New TUI Wildlife Projects Empower Indigenous Communities to Protect Endangered Species
(IN SHORT) The TUI Care Foundation and IUCN have launched two community-based tourism projects under the TUI Wildlife programme to protect endangered species and uplift local populations in Namibia and Cambodia. In Namibia, the San-managed Nyae Nyae and N≠a Jaqna conservancies will receive three years of support to build biodiversity-monitoring capacity, diversify incomes, and develop sustainable tourism—creating roles for guides and hospitality staff. In Cambodia, communities around Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park will be trained in species monitoring and eco-tourism, generating revenue to deter deforestation while conserving critical habitats. The partnership combines conservation funding with skills training and tourism development, exemplifying how sustainable travel can drive positive environmental and social outcomes.
(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 2025-Jun-19 — /Travel PR News/ — The TUI Care Foundation has joined forces with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to bolster community-led conservation efforts in Namibia and Cambodia through its global TUI Wildlife programme. By backing IUCN’s Save Our Species initiative, this partnership will fund and implement two nature-based tourism projects designed to safeguard imperiled wildlife while delivering tangible benefits to local populations.
In north-eastern Namibia, the Indigenous San-managed Nyae Nyae and N≠a Jaqna conservancies oversee more than 18,000 km² of savannah habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and other species. Despite their vital conservation role, these communities face resource constraints and limited livelihood options. Over the next three years, TUI Wildlife Namibia will enhance their biodiversity-monitoring expertise, diversify income streams, and establish sustainable tourism ventures—creating jobs for wildlife guides, hospitality managers, and operators, and amplifying local ownership of conservation efforts.
Meanwhile in Cambodia, the biodiverse Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park—home to critically endangered species such as the northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon—confronts deforestation driven by poverty. TUI Wildlife Cambodia will train villagers in species monitoring and habitat management, and collaborate with local guides to develop eco-tourism offerings and environmental education workshops. This two-year initiative aims to generate new revenue for communities while reinforcing protections for threatened wildlife.
Stewart Maginnis, IUCN Deputy Director General, remarked, “Diverse partnerships like this are essential for achieving global conservation goals and ensuring Indigenous stewards receive equitable recognition and support.” Thomas Ellerbeck, Chair of the TUI Care Foundation Board, added, “By merging tourism with conservation, we foster a win-win dynamic where nature and people thrive together.”
Both projects form part of the TUI Care Foundation’s broader TUI Wildlife programme, which champions endangered species and habitats in travel destinations worldwide.
Media contact:
Manuel Ferreira
+447471260915
manuel.ferreira@tui.com
SOURCE: TUI Group
