Network & Supporters
The Wildlife Heritage Area programme is hugely grateful to our supporters - which include some of the world’s leading responsible tourism businesses and wildlife charities – for helping us shape the programme to launch. Their knowledge and expertise have been vital as we have worked to create a programme that supports local communities and showcases their efforts to protect wildlife in the places that they live and work.
In the next phase of the programme during 2024 we hope that many of our supporters will join the Wildlife Heritage Network when it is launched. The Network will be responsible for designating Wildlife Heritage Areas through strategic partnerships between specialist wildlife NGOs and the local communities applying to be designated.
Responsible tourism members will support the network by promoting responsible wildlife watching experiences delivered by local communities within Wildlife Heritage Areas. They will also provide advice to applicants working to develop new responsible tourism initiatives.
Independent specialist experts will also be able to join the network to share ideas with communities that help enhance cultural links celebrating nature. Finally, storytellers that align with the Wildlife Heritage Area mission will be encouraged to join the network to spread the word about the world’s most responsible community-led wildlife destinations.
When the network goes live, each member will be required to sign the Wildlife Heritage Area Guiding Principles outlined below. These principles are already a requirement for Wildlife Heritage Area applicants and for wildlife organisations trained to assess applications.
If you would like to become a Supporter or find out more about the programme and the network please email us here.
Guiding Principles
Each member of the Wildlife Heritage Network adheres to the following Guiding Principles, demonstrating their commitment to making the world a better place for people, wildlife, and the places they both call home. Joining the Wildlife Heritage Network offers members the opportunity to strengthen their commitment to these principles by accessing the latest science-based guidance, expert advice, collaborative opportunities, and local understanding.
As a Network Member I/we will:
Help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis
Members recognise and are guided by the urgent need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis across all Wildlife Heritage Areas and beyond. They understand that this is critical to sustain life on Earth because we are all interconnected. Each member uses their network connections to seek new and innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions and protect and regenerate biodiversity
Have a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism
Each member has a zero tolerance approach to human-caused wildlife suffering and exploitation through irresponsible tourism. Members utilise the latest wildlife watching guidelines and learn from location- and species-specific experts delivering responsible wildlife tourism experiences. Tourism members have clear public facing policies that forbid the sale, promotion or celebration of cruel wild or captive wildlife tourism experiences or trade.
Support and celebrate local solutions
Each member believes in the power of local, grassroots solutions to curb the biodiversity and climate crisis and prevent animal cruelty. Recognising the rights of local people to protect and care for wildlife and habitats, network members harness the power and influence of the network to provide financial and technical support where it is most needed.
Respect traditional knowledge and academic research
Each member recognises the importance of traditional wisdom and modern day science in combating biodiversity loss, climate change, and human-caused wildlife suffering. Through cooperation, network members help each other to forge a more peaceful co-existence with nature.
Value our cultural heritage linked to wildlife
Members recognise the power of human cultures that celebrate wildlife, igniting passion, and driving meaningful change for people and nature. Members promote success stories and best practice examples within and outside the network to accelerate this change.
Show a willingness to collaborate
Each member aspires to play a leading role, inspire others, and believes that we can only achieve radical positive change in our relationship with nature through collaboration. Members commit to sharing knowledge and welcome open and honest dialogue to achieve better outcomes for wildlife and people across all Wildlife Heritage Areas and beyond