Speakers emphasised that nature action is climate action, reinforcing that Travel & Tourism has a critical responsibility in safeguarding biodiversity and supporting long-term ecosystem resilience.
The session highlighted how the sector can act as a “Guardian of Nature”, with insights from conservation experts, destination managers, business leaders and NGOs. Dr. Ante Mandić of IUCN TAPAS discussed how Travel & Tourism can accelerate global biodiversity recovery. Visit Scotland’s Gwen Raez outlined destination-level strategies, while Francesca Mahoney of Wild Survivors shared examples of community-based conservation.
Camille Drevillon from Abercrombie & Kent presented the tour operator perspective on regenerative business practices. Christiane Zeidan of Red Sea Global showcased how large-scale developments can integrate nature into long-term planning.
The panel discussion featured Professor Kelly Bricker, ecological restoration expert Boris Barov of the Society for Ecological Restoration, and Daniel Turner of ANIMONDIAL. They emphasised the potential of the sector to provide conservation financing, enhance community resilience and support ecosystem restoration.
Speakers noted that Travel & Tourism is one of only six global industries where 80% of value is highly dependent on nature, shifting biodiversity protection from a voluntary activity to a strategic business issue.
The session also introduced a new Nature Positive Action Sheet on Regenerating Destinations, providing a practical five-step pathway for tourism organisations seeking to contribute to ecosystem restoration in line with national biodiversity goals.
A call for stronger collaboration
Participants stressed the need for government support through aligned policies, funding tools, public-private partnerships and the integration of local and Indigenous communities in decision-making. The session also highlighted the importance of fully incorporating Travel & Tourism into national biodiversity planning and financing frameworks.
The Nature Positive Tourism Partnership argues that giving the sector a formal role in these processes is essential to meeting the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and enabling broader nature recovery.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO, stated: “Our sector can only unlock its full potential as a force for conservation if we work hand in hand with governments, local communities, and the wider value chain. As the world’s eyes turn on COP30, WTTC is committed to ensuring Travel & Tourism is recognised – not just as an economic powerhouse, but as a key partner in delivering meaningful nature-positive outcomes.”
The Nature Positive Tourism Explained series builds on existing WTTC tools and research, including the Nature Positive Tourism Roadmap, Guidelines and the Nature Positive Toolbox.
As the sector prepares for COP30, the launch of this webinar series represents a step toward equipping tourism stakeholders with the knowledge required to support the Global Biodiversity Framework and advance nature-positive action in destinations worldwide. Two additional sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tags: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), UN Tourism World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
