African-Led Study Reveals More than Twenty Biodiversity Loss in Sub-Saharan Africa, Emphasizing the Need for its Sustainable Tourism Growth to Protect Wildlife and Ecosystems

Published on December 12, 2025

An alarming 24% biodiversity loss across sub-Saharan Africa since pre-industrial times was highlighted by a recent African-led study published in Nature. Some of the more charismatic megafauna, such as elephants and lions, have declined by over 75%. This large loss of biodiversity is an increasing threat to sub-Saharan Africa’s wildlife tourism sector-an important part of the economies in most African countries.

Using the Biodiversity Intactness Index and input from 200 experts based in Africa, the study maps where biodiversity is being lost and the key pressures driving that loss-from the expansion of cropland to intensive livestock grazing. Up to 80% of remaining wild plants and animals occur beyond protected areas, and thus the need exists to manage working landscapes-the area used for agriculture, grazings, and other human uses-appropriately through sustainable tourism management methods.

Sustainable Tourism: A Key Solution to Preserve Africa’s Wildlife

One of the major findings of the study is that while Africa’s national parks and protected areas are home to a significant portion of its remaining wildlife, the majority of wildlife populations are found outside these designated conservation zones. This makes the sustainable management of working landscapes crucial to the future of wildlife tourism. Sustainable tourism offers a pathway to protecting biodiversity while fostering economic growth, especially in regions where tourism is a significant source of income and job creation.

The growing trend of experiential tourism, where tourists seek to engage deeply with local cultures and ecosystems, aligns well with these sustainable tourism goals. Visitors are increasingly looking for opportunities to contribute to conservation efforts through their travels, and destinations that emphasize sustainability and biodiversity will likely attract more eco-conscious tourists.

The Economic Impact of Sustainable Tourism in Africa

Sustainable tourism practices are increasingly recognized as a means of ensuring that tourism becomes a tool for conservation, rather than contributing to environmental degradation. In sub-Saharan Africa, where wildlife tourism is vital for the economy, protecting biodiversity is essential not only for the environment but also for economic stability. By focusing on sustainable tourism, African nations can foster long-term economic growth while preserving the ecosystems that attract tourists.

The study highlights how eco-tourism and conservation-driven tourism have the potential to contribute to local economies by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue through tourism fees and conservation funding. Furthermore, by ensuring that tourism revenue is shared equitably with local communities, sustainable tourism helps reduce the reliance on unsustainable farming and land use practices, providing alternative livelihoods that support both economic and environmental goals.

Addressing the Pressures: A Call for Stronger Regional Cooperation

The study identifies that cropland expansion and livestock grazing are two of the primary pressures on Africa’s wildlife. To address these challenges, regional cooperation is needed to ensure that transboundary conservation efforts are strengthened. By collaborating across national borders, countries can implement more effective conservation strategies that protect wildlife corridors and natural habitats while promoting sustainable land use and tourism activities.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa can also draw lessons from community-based conservation models that integrate local involvement in both conservation and tourism. These models help to ensure that local populations see the economic benefits of wildlife conservation, thus incentivizing them to protect their natural heritage.

The Future of Sustainable Wildlife Tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa

The future of wildlife tourism in sub-Saharan Africa depends on how effectively sustainable tourism practices are integrated into the region’s development strategies. The findings of the study serve as a clear call to action for policymakers and tourism stakeholders to prioritize conservation and sustainability in the development of the tourism sector. The economic value of wildlife tourism cannot be sustained if the underlying biodiversity is allowed to decline further.

As international travelers increasingly seek to contribute to sustainable travel experiences, the demand for eco-tourism will continue to rise. Countries that adopt policies promoting sustainable tourism—such as biodiversity-positive farming, eco-friendly accommodations, and wildlife conservation efforts—will attract more tourists and secure a competitive edge in the global tourism market.

Embracing Sustainable Tourism to Safeguard Africa’s Wildlife

Such biodiversity loss in sub-Saharan Africa, at 24%, is a critical issue that needs to be addressed if both the environment and a future for the wildlife tourism industry are to be secured. If sustainable tourism is embraced, African nations will be ensuring that their wildlife and natural resources are preserved for the future while promoting economic development and job creation through eco-friendly tourism practices.

According to this study, as governments and the travel industry start paying closer attention, the need for sustainable management of working landscapes and community-led conservation initiatives becomes paramount. This will go a long way in safeguarding Africa’s rich biodiversity and ensuring that tourism in this sector continues to thrive. With increasing awareness and demand globally for eco-sensitive travel, Africa can take the lead in showcasing sustainable tourism that benefits the environment and local economies