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
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