How can nature-based tourism businesses support the goal of Half-Earth? Half-Earth Project

The Long Run was born out of the need for greater collaboration between conservation-minded tourism businesses, and a desire to embed sustainability into the heart of business operations. Founded by Jochen Zeitz in 2009, the not-for-profit organisation is a collection of lodges, affiliates and partners that demonstrate the utmost commitment to safeguarding fragile ecosystems and empowering communities. Collectively, over 40 global members protect 23.5 million acres of biodiversity and improve the lives of 750,000 people.

The Long Run is one of many Communities for a Half-Earth Future, which have a sense of common purpose in working together towards the goal of Half-Earth. We believe that, when done well, nature-based tourism can contribute to Half-Earth by:

Putting the mission first 

Using tourism revenue to protect a 14,000-acre private nature reserve within the Pantanal at GER member Caiman Ecological Refuge, Brazil.

The simultaneous climate and biodiversity crises demonstrate that it is no longer enough to minimise our impact on earth; instead, we have to seek regeneration, renewal and positive impact in everything we do. Travel and business are no exception.

With this in mind, a key criterion to become a Long Run member is owning or having influence over a significant and vital chunk of biodiversity. From the swathes of seagrass protected by Six Senses Laamu in The Maldives to one of southern Africa’s most ambitious rewilding projects at Twsalu, sustainably supporting landscapes and nature is our utmost priority.

We are not a collection of tourism businesses looking to operate more sustainably; we are passionate conservationists and environmentalists looking for the lowest impact way to fund our mission.

Holistic management via the 4Cs 

The 4Cs framework provides a concrete way for businesses to internalise sustainability in their operations and decision-making. It recognizes the importance of business viability to secure biodiversity conservation and community well-being in the long term. Reciprocally, it emphasises the importance of thriving ecosystems and communities in sustaining nature-based businesses.

Conservation
Biodiversity is life. Conservation is safeguarding this biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem services it provides to support global needs. Conservation is core to all Long Runners. They support the sustainable use of natural resources that safeguards the integrity of the planet in their area. Aspects of this C include biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as the management of energy, water and waste, land planning and carbon reduction.

Community
It is the right of every person to have their basic needs met and enhancing the well-being of communities is a fundamental obligation of all. Long Runners support activities that are designed by and empower the communities they belong to or interact with. This C addresses fair working conditions, diversity and inclusion, community relations, social infrastructure, social accountability, capacity building and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Culture
We believe that celebrating commonality and respecting difference is what nurtures understanding, propels a global mindset, and is crucial to our future. Our ability to innovate and evolve is what makes us uniquely human. Drawing on our uniqueness, we enrich each other and contribute to a greater common good. Long Runners strive to strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding and safeguard cultural heritage while raising awareness of cultural diversity. This C addresses cultural heritage site protection, nurturing heritage on community terms, cultural heritage promotion and awareness, respect, and cultural exchange.

Commerce
Uncontrolled commerce (whether in tourism or other industries) has devastating impacts on our planet. Conducted holistically and sustainably, however, business can be a positive contributor to the goal of Half-Earth. This C scrutinises the sustainability of commercial operations recognising the intricate link between profit and natural and social assets. Viable businesses provide a source of income for people that depend on it, as well as long term investment back into the 4Cs.

Shifting mindsets 

As E.O. Wilson says, “Unless humanity learns a great deal more about global biodiversity and moves quickly to protect it, we will soon lose most of the species composing life on Earth.” The Long Run believes that travel, whether in our minds or on the ground, can and must play a more significant role in deepening our understanding of nature, our planetary boundaries, and the role we each play within the intricate web of life.  

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