I mentioned in a previous post my terrific experiences with Lindblad Expeditions.  If you’re going to take the time and money to travel, there’s no better way to do it, in my opinion.

But in the wake of the Gulf oil spill disaster, I’ve heard people imply the situation in which we find ourselves is primarily a result of arrogance and poor habits.  Dr. Michael Cohen, an ecopsychologist, even suggests “society has taught us to think like terrorists against the natural world.”

Given this huge backlash against oil and its uses, it gave me some pause with regards to travel planning.  How can I still see the world while preserving it at the same time?  I could think of no better source than Sven Lindblad himself.  The Lindblad Expeditions website explains:

Sven-Olof Lindblad, Lars’ son, traveled extensively with his father, learning early on the joy and wonder of exploring the pristine corners of the globe.  This early and deep exposure to the balance between man’s relationship to natural resources was instrumental in Sven’s efforts over the years to find ways for his business to help preserve natural resources and get involved in conservation efforts.

JG: On your website, you describe “expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one’s life, and in the world.”  How does that work?  What kinds of changes have you witnessed?

SL: The primary value of expedition travel is that it brings thoughtful people to extraordinary places and affects them both intellectually and emotionally as a consequence of the geographies and the entire human community on our ships.  The results or changes that take place happen both intentionally and not.  For example, we have a strategic fundraising program that has been in place for over a decade to support conservation in Galapagos.  It has raised over $5.5 million that has flowed directly into conservation work.  Unintended effects are many, only a few of which I am aware of.  An example is last month I attended the annual Audubon gala and sat next to a man who, seven years ago, went with us to Antarctica.  He decided afterwards that he really should support conservation, so set us a private family foundation which distributes $1 million annually, 70% going toward conservation.  He told me it was a direct consequence of his experience with us.  I could go on and on, but hope these serve as good examples.

JG: In Sylvia Earle’s TED Prize acceptance speech, she wished “to ignite public support for a global network of Marine Protected Areas, hope spots large enough … to restore the blue heart of the planet.”  How did you get involved in her project, Mission Blue?  What was the result?

SL: I have known Sylvia for a couple of decades at least, and we have schemed and collaborated on a variety of issues over the years.  Sylvia joined me and a hundred other people in the Arctic in July 2008 where we gathered political, business, religious leaders as well as scientists to discuss ways in which there could be more efficient collaboration on climate change.  As a consequence of that voyage, Sylvia felt that bringing people together on a ship in Galapagos would be a great platform to launch Mission Blue.  Results will unfold over time but have a look at the following link.

JG: The last time we chatted, I mentioned I was concerned about the environmental impact of my travel, and I wondered if it was sustainable to continue exploring wild lands while also trying to protect them.  In response, you shared a terrific quote: “In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” (Baba Dioum, 1968.)  Can you talk about what this means to you?

SL: The only way we will protect wild lands, in my estimation, is through broader understanding and creating competitive value to alternative forms of exploitation.  Tourism is essential in this goal.

JG: You are obviously in a for-profit business, but share many nonprofit goals.  Did Lindblad Expeditions start with this goal in mind?  How do you maintain the balance, and how might other businesses learn from your experiences?

SL: We are often referred to as a model as it relates to conducting a business combined with our non-profit goals.  I am worried, though, that that is not necessarily correct in that some of the ideals I personally have and have been able to develop together with my colleagues is as a consequence of DNA firmly embedded while I was a child.  I never really wanted to develop a travel business but came to the conclusion that by doing so I could further many things that I really cared about.  I realized that in order to make that possible, we had to be successful and the only way to be so was to do it well.