Sunday, July 13, 2025
America’s national parks are facing unprecedented challenges. These natural wonders—treasured for their biodiversity, cultural significance, and beauty—are under siege by a triple threat: severe funding cuts, a staffing crisis, and the escalating impacts of climate change. These parks contribute billions to the U.S. economy and provide invaluable ecosystem services, but they need urgent attention to ensure their survival. Without action, we risk losing not only these irreplaceable landscapes but also their economic and ecological benefits.
The Crisis: Funding Cuts and Climate Change
National parks are a cornerstone of America’s environmental and economic identity. They generate over $26 billion annually for local economies, attracting more than 330 million visitors each year. Despite their economic importance, the parks are increasingly vulnerable. The Biden administration has proposed $900 million in federal budget cuts to the National Park Service, a move that threatens the very existence of many parks. Staffing shortages, which have already reduced the National Park Service’s workforce by 16% since 2020, further exacerbate the issue. These budget cuts would leave many parks underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult to preserve and maintain them.
At the same time, climate change is intensifying the challenges. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are already causing widespread damage to park ecosystems. Wildfires, droughts, and habitat destruction are becoming more common, and some iconic landscapes, such as the Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, are at risk of irreparable damage. Invasive species are spreading faster, competing with native wildlife, while parks are seeing trail closures and flooding from extreme weather. If these challenges aren’t addressed, national parks will continue to decline, leaving future generations without the opportunity to experience these natural wonders.
Sustainable Tourism: The Solution to the Crisis
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the current crisis presents an opportunity to rethink how we approach tourism and conservation. One of the most promising solutions lies in the rise of sustainable tourism—a model where responsible travel practices not only protect natural landscapes but also contribute to local economic growth. By fostering eco-friendly tourism, we can create a win-win scenario that benefits both national parks and the communities that depend on them.
Sustainable tourism promotes the idea that visitors can help fund the preservation of parks while enjoying unique experiences in nature. Companies like Intrepid Travel, which have integrated sustainability into their business model, are leading the way. Intrepid’s United by Nature campaign exemplifies how travel companies can help address the systemic challenges facing national parks, providing a blueprint for how businesses can achieve both financial success and environmental responsibility.
Intrepid Travel: A Model for Responsible Capitalism
Intrepid Travel, a B Corp certified company, has been at the forefront of sustainable tourism for years. The company blends profitability with environmental stewardship through its carefully designed Active-ism trips. These guided tours take travelers to iconic parks like Zion and Yellowstone, where they can immerse themselves in nature while also learning about conservation efforts and participating in environmental advocacy. Intrepid’s model is designed to make visitors active participants in the preservation of these natural resources, rather than passive observers.
By combining adventure with activism, Intrepid’s tours go beyond typical eco-tourism experiences. For example, their trips often include opportunities to engage with environmental activists, helping travelers understand the legislative battles surrounding park funding and climate change. Visitors on these tours gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues facing national parks while directly contributing to conservation projects.
Investing in Park Preservation: A Win-Win Strategy for Conservation and Profi
Intrepid Travel’s commitment to responsible capitalism has demonstrated that businesses can achieve financial success while contributing to social and environmental causes. The company has made substantial donations to organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), which works to protect parks from budget cuts and other threats. Intrepid’s $50,000 donation to the NPCA is a prime example of how travel companies can partner with environmental organizations to push for legislation that secures the future of national parks. This includes supporting bills like the America the Beautiful Act, which addresses a $23 billion maintenance backlog in national parks.
Furthermore, Intrepid’s efforts to promote ethical tourism align with consumer demand for sustainability. The growing consumer preference for eco-friendly travel options means that there is both a moral and financial imperative to embrace sustainable tourism. With increasing numbers of travelers seeking experiences that promote conservation, businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability are likely to see a boost in demand and profitability.
Boosting Local Economies Through Sustainable Tourism
The benefits of sustainable tourism extend beyond the national parks themselves. It also contributes directly to the economies of the communities surrounding these parks. Intrepid Travel incentivizes park visits by offering discounts on tours, while simultaneously ensuring that tourist spending flows back into local economies. This helps create a symbiotic relationship between conservation and commerce, where protecting the environment leads to economic benefits for local communities.
By creating a market for responsible tourism, Intrepid and other companies are supporting the livelihoods of people in rural and remote areas where tourism is often a critical part of the economy. This can also lead to the creation of green jobs, such as eco-guides, conservation experts, and park maintenance staff, all of whom are essential to sustaining the health of national parks.
Why Sustainable Tourism Matters for Investors
The growing global trend toward ethical consumption presents a unique opportunity for investors to capitalize on sustainable tourism. A Harris Poll cited by Intrepid reveals that 75% of Americans oppose cuts to national park funding, and 81% plan to visit parks to support them. Millennials and Gen Z are especially attuned to the environmental impact of their travel choices and are more likely to choose brands that prioritize sustainability.
For investors, this shift presents an opportunity to support companies like Intrepid Travel that are not only addressing climate change but also positioning themselves for long-term financial success. With the market for sustainable tourism projected to grow, businesses that focus on conservation will be well-placed to weather economic downturns. Additionally, investments in companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments are increasingly attractive to institutional investors.
The Future of Sustainable Tourism and Park Preservation
As the demand for ethical tourism continues to rise, companies that incorporate sustainability into their core business models will likely attract more capital. ESG investments—projected to reach $53 trillion by 2025—will play a significant role in shaping the future of tourism. Investors who back sustainable tourism companies are not only contributing to the preservation of national parks but also positioning themselves to benefit from a growing market.
Take Action: Invest in Park Preservation for Long-Term Profits
National parks are irreplaceable assets that contribute to the health of the planet and the economic vitality of local communities. By investing in sustainable tourism, investors can not only mitigate risk but also create long-term value. The future of America’s national parks depends on our collective efforts to protect them, and for those who act now, the rewards will be both environmental and financial. The message is clear: protect our parks, invest in their future, and reap the dual benefits of profit and planet preservation.
