Balancing the desire to explore the world with the imperative to mitigate the environmental impact of flights has become a major concern for leading travel companies. According to the International Energy Agency, flights contribute at least 2% of all global carbon emissions, with the sector’s impact growing faster than road, shipping, and rail. In response, pioneering travel operators are advocating a new approach, advising travelers to take fewer long-haul flights and stay for more extended periods when they do. Responsible Travel, a UK-based operator, screens its vacations to ensure they meet high conservation standards and respect local cultural heritage, recommending a conscious approach to travel.
Natucate, a company operating in the Seychelles, is taking this idea to the next level. Situated on the archipelago’s North Island, Natucate’s dedicated conservation trips are designed for people on sabbaticals or those seeking to maximize their vacation allowance. These trips, lasting between 26 and 52 days, involve conservation work to protect native turtle populations and giant tortoises. Participants collaborate with small non-government organizations (NGOs) on the ground, gaining expertise and contributing to conservation efforts. The trend observed by Natucate is a shift toward longer trips, with travelers opting for a single international flight every two years but staying much longer at their chosen destination.
Daniel Kaul, CEO of Natucate, emphasizes the benefits of longer trips, stating that people are seeking a more conscious impact on conservation, understanding the work involved better than shorter stays. Longer contributions are beneficial to NGOs, providing continuous support, and participants gain a deeper understanding of the conservation projects. These extended trips also have a positive long-term impact beyond the Seychelles, as returning travelers often engage with NGOs at home and contribute to conservation efforts locally.
Natucate’s conservation work on North Island involves monitoring and protecting green and Hawksbill turtles, relocating nests to safeguard them from water, and recording GPS locations of giant tortoises. The conservation efforts extend beyond fauna to include removing alien vegetation and planting native trees, contributing to the restoration of endemic vegetation on the island. In the water, participants and scientists collaborate to identify and track fish and other marine species, ensuring the health of the ocean remains a priority.
The concept of the sabbatical is a driving force behind Natucate’s project on North Island, aligning with a growing trend observed globally. A study by payroll processing company Gusto found that 6% of US employees took a sabbatical in January 2022, double the number in January 2019. This trend is linked to a broader understanding of burnout and a desire to prioritize personal needs over ambition, especially following the pandemic. Daniel Kaul notes an increase in the urge for longer breaks since Covid, with people seeking a conscious conservation sabbatical to disconnect from normal life and enjoy nature.
As travel trends shift toward more sustainable and mindful practices, Natucate’s work in the Seychelles reflects a positive direction for the tourism sector. The company’s efforts to promote sustainability and conservation align with a broader movement, with major tourism companies increasingly considering their impact and adopting codes of conduct for responsible travel. The shift towards a slower, more mindful approach to travel is gaining traction, offering a healthier and more sustainable way to explore the world.