Sustainability and Tourism
More Information:
What is it?
The aim of sustainable tourism is to lessen the toll that travel takes on the environment and its local cultures by
- Practicing tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place
- Using travel and tourism revenue to support and contribute to local economies
- Believing that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations
- Promoting mutually beneficial give and take travel
How do we do it?
- Using ethically trained, local guides that adhere to environmental guidelines such as staying on designated trails and using pack-in/pack-out practices
- AWR is a proud Partner for Responsible Travel with the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) and supports the Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project (KPAP).
- Staying at locally owned and operated hotels
- Supporting local charities
- Creating volunteer trips to clean the environment and help the local people
- Following Leave No Trace principles
- Encouraging carbon offsetting (see below)
- National park fees also pay for the preservation of the land and wildlife
- Working towards becoming a “Zero Waste” office (conserving energy, recycling, etc.)
Why do we care?
According to the Travel Industry Association, by the year 2020, tourism will be the worlds largest industry. Left un-monitored, destinations visited will be damaged or destroyed at a catastrophic rate. Future travel will become limited and even restricted if natural sites are closed due to excessive visitation.
Through our travels we contribute to nearly 1/3 of worldwide climate changing emissions.
What can travelers do?
- By using responsible, well-monitored carbon offsetting companies (see below)
- Supporting locally owned and operated hotels and restaurants
- Becoming familiar with local environments and cultures before departing
- Visiting local community centers, orphanages, and schools
- Working as a volunteer
What is Carbon Offsetting?
Greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2), are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. We all emit CO2 emissions when we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste. You can use less energy, travel less, or use public transport, but some emissions are unavoidable.
- Offsetting CO2 emissions is an act of counterbalancing the amount of gasses we emit.
- When you travel, a payment can be made to Sustainable Travel International or myclimate which will be put towards a number of projects providing offsets.
- All projects provide a positive contribution to sustainable on-site development and are compatible with all dimensions of sustainability