If you’re an environmentally-minded traveller (as we all should be) knowing as much as possible about how hard our destination of choice is working to do its part in saving the planet can only be a good thing.
Across 180 different countries, the Nature Conservation Index evaluates how each one is protecting its environment, using factors such as the number of plants and animals at risk and the size of protected areas to the quality of conservation laws.
Using those, it has compiled a list of the best (and the worst) countries in terms of their commitment to nature conservation, and the results are pretty intriguing.
Claiming the top spot as the best country in the world for nature conservation, it’s Luxembourg. The teeny-tiny European country scored 70.8 out of 100 overall, with thanks in particular to what the report describes as ‘a robust network of protected areas’ which ‘serve as sanctuaries for a wide range of plant and animal species’.
The grass isn’t so green in Kiribati, though. The Pacific island nation has a bounty of rich biodiversity and has taken steps this year to safeguard its natural environment and marine life, but much of its coasts are at risk of erosion and unmanaged waste has led to significant water pollution. Then there’s funding for all the measures needed – that’s something Luxembourg probably doesn’t struggle with.
The best countries for nature conservation
- Luxembourg
- Estonia
- Denmark
- Finland
- UK
- Zimbabwe
- Australia
- Switzerland
- Romania
- Costa Rica
The worst countries for nature conservation
- Kiribati
- Türkiye
- Iraq
- Micronesia
- India
- Togo
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Lebanon
- Marshall Islands
For more information about the report, and for the full ranking of all 180 countries, you can have a look at the Nature Conservation Index here.
Check out our tips for being a more sustainable tourist here, plus our deep-dive into taking steps towards more conscious travel.
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