I. PEOPLE AND CULTURE
This section outlines our expectations of our ground partner/DMC, local providers, and accommodations for efforts made to positively impact the local community and sustain the livelihood of the local economy. It also includes our expectations for fair labour practices and the human rights considerations of the employees and/or contractors of our ground partner/DMC, local providers, and accommodations
A: Human Rights and Labor Standards
- Local residents are given equal opportunities for employment and advancement, including in management positions.
- The organization has implemented a policy against commercial, sexual, or any other form of exploitation or harassment, particularly of children, adolescents, women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Action is taken to communicate and implement the policy.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are provided for all onsite workers.
- The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, international labor standards and regulations.
B: Local and Social Welfare Standards
- Preservation and integrity of archaeological, cultural heritage, and sacred sites are ensured.
- A communication/feedback/grievance mechanism is in place for communities in the main areas of operations.
- When purchasing and offering goods and services, the organization gives priority to local and fair trade suppliers whenever these are available and of sufficient quality.
C: DMCs, Ground Partners, Guides, and Experience Providers
- The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, existing international, national and local good practice and guidance for tourist visits to cultural sites and indigenous communities.
- Particular measures are in place to avoid inappropriate interaction with children.
Respecting the Local Community’s People:
- Staff are informed and trained on the natural and cultural heritage of areas visited in order to provide this information to customers.
- In selecting service providers and products/experiences to feature in programmes, the organization favors those that engage with and support local communities.
- The organization supports local entrepreneurs in the development and sale of sustainable products and services that are based on the area’s nature, history and culture.
- Feedback from local communities and from visitors is encouraged and acted upon.
- The organization provides in-kind or other support for cultural heritage in its main areas of operation.
- The organization ensures that its activities do not impede local access to sites.
- The views of the local community have been sought on the presentation of local cultural heritage.
Respecting the Local Community’s Land:
- The organization demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, existing international, national and local good practice and guidance for tourist visits to cultural sites and indigenous communities.
- Consider the capacity and fragility of sites and communities, and the levels of pressure on them, in determining the size, frequency and timing of group visits.
II. LAND, WATER, AND WILDLIFE
This section outlines our expectations for sound ecological and environmentally responsible practices of our ground partner/DMC, local providers, and accommodations.
A: Energy (including transportation and carbon footprints)
- Energy used in the organization’s operations and those over which it has direct influence/control is monitored and managed.
- Renewable sources are favored and the share of renewable energy in total energy supply is monitored and managed.
- Goals for reducing energy consumption are in place.
Wherever possible:
- Equipment and practices minimize energy use.
- The carbon footprint per guest/night is monitored and managed.
- Carbon offset mechanisms are used.
- The cleanest and most resource efficient transport options are used in the provision of tour programs and excursions.
- Alternative transport options (e.g. bike rental, car sharing, pick-ups) for guests and staff are provided or facilitated.
B: Water
- Water used in the organization’s operations and those over which it has direct influence/control is monitored and managed.
- Water originates from a legal and sustainable source which has not previously affected, and is unlikely in future to affect, environmental flows.
- Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
Wherever possible:
- Water risk in the main destinations visited has been assessed and documented.
- In destinations visited where water risk has been assessed as high, water stewardship goals have been determined.
- Consideration is given to cumulative impacts of tourism in the locality on water sources.
C: Plastics
Wherever possible:
- Purchasing favors reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
- Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods are monitored and managed.
D: Waste
- A solid waste management plan is in place for the organization’s operations and those over which it has direct influence/control.
- If suitable municipal wastewater treatment is not available, there is a system in place on site to treat wastewater (that meets international wastewater quality requirements) and ensures no adverse effects on the local population and the environment.
Wherever possible:
- The solid waste management plan includes actions to reduce, separate and reuse or recycle food waste where applicable.
E: Biodiversity
- Properties owned or operated by the company are actively managed to support biodiversity conservation.
- The organization is aware of, and complies with, existing guidelines for tourist visits to natural sites as well as those concerning wildlife interactions, including wildlife viewing and captive wildlife.
- There is regular inspection of conditions of captive wildlife and their housing.
- There is regular inspection of conditions of domestic animals and their housing and handling.
- Personnel responsible for captive wildlife have appropriate qualifications and experience and are fully licensed.
- Direct interactions, in particular feeding, should not be permitted, unless specifically sanctioned by internationally accepted standards or, where standards are not available, guided by independent wildlife expert advice.
- The organization is aware of, and mitigates, activity with potential to disturb wildlife and habitats.
- The organization provides and records in-kind or other support for biodiversity conservation in its main areas of operation/visited, including impacts on wildlife.
- The organization engages with local conservation NGOs in its main areas of operation/visited and with the development and implementation of local codes and guidelines for wildlife interactions, including wildlife viewing, as required, based on advice of wildlife experts.
- Action is taken to ensure invasive species are not introduced (prevention and awareness building)
Wherever possible:
- The organization implements practices to minimize pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozone- depleting substances, and air, water and soil contaminants.
- Properties owned or operated by the company are monitored for presence of any invasive species, and a program is in place to eradicate and control invasive species.
F: Education
- Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing: energy use, water use, waste.
- The organization participates in/supports training and use of local guides in natural sites.
- Visitors and guides are informed of regulations concerning wildlife harvesting, consumption and trade and of the need to avoid buying illegal products/ souvenirs derived from threatened species of wildlife notified by IUCN or CITES.
- Visitors are informed in advance to avoid use of personal toiletries and other substances which may be considered harmful to the local environment.
- Action is taken to encourage visitors to support biodiversity conservation.
Wherever possible:
- Information is provided and promoted to customers on alternative (climate friendly) transport options, where available.