Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kieron Wilde. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kieron, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Regenerative Travel is an innovative approach to tourism that focuses on making a positive impact on the environment, economy, and communities of the destinations we visit. At First Nature, we believe in the power of travel to create meaningful and transformative experiences that not only benefit the traveler but also contribute to the well-being of the places we visit.

Our primary objective is to provide transformative journeys that combine adventure, stewardship, education, and unforgettable experiences. We harness the power of nature to heal both people and the planet, offering regenerative experiences that leave a positive impact. Explore our range of offerings designed to immerse guests in sustainable practices, foster environmental stewardship, and create lasting memories.

Here are some past and present Regenerative Travel Projects that First Nature has implemented:

Micro-plastics Cleanup:
We organize beach cleanups where participants can actively contribute to removing harmful micro-plastics from coastal areas, helping to protect marine life and preserve pristine beaches.

Native Oak Tree Planting:
In the beautiful Savana region of Northwest Wine Country, participants can engage in planting native oak trees, supporting the restoration of the local ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.

Trail Restoration:
Adventure enthusiasts can participate in trail restoration projects,
focusing on both mountain bike trails and hiking trails. By contributing to the
maintenance and improvement of these trails, participants help preserve the Northwest’s natural beauty and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

Forest Regeneration:
In areas impacted by devastating fires, participants have the opportunity to plant seedlings and contribute to the reforestation efforts. This hands-on
experience helps restore habitats and combat the effects of wildfires.

Salmon Rehabilitation:
The Northwest has vital ecosystems for salmon. Participants can get involved in removing invasive species, improving salmon habitat in streams, and supporting the recovery of this important fish species while engaging with local indigenous tribes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Kieron Wilde has been passionate about environmental conservation since childhood, driven by a desire to “save the planet.” He earned a degree in Restoration Ecology and spent years doing on-the-ground restoration work for various organizations. However, he felt called to make a wider impact and shifted his focus to eco-tourism, eventually starting his own eco-tour company, First Nature.

Recently First Nature has shifted its focus from solely financial growth to building a more sustainable tourism ecosystem. Since 2019 Kieron has been involved in creating Regenerative Travel projects that aim to leave a positive impact on destinations, going beyond just minimizing harm. These projects connect visitors with stewardship opportunities in the destinations they visit.

What is Regenerative Travel?

Kieron explains that Regenerative Travel builds upon the principles of Sustainable Travel but takes it a step further. While Sustainable Travel aims to minimize negative impacts, Regenerative Travel strives to actively improve destinations through local stewardship. This involves environmental and social aspects, focusing on leaving a net positive impact beyond just “leaving no trace.”

Kieron’s passion for environmental conservation and his commitment to going beyond sustainability are evident. He actively seeks to reshape the tourism industry through Regenerative Travel principles, collaborating with others to create positive change. He emphasizes the importance of measuring success qualitatively and focusing on the health of destinations and the quality of visitors.

Goals for the future…

Kieron wants to build a more sustainable tourism industry that benefits both destinations and travelers by increasing awareness and adoption of Regenerative Travel principles.
Improving the social and ecological health of destinations through tourism.
Attracting high-quality visitors who contribute positively to the local community and environment.
Choosing eco-friendly travel options.
Supporting businesses committed to sustainability and regeneration.
Being respectful of local communities and environments.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the shutdown of the 2020 pandemic Kieron Wilde and his company First Nature pivoted away from a focus on growth and profit, to being driven more by passion and purpose. This process included the creating of multiple Regenerative Travel Projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, which continues to be a major focus of the brand. Currently First Nature is working with private school group travel and corporate groups to teach them about climate change impacts in the region, and get these groups engaged in stewardship projects.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I started super small by just purchasing a used Mercedes Sprinter passenger van and guiding all the tours myself. It was easy to make enough money with very little overhead since I had already built a reputation as a guide in the tourism industry. Once I decided to scale up, we needed to get additional guides and vehicles, but I have only had to secure auto financing, never traditional business loans.

Contact Info:

• Website: firstnaturetours.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstnaturetours/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstNatureTravel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-nature-tours