Issue1 TasteBound compressed - Flipbook - Page 31
Tourism can work as a powerful force for good, says conservationist Julie Church: ‘Travellers won't snorkel or dive in empty oceans’
Julie Church
Fou nder of Seas4Life, Nai robi
With a background in marine conservation, Julie
believes that, when done responsibly, travel and
tourism can help protect the biodiversity of the
Western Indian Ocean rather than endanger it
I wanted to find a way to connect people with
the ocean through travel. I’m fourth-generation
Kenyan, so the Western Indian Ocean has
always been special to me. The waters off the
coast of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique are
the second most biodiverse marine area in the
world, yet this region isn’t known for its marine
life. I wanted to recreate the safari element
of travel, but apply it to the ocean instead:
expert-led, conservation-driven marine safaris.
Witnessing the sardine run off the coast of
South Africa is unforgettable. It’s the biggest
mass migration in the world: shoals of huge,
shimmering sardines move through the water,
chased by common dolphins. We have a Seas4Life snorkelling
experience where you actually swim with them – it’s like
finding yourself in a David Attenborough documentary.
The idea of 'giving back' while travelling has always been
there. But lots of companies have had this element at the
back end of the business – profit shares for local charities and
engagement with local communities as an afterthought. Not so
with us. We operate on a 70/30 principle: the globe is made up
of 70% ocean and 30% land, so 70% of our profits go back into
marine conservation, and we’ve turned the conservation itself
into an experience.
I’d love to showcase the coral reef in northern
Mozambique, which is some of the richest in
the area. It’s currently impossible because of
gas drilling. Entire swathes of the ocean are
cordoned off. There has always been an uphill
battle with corruption when it comes to marine
conservation in southern Africa, and I truly
believe tourism can help. Some resorts only
see value in fish if it’s dead and on a plate, but
tourists themselves have a desire to see marine
life flourishing – travellers won’t snorkel or dive
in empty oceans. When looked after, the ocean
grows back quickly. We just need to encourage
the right kind of tourism. seas4life.com
TA S T E B O U N D
29
