An open letter to our group.
At Intrepid, we imagine in a single easy thought: journey could be a power for good. That’s why we’re stepping as much as assist defend one in every of America’s biggest treasures – our nationwide parks. At this time we’re launching United by Nature – an advocacy marketing campaign to lift consciousness, encourage accountable journey and fund actual conservation work throughout the US nationwide parks.
Proper now, these unbelievable locations are underneath risk. The US authorities is proposing extra main funding cuts that would harm greater than 75 per cent of the wild areas we love – from extra job losses and path closures to broken habitats and under-resourced rangers. Parks like Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon might by no means look the identical once more.
We don’t suppose that’s proper.
These parks are extra than simply fairly locations. They’re sacred lands, house to endangered wildlife, Indigenous historical past and the tales of generations. Additionally they welcomed over 331 million visits final yr and generated $26 billion for native communities. In different phrases: they matter – to individuals, to the planet and to the way forward for journey.
As a tourism firm, if we don’t have wholesome, thriving nationwide parks, we don’t have a enterprise right here. About 80 per cent of our clients within the United States will go to a nationwide park. Through the years, Intrepid has taken over 20,000 vacationers by US nationwide parks.
Essentially the most highly effective factor that we will do at Intrepid is get individuals out into these locations to expertise them. Right here’s what we’re doing – and how one can assist:
1. Accountable visitation
Essentially the most impactful factor we will all do proper now’s go to nationwide parks responsibly. Exhibiting up for these important and iconic wilderness areas is a transparent sign that People worth the parks and the whole lot they provide. It doesn’t matter the way you go – whether or not it’s alone or on a guided journey – simply go responsibly.
We’ve launched a variety of ‘Energetic-ism’ journeys you’ll be able to guide now. These new experiences mix journey with advocacy, hosted by US-based local weather activists and Intrepid leaders, providing distinctive perception into the challenges going through the parks – and tips on how to advocate for his or her future.
2. Signal the petition
Current laws handed by the Home would slash funding for the Nationwide Park Service, which is already working with 16 per cent fewer workers than earlier than. Our parks can’t afford extra cuts. The Nationwide Parks Conservation Affiliation has organized a petition. I’ve signed it and encourage you to signal it as nicely.
3. Funding and philanthropy
Intrepid has pledged to donate $50K to conservation companions by The Intrepid Basis — and can introduce a number of fundraising initiatives. In October, a bunch of Intrepid vacationers and supporters will tackle the legendary Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon trek, elevating as much as $100K to assist the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
There are quite a few NGOs supporting nationwide parks. Discover your trigger and take into account supporting it.
4. Knowledgeable motion
We imagine in training and consciousness, which is why Journey.com, one of many world’s main voices in journey and the outside (and which can be powered by Intrepid), is investing in a devoted reporter to cowl nationwide park tales this summer time. I’m proud to be funding this work to assist carry larger focus and accountability to what’s taking place in America’s nationwide parks.
We’re additionally supporting extra creators, journalists and influencers to go to the parks and use their platforms for good. Their tales will attain extra individuals – extra Intrepid individuals.
It takes all of us
These are among the ways in which we’re stepping up, however the reality is, all of us have the power to guard and protect nature. It’s going to take our collective effort to actually make an impression. We must be United by Nature.
So, in case you’re a traveler who loves an outside journey, I urge you to think about the methods you’ll be able to present up for US nationwide parks. Go to, donate or interact , collectively we will defend the way forward for the parks.
Leigh Barnes is Intrepid’s president of the Americas and calls Seattle house. Present your assist for our parks on a variety of Intrepid journeys that go to nationwide parks.
