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The travel sector, driving 10% of global GDP and supporting over 319 million livelihoods, is an economic force and resource steward

Why travel?

At Preferred by Nature, we believe that responsible business practices are key to ensuring that nature and the environment are protected, respecting human rights, and mitigating climate impacts. Our current strategy identifies tourism and travel as a key sector where we should focus our work to drive sustainability and where sustainable practices have proven to be transformative. These practices stimulate local economies, provide employment opportunities, foster cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

Sustainable travel impact: By promoting conservation efforts, preserving natural habitats, and utilising renewable energy sources, sustainable travel contributes to positive social and environmental change.
Sustainability solutions: We continuously explore synergies, challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainability tools such as training, certification, and advisory solutions for the travel sector.
Environmental concerns: Despite its potential benefits, poorly planned tourism development can lead to environmental degradation and cultural erosion, necessitating intervention.
Future vision: Our goal is to contribute to a future where travel serves as a force for lasting social and environmental benefits, and where we are a trusted source of guidance and promotion of responsible travel choices worldwide.

What are the challenges?

Embarking on sustainable travel presents a myriad of challenges. The travel sector's significant carbon emissions, amounting to 8% of the global total, call for collaborative efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Managing resources effectively is imperative to alleviate strain on ecosystems, necessitating comprehensive strategies such as certifications and partnerships for conservation. Cultural preservation is paramount, demanding tourism practices that respect and safeguard the diversity of local cultures. 

Waste management emerges as a critical concern, with sustainable disposal methods required to mitigate environmental degradation. Ensuring social equity is essential, with fair distribution of benefits vital to enhancing the well-being of communities touched by tourism. Water conservation efforts also play a crucial role in protecting ecosystems and sustaining local livelihoods. Additionally, promoting ethical tourism practices is fundamental for fostering responsible behaviour among travellers and securing the industry's long-term sustainability.

people

The bucket list for sustainable travel planning: five essentials you should know about

Planning for a vacation with a positive impact on our lives as well as on the environment? Have you ever thought about how we travel, how green a destination is, and to whom we give our money? Most importantly, are we creating any harmful impact on the destination, its environment, communities or wildlife?

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30 years of impact

Creating sustainable impact is at the heart of our mission.

People impact

850,000+

farmers, workers and land managers are assured that their well-being, human rights and cultural heritage are protected.

Nature impact

32.6 million

hectares of land where nature and environment are protected from degradation and conversion through use of sustainability standards.

Climate impact

32,000+

tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, thus lowering the climate impact.

The link between the travel sector & climate

Meet our expert

Our goal to foster lasting, positive transformations in key agricultural and forestry products around the world is guided by seasoned professionals. These experts bring a wealth of practical knowledge from their extensive time in the field and their involvement with international supply networks. Hear their perspectives on progress in their respective fields.

SaĆŗl Blanco Sosa

Director, Sustainable Travel Programme

sbs@pbn.org
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Explore other focus areas

Biomass

Biomass is essential for sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and providing renewable energy. Its growing utilisation highlights its importance in combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices across various industries.

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Cattle

Aunque es vital para la seguridad alimentaria, el ganado tambiĆ©n contribuye a la deforestaciĆ³n y al cambio climĆ”tico. Es necesario centrar los esfuerzos en promover prĆ”cticas sostenibles que mejoren la biodiversidad, la salud del suelo y el bienestar de las personas y los animales.

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Climate

Abordar el cambio climƔtico es urgente para el desarrollo sostenible. Reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero mediante estrategias innovadoras es esencial para mitigar su impacto.

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Cocoa

El cultivo del cacao tiene un impacto global sobre el medio ambiente, la economĆ­a y el clima. Las prĆ”cticas sostenibles como la agrosilvicultura pueden mitigar sus efectos negativos, haciendo que el cacao sea relevante para la mitigaciĆ³n del cambio climĆ”tico.

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Coffee

Equilibrar la sostenibilidad econĆ³mica con prĆ”cticas de producciĆ³n responsables es crucial en la industria del cafĆ©. Adaptarse al cambio climĆ”tico al tiempo que se satisface la creciente demanda mundial es esencial para una producciĆ³n sostenible de cafĆ©.

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Ecosystems

Revitalizar los ecosistemas es crucial para la salud y la conservaciĆ³n de nuestro planeta. Combatir la deforestaciĆ³n y la degradaciĆ³n con prĆ”cticas sostenibles garantiza la recuperaciĆ³n a largo plazo.

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Palm Oil

La producciĆ³n de aceite de palma sostiene las economĆ­as pero plantea problemas medioambientales y sociales. Las prĆ”cticas sostenibles son cruciales para abordar cuestiones como la deforestaciĆ³n y los derechos laborales.

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Rice

La producciĆ³n de arroz tiene un impacto significativo sobre el clima y la naturaleza. Abordar las emisiones, el uso del agua y la deforestaciĆ³n en el cultivo del arroz puede conducir a cambios medioambientales positivos.

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Rubber

El caucho natural es esencial para las industrias, pero contribuye a la deforestaciĆ³n y a la pĆ©rdida de biodiversidad. Abordar los problemas de sostenibilidad, como las malas condiciones laborales, es crucial en la producciĆ³n de caucho.

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Soy

La soja desempeƱa un papel vital en la seguridad alimentaria mundial y en la producciĆ³n de biocombustibles. Hacer hincapiĆ© en el crecimiento sostenible es esencial para abordar los retos medioambientales en el cultivo de la soja.

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Timber

Los impactos globales de la madera sobre las personas, la naturaleza y el clima requieren una gestiĆ³n sostenible. Los bosques son esenciales para la biodiversidad, asĆ­ como para la conservaciĆ³n del suelo y el agua.

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Travel

La sostenibilidad de la industria de los viajes se cruza con la conservaciĆ³n del medio ambiente y la preservaciĆ³n cultural. El consumo responsable y el apoyo a las comunidades locales son cruciales para los viajes sostenibles.

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Other

Nuestra misiĆ³n se extiende mĆ”s allĆ” de estas Ć”reas de interĆ©s a cualquier cultivo o producto con potencial de impacto sostenible. Apoyamos proyectos de conservaciĆ³n y restauraciĆ³n de ecosistemas en todo el mundo y ayudamos a las empresas a adaptarse a las cambiantes normativas.

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We work with businesses on all aspects of their sustainability journey

Certification

Strengthen your organisationā€™s commitment to sustainability, showcasing impactful business transformations.

Sustainability advisory services

With over 30 years of experience in sustainability, our experts can support you in enhancing your sustainability journey.

Expert courses

Engage in impactful training experiences through our programmes, project-specific sessions, or bespoke courses upon request.
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Do you want to support our efforts to create a better world?

Small steps lead to a big change and all contributions are valuable.

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