Our mission

The Wildlife Heritage Areas programme, founded by World Animal Protection and the World Cetacean Alliance, sets rigorous standards for cultural heritage, responsible tourism, human-wildlife coexistence, and effective governance at important wildlife locations worldwide.

We believe in the power of communities to address environmental issues by fostering respectful connections with nature, combating biodiversity loss, wildlife suffering, and the climate crisis.

Dedicated to responsible wildlife tourism, we support local economies and advance conservation and animal welfare initiatives. By collaborating with experts, travel companies, and communities, we promote wildlife-friendly tourism. Our mission is to protect unique wildlife, offer meaningful experiences, and highlight cultural connections with nature, integrating animal welfare into sustainable tourism for a better future.

Wildlife Heritage Areas:

Empowers local communities

Empower and celebrate local people to care for and protect the unique wildlife in their environment.

Promote responsible wildlife tourism

Provide an opportunity for the travel industry to promote more responsible wildlife experiences as an alternative to exploitative, extractive, or consumptive captive or wild animal attractions.

Strengthen cultural connections to nature

Emphasise our cultural links with nature as a powerful tool to encourage positive change for animals and people.

Make animal welfare central to sustainability

Incorporate animal welfare as an integral part of what constitutes ‘sustainable practices’ or ‘wildlife friendly’.

Build a global movement for animals and nature

Use an approach combining nature conservation and animal welfare successfully, as part of a growing movement.