Wildlife
In the tourism industry, the use of wildlife and animal products are well-established aspects of many businesses. However, an unfortunate consequence of this has been the exploitation of wildlife for entertainment, the destruction of natural habitats and non-sustainable sourcing of animal products. Any product or service found to be sourced or managed in such ways or in violation of local regulations and conservation practices should not be consumed, displayed, sold or traded.
Your business should work with local suppliers to ensure their products come from sustainable sources. Attention should similarly be paid to the endangered or threatened species lists - any abuse of these species or by-products must be avoided.
Wildlife in Captivity
Wildlife should be respected, not exploited or kept in captivity. While access to wildlife can be one of the many opportunities exotic travel opens, excursions should only visit wildlife in captivity where it is for the protection of a species. Such visits should be operated by an authorised body in accordance with local regulations and international conservation law.
Respect Wildlife
- Avoid encouraging animals being used as tourist attractions, such as for souvenir photos
- Avoid participating in animal performances that require unnatural behaviour
- Respect working animals and only use those fit to work and treated humanely
- Consider the ethics and risks of swimming with dolphins before participating
- Consider the ethics and risks of using elephants before doing so
- Monitor sanctuaries and orphanages to ensure they are only involved in refuge and rehabilitation and are not unauthorized trading and breeding center
- Educating staff and clients on respecting wildlife and discouraging them from participating in any form of exploitive interaction
Interaction with Wildlife
Treks, safaris and tourist excursions outside urban areas often interact with plants and wild animals, whether it be passive such as walking on a trail, or more active such as fishing. These opportunities are in themselves an incentive for a consumer and so commercial opportunities for a tourism operator and as such are activities which should be carefully controlled to minimise any disturbance to natural ecosystems or habitats. Additionally, if your business' activities directly impact on nature you should return the favour by supporting conservation efforts.
Interact with Wildlife
- A guide's presence in the wild should never disturb or interrupt an animal's natural behaviour
- Never goad or call a wild animal
- When watching animals hunt, nurse or feed, you should lower your voice, avoid sudden movements and flash photography
- Avoid taking 'souvenirs' of flowers, plants, bones, feathers and stones – not only could this damage the delicate ecosystems but will also spoil the area for future visitors
- Educate staff and clients on how to behave when interacting with wildlife
Other Pollutants