Kodama Travel's One-Year Reflection

Kodama Travel is almost one year old. Here are some of my reflections as a founder, a conservationist, and a traveller:

Protecting The Environment Is A People-Powered Movement

There are many ordinary people doing extraordinary work to protect the environment and wildlife. From our seas to our forests, we've connected with people who use ecotourism to support conservation efforts and foster community building. They may not always make headlines, but the accumulation of these local initiatives gives us hope. We aim to be a platform that highlights these incredible efforts — which is why you'll find a short introduction for every supplier on Kodama's website.

Biodiversity Continues To Decline, But We Can Make A Difference

Despite troubling developments in wildlife conservation — such as continued habitat destruction, expanded whaling, and reversal of protection laws — we believe in making a stand through our travel choices. Boycotting a country over a single policy will lead to one boycotting every country. Instead, we encourage travellers to stay informed and make ethical choices when visiting destinations (e.g. avoiding activities and suppliers that profit from animal and community exploitation).

Climate Change Is Here And Now

We cannot wait for endless COP summits to deliver united climate and biodiversity resolutions. While political solutions are crucial for addressing large-scale issues, such as high-seas conservation, deep-sea mining, and wildlife trafficking, we emphasise grassroots efforts to restore habitats. There is much that individuals can do — don't throw away your shot.

Genuine Efforts Aren't Always Certifiable

We all want to ensure our purchases are ethical and responsible. However, industry certifications don't always serve as a seal of proof. It's disheartening to see some certified tour operators offering experiences that don’t align with our animal welfare standards. Furthermore, the associated fees — sometimes reaching thousands of dollars — can be prohibitive for many small businesses. Genuine efforts often lie beyond the bounds of certification, and we aim to recognise and support these.

Tourism Must Be Reduced In Many Places

In some destinations, a reduction in tourists and tour operators is necessary to protect fragile ecosystems. We’ve been shocked by footage of enormous groups swarming around a whale shark, cutting off its movements, or cruise ships unloading masses of travellers into delicate environments like Antarctica. For these reasons, we’ve not added certain destinations to our offerings and have chosen not to work with cruises. No organisation or movement can be the panacea to solve the climate and biodiversity crises we face. However, as we continue to build Kodama Travel, we’d love to hear your thoughts on how travel can contribute to conservation.