Andi Cross, a growth strategist, divemaster, and founder of impact consultancy Wildpalm, has emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism during her expeditions around the world. She has observed that wildlife is more valuable alive than dead, not only due to their ecological roles but also their economic and cultural significance to communities worldwide. People are willing to commit their time, resources, and even their life’s work to seeing these animals thrive in their natural habitats, which has real implications for businesses.
Cross cites examples such as Iceland’s whale watching industry, Indonesia’s transformation of shark fishing communities towards conservation, and Florida’s efforts to protect its manatee population. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainability and eco-tourism can drive economic benefits while ensuring the survival of precious species and ecosystems. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a surge in staycations in Florida, leading to increased interest in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism among locals and visitors alike.
She highlights the importance of embedding sustainability into business practices, urging companies to live out their commitment to community development and ecosystem preservation. Collaborations between organizations like Save the Manatee Club and eco-tourism providers can play a crucial role in educating others and promoting conservation efforts. Cross emphasizes that sustainability should be at the core of every business strategy, with a focus on actively contributing to the regeneration of the planet through conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
She advises businesses to rewire their business plan by revisiting their values and incorporating corporate social responsibility and environment, social, and governance tenets into their operations. By rethinking supply chains, processes, and employee engagement, companies can embed sustainability into their core practices and communicate their efforts transparently to stakeholders. With increasing consumer demand for sustainable experiences and products, businesses across all sectors are recognizing the need to reassess their environmental impact and commit to sustainability efforts for long-term success.
Cross urges leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to draw inspiration from regional businesses excelling in sustainability efforts as a roadmap for contributing to a more equitable and prosperous world. She emphasizes that prioritizing the planet’s health above profit is essential for long-term success and encourages businesses to integrate conservation into their business models now. Ultimately, the time to act and make a positive impact on the planet is now, and businesses must step up to lead the way in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.