PROJECT NOMINATIONS
Supporting conservation through RESILIENT communities
Over the past six months, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) has pivoted to support those hardest hit in the travel industry. We have continually asked ourselves how we can support the communities and people who are so dependent on tourism, when there is none to speak of. The COVID-19 pandemic has increasingly impacted travel destinations all over the world, many who are now suffering due to lack of income. This is especially true in communities that are heavily dependent on tourism dollars for economic stability. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that up to 50 million travel and tourism jobs are at risk around the world due to the current pandemic. Not only does this impact people who want to travel, but it also affects the people who have jobs within the travel industry.
2020 GRant program:
There is a growing need to prepare many local communities for a lack of tourism for the next few years, and help them develop strategies that will both sustain and move them forward. Our aim over the next year, is to specifically target direct support locally to the people who protect our destinations. Communities involved in conservation are the backbone to the existence of many organizations in that destination.
“Conservation does not work without the people who help to make it happen. Conservation, in the long term, will be for the benefit of people. If our ecosystems collapse, it will impact us, the people. If we can help to support a persons livelihood (and that of their families) through conservation and tourism, it's a win-win.” ~ Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director
This years theme is “Supporting Conservation Through Resilient Communities”. The grant cycle will provide support to 3-5 global communities, in travel destinations, who are struggling due to the decreased tourism. Our selection of these projects and communities will be based on the following criteria:
Local communities around protected areas and in travel destinations
Communities suffering from pandemic impacts and in need of economic relief
Projects focused on conservation and travel
Projects that include elements of diversity and support of indigenous communities
The goal of this grant cycle is to provide support to communities who have depended on tourism, and who are now suffering because of the lack of it. Travel and tourism supports one in 10 occupations worldwide, generating 320 million jobs. By supporting them, we will create a ripple effect in their communities, so that when travel does reopen, these communities and wild destinations are still standing in pristine condition, ready to receive visitors. As the travel industry recovers, it will be paramount to continue funding initiatives that safeguard communities and natural environments that the travel industry depends on for perpetuity.