Mission:

The tour operator has adopted a policy and business practices compatible with those of The Nature Conservancy that govern tourism operations. The operator has a strong interest in working with the Conservancy to achieve our mission of “preserving the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive” and may provide corporate financial support.

Financial Contributions to Conservation:

The tour operator contributes financially to conservation through implementing a formal donation program and/or by making its own direct corporate contributions including but not limited to a licensing fee that will be put toward conservation in the places the trips visit.

Support Community-Based Tourism:

The tour operator partners with local communities to provide services to clients and create benefits that address local communities’ needs. At destinations within host countries, the operator employs mostly local residents living in or near the areas being visited and purchases most of its supplies from local businesses.

Promote and Implement Environmental Best Practices:

The tour operator implements best practices to minimize its environmental footprint by reducing natural-resource consumption (water, fuel, etc.) in areas of lodging, transportation, etc. through use of renewable energy and efficient technology. Waste and sewage are disposed of properly, using best practices for each area (recycling, composting, etc.). The operator will integrate sustainability principles in the selection criteria and service agreements of suppliers, choosing locally owned and operated suppliers where possible.

Promote Responsible Visitor Behavior:

The tour operator educates travelers before and during the trip on low-impact travel and conservation-compatible practices (including ecological and cultural-sensitivity practices). The operator will provide pre-departure materials that contain information pertaining to culture, natural history and conservation issues (including responsible behavior). Recommended reading lists pertaining to the sites will also be made available.

Monitors Impacts:

In order to avoid the overuse of sensitive sites, the tour operator is aware of and in compliance with the capacity of the visited areas. The operator keeps the number and behavior of tours/travelers compatible with the fragility of visited environments and works with protected area managers, the Conservancy’s partners and/or other local NGOs to implement impact monitoring plans.

Policy Compliance Monitoring:

The tour operator will provide a report once per year to the Conservancy which documents and evaluates the fulfillment of the above points and necessary actions required to change and/or improve practices.

*Green Guidelines for Tour Operators – The Nature Conservancy