Supporters & Assessors
The Wildlife Heritage Area programme is hugely grateful to our supporters and assessors – which include some of the world’s leading responsible tourism businesses, wildlife charities, and experts – for helping us shape the programme and providing ongoing advice. Their knowledge and expertise has 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.
Responsible tourism supporters promote responsible wildlife watching experiences delivered by local communities within Wildlife Heritage Areas. They are also available to provide advice to applicants working to develop new responsible tourism initiatives.
Independent, specialist experts assist the programme by becoming assessors, working through applications to designate Wildlife Heritage Areas, and providing ideas and support where necessary. Assessors are wildlife or species specific experts and undergo training before assessing a Wildlife Heritage Area.
Storytellers that align with the Wildlife Heritage Area mission spread the word about the world’s most responsible community-led wildlife destinations.
All supporters adhere to the Wildlife Heritage Area Guiding Principles outlined below. These principles are also a requirement for Wildlife Heritage Area applicants and for wildlife organisations trained to assess applications.
If you would like to become a Supporter or Assessor or find out more about the programme please email us here.
Guiding Principles
Each supporter of the Wildlife Heritage Area programme 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 Area programme offers supporters 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 Supporter I/we will:
Help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis
Supporters 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 supporter 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 supporter has a zero tolerance approach to human-caused wildlife suffering and exploitation through irresponsible tourism. Supporters utilise the latest wildlife watching guidelines and learn from location- and species-specific experts delivering responsible wildlife tourism experiences. Tourism supporters 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 supporter 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, supporters harness the power and influence of the Wildlife Heritage Area programme to provide financial and technical support where it is most needed.
Respect traditional knowledge and academic research
Each supporter recognises the importance of traditional wisdom and modern day science in combating biodiversity loss, climate change, and human-caused wildlife suffering. Through cooperation, supporters help each other to forge a more peaceful co-existence with nature.
Value our cultural heritage linked to wildlife
Supporters recognise the power of human cultures that celebrate wildlife, igniting passion, and driving meaningful change for people and nature. Supporters promote success stories and best practice examples within and outside the Wildlife Heritage Areas programme to accelerate this change.
Show a willingness to collaborate
Each supporter 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. Supporters 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.