent years, since sustainability is almost an unstoppable phenomenon.
Education also plays a key role in this issue, as it is necessary to raise awareness about the issue and its combating efforts in order to sustain the long-term results of different biodiversity conservation initiatives.
10 tips for responsible tourism:
- Be aware of the risks involved in traveling. When planning your trip, research the characteristics of your destination and take the necessary precautions.
- Consume local products, this will encourage the development of the area favoring the most vulnerable groups.
- Respect, learn, and share the values and traditions of your destination. Be an example of tolerance and avoid conflicting situations.
- Contribute to conservation by enjoying products, services and experience that guarantee the sustainable use of different resources which respect the habitat of the area.
- Encourage diversity and do not participate in discriminatory activities.
- Consume in a sustainable way, opting for those means that generate less impact, for example transportation with reduced or no polluting emissions.
- Support the local heritage and infrastructures, avoid supposing an alteration in the daily life of the destination through your visit.
- Prioritize those services, products, or experiences that incorporate new technologies and innovate methods that contribute to the sustainability of the destination.
- Promote decent working conditions that respect the rights of workers
- Support initiatives and programs that promote good practices.
Other useful tips for tourism sustainability:
- Reuse the towels whenever you can, in this way you contribute to saving the water in the area.
- Don’t print boarding passes, save paper and save them to your cell phone.
- Save energy and turn on lights and use air conditioning sparingly.
In Nutty Scientists, we have different workshops on sustainable development, recycling or climate change, teaching children in a fun and interactive way the importance of taking care of the planet.
