Biodiversity Conservation is Relevant to Short-Term Rentals

Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the variety of all living things on Earth, including plants, animals, and ecosystems. It includes everything from the genetic differences within one species to various habitats like forests, oceans, and deserts. Biodiversity conservation is important because it helps keep the environment balanced. This harmony supports all life forms by providing food, clean air, water, and medicine. It is the essential foundation of the ecosystems that sustain human civilisations. In the context of the short-term rental industry, it provides diverse and thriving destinations.

Our STR industry is deeply intertwined with the natural world and has become a key motivation for travel. As such, it offers guests the chance to experience diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to dense forests and vibrant urban green spaces. Crucially, biodiversity conservation underpins essential services that support the communities that live in these destinations. Take the example of our food systems. Fish supply 20% of the animal protein for roughly 3 billion individuals as well as fishing livelihoods. Plants constitute more than 80% of our dietary intake. Furthermore, in many tourist-favoured rural areas, especially in developing countries, up to 80% of the population relies on traditional plant-based medicines for healthcare.

However, the escalating threat of biodiversity loss poses significant risks to these services. As a result, it threatens the appeal of locations that are integral to the vacation rental market. If biodiversity conservation is not seen as a priority, many destinations will become less appealing to guests and thus impact rental viability.

For short-term rental owners and managers, understanding and mitigating the impacts of their operations on local ecosystems is crucial. Biodiversity conservation not only supports global health and food security but also preserves the unique qualities that make rental locations desirable.

Understanding the challenges

To address the critical challenges facing biodiversity, especially in the context of STRs, we must first thoroughly understand some of the problems contributing to biodiversity loss. Here’s an explanation about  a few pressing issues – the facts will probably alarm you:

Declining wildlife populations and habitat loss

Globally, wildlife populations have seen a dramatic decline, with an average drop of 69% between 1970 and 2018. This is mainly due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change. Europe’s exceptionally low biodiversity intactness highlights the extensive impact of human activities on ecosystems. The main culprits for habitat loss are deforestation to clear land for crops like palm oil and cattle rearing. Many guests are aware of this situation and are upset by the fate of endangered species like the Black Rhino and Orangutan. In other words, declining wildlife populations and deteriorating habitats can lessen the appeal of destinations known for their natural beauty. Potentially reducing guest interest and bookings.

Pollinator decline and impacts on food security

The alarming decline of pollinators, such as bees, due to intensive farming methods and pesticide use poses a significant threat to global food security. In the UK, 13 bee species are already extinct, with 35 more on the endangered list. The decline in pollinators affects the production of many essential crops, leading to potential shortages of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other key food products. Imagine a life without coffee and chocolate!

Overexploitation and pollution of oceans 

The oceans, covering 70% of our planet, are severely threatened by overfishing and pollution, with 93% of fisheries overfished or fully fished. Additionally, most of us are aware of plastic pollution, with a truckload of plastic entering the oceans every minute. There are plenty of distressing images of seabirds feeding their young unknowingly with microplastics. Coastal and beachfront short-term rentals may unwittingly contribute to these pressures through the waste from their properties, mainly plastic.

Put another way, increased waste and pollution, particularly in coastal ecosystems, can lead to elevated operational costs. Especially as regulatory and market pressures for more sustainable tourism continue to rise.

Actionable Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

As the guardians of unique destinations and hosts to countless travellers, you have a unique opportunity to influence the preservation of biodiversity. In the spirit of the 2024 World Biodiversity Day theme, “Be part of the Plan,” let’s explore actionable steps that short-term rental professionals can implement to support biodiversity conservation. Being involved in the preservation of the natural world for future generations will be a rewarding outcome.

Responsible property development

When extending or renovating your properties, opt for sustainable practices that attempt to minimise environmental impact and enhance biodiversity conservation:

• Commit to eco-sensitive choices in building materials and construction practices wherever possible.
• Design with the local ecosystem in mind, blending into the surroundings rather than dominating them. Implement landscape designs that use native plants to support local wildlife.
• If feasible, use green roofs and living walls in your property designs to increase biodiversity, improve insulation, and reduce heat island effects. This can also help manage stormwater and reduce runoff.

Effective resource management

Enhance the biodiversity around your rentals by implementing smart resource management strategies that minimise environmental impact and promote local ecosystem health:

Implement IoT-based smart systems for efficient management of resources like energy and water. The Controla system serves as an excellent reference. It allows property managers to install smart devices that automate energy and operational management, making properties smarter and more sustainable.

For instance, intelligent presence sensors work with smart thermostats, lights, and water heaters. Together, they automatically adjust settings based on occupancy. This not only leads to significant savings—up to 35% in electrical usage and 15,000 litres in annual water savings—but also enhances the property’s sustainability profile.

Adjust resource use based on seasonal variations and peak load times to minimise environmental impact and maximise operational efficiency. Use a dynamic pricing model, like PriceLabs, for utilities, adjusting rates during off-peak hours to encourage guests to use energy and water when demand is lower.

Install outdoor lighting that minimises light pollution to protect nocturnal wildlife. Use motion sensors and timers to reduce unnecessary lighting.

Enhancing local biodiversity

Leverage your interaction with guests to promote biodiversity conservation:

• Use your digital guide to inform guests about local flora and fauna, including any endangered species, and how they can avoid disturbing wildlife during their stay. Our founding partner, Touch Stay, offers a great resource with a “Making a Difference” section to share your sustainability story.
• Offer experiences like guided nature walks and provide information on off-the-beaten-path sites to help disperse tourism impact. Use your platform to showcase the work of these organisations, increasing awareness and support.
• Provide guidelines on how to interact responsibly with wildlife. Ensure guests understand the importance of not feeding wildlife, keeping a safe distance, and not disturbing habitats.
• Involve your guests hands-on in a conservation project, such as a beach clean-up or tree-planting project. These types of activities are always appealing to kids.

For short-term rental operators, taking a proactive stance on biodiversity conservation is a way to show that you care about your destination. Implementing the above strategies can help mitigate the environmental impacts of your rentals, attract a more environmentally conscious clientele, and contribute to the global effort of conserving our planet’s biodiversity. The journey towards sustainability is a continuous process. Every step taken is towards a more sustainable and profitable future in the competitive world of short-term rentals.