Biodiversity Review Points the Way to Sustainable Tourism

In an environment, biodiversity is a measure of unique species a habitat supports. The greater the number of species (plants, animals, insects — everything), the greater the biodiversity. In any given area, each species plays it’s unique role in the overall health of the place. Remove one species and like a stack of cards, the rest will fall or struggle to make up the difference.

Our world and the creatures in it are vulnerable: without action, many of them could soon be gone. But by travelling responsibly, you can contribute to conservation success stories for the most iconic species.

What factors go into creating an eco-friendly safari? One of the most vital is the protection and development of habitats — including national parks and private reserves.

Private concessions are often more environmentally sustainable than the larger national parks because they typically focus on low volume, low impact tourism, with fewer properties and vehicles polluting the ecosystem.

In fragile ecosystems, it is of paramount importance that we tread lightly, minimising our environmental impact. At Africa Exclusive, we actively promote properties which have strong eco-credentials, encouraging our guests to think carefully about water and power usage, waste disposal, and sustainability of materials and produce.

The future of our planet — including its wild places — depends on the people who live there. Engaging with communities is an essential component of long term sustainability.

As humans, we are part of an ecosystem. What we do matters, and if we try to exclude ourselves from the picture, everything else will ultimately falter and fall. This is one of the reasons that when you go on an Africa Exclusive safari, we encourage you not only to be aware of the local communities, but to actively engage with them.

Travel to the world’s fragile places should benefit the habitats, the wildlife and the people who live there. We call this “Travelling Well” and it is a feature of every safari we arrange.

Kenya’s rapidly growing population means that people compete with wildlife for land. However, Kenya is pioneering wildlife conservation in ways which benefit the animals and local rural communities, pointing the way to the future for wildlife throughout Africa.

Those with Netflix may already have seen one of David Attenborough's latest documentaries, A Life on Our Planet. The corresponding book expands on this fascinating look at the future of our world. At 94, David Attenborough remains one of the most inspirational characters of our time. He has explored our planet, sharing the wonders of the natural world with a global audience. His incredible passion for nature is clear in this reflection of the dramatic changes he has witnessed first hand and more importantly, his vision for the future. The book presents a global challenge, but with it, solutions. It is a vital read to all who love the natural world. Furthermore, it is a call to action to help create a sustainable plan for generations to come.