Five drivers of biodiversity loss

The Travel & Tourism sector, while offering incredible experiences, plays a significant role in biodiversity loss worldwide. From habitat destruction to pollution, five major drivers are contributing to the decline of ecosystems and species. Understanding and addressing these drivers is essential for developing sustainable tourism practices that protect nature and preserve biodiversity for future generations. Below are the five key factors driving biodiversity loss, along with solutions that can help mitigate these impacts.

Changing land and sea use

• Main causes: Construction of hotels, resorts, and airports; food sourcing for services.
• Impacts:
  • Habitat destruction and fragmentation (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves)
  • Deforestation
  • Species decline
• Solutions:
  • Sustainable construction and local food sourcing
  • Protection of sensitive habitats

Direct exploitation of organisms

• Main causes: Wildlife tourism, illegal wildlife trade, over-tourism in natural areas.
• Impacts:
  • Over-hunting, over-fishing
  • Harm to species and individual animals
  • Human-wildlife conflict
• Solutions:
  • Adoption of ethical wildlife tourism practices
  • Wildlife trade zero-tolerance policies

Climate change

• Main causes: Greenhouse gas emissions (especially air travel) and energy use.
• Impacts:
  • Rising sea levels damaging coastal ecosystems
  • Increased frequency of natural disasters (e.g., forest fires)
  • Habitat and species loss
• Solutions:
  • Carbon reduction strategies
  • Nature-based solutions for climate resilience

Pollution

• Main causes: Waste generation, especially single-use plastics, and pollution from transportation and hospitality services.
• Impacts:
  • Plastic waste in oceans harming marine species
  • Chemical contamination affecting local flora and fauna
• Solutions:
  • Reducing single-use plastic
  • Sustainable waste management practices

Invasive non-native species

• Main causes: Introduction of non-native species via tourism activities (e.g., ballast water from cruise ships, ornamental plants).
• Impacts:
  • Disruption of local ecosystems
  • Disease transfer
• Solutions:
  • Compliance with international biosecurity regulations
  • Education for tourists on responsible practices