The pandemic has impacted travel destinations all over the world, many who are suffering due to lack of income. This is especially true in communities that are heavily dependent on tourism dollars for economic stability. There is a growing need to prepare local communities for a lack of tourism for the next few years, and help them develop strategies that will sustain and move them forward. Our aim is to specifically target direct support locally to the people who protect our destinations.
Many destinations world-wide depend on tourism as their primary source of income. With the significant halt in travel during 2020, communities are turning towards extractive jobs as an alternative to tourism, in order to put food on the table. This includes logging, mining and wildlife trafficking, all of which will result in devastating long-term impacts of the destinations we love so much. As travel recovers, it will be paramount to continue funding initiatives that safeguard these communities
During this pandemic, communities are suffering because of the lack of tourism. Your funding will help communities who are (1) dependent on tourism for economic stability, (2) near protected areas and in travel destinations, and (3) with projects focused on conservation and tourism. We have identified these communities who have an acute, immediate need. By supporting these communities, we will create a ripple effect in their destination, so that when travel reopens, these communities are ready.
During this critical time, your contribution today can lessen the danger of poaching for animals, many of which are already at risk of extinction, and help ensure that when tourism resumes, the wildlife will still be there. We're all eager to travel again and escape the confines of our four walls; but while we're all safely at home, wildlife are at risk in destinations around the world that we hope to travel to in the future. The animals need your help.
