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Sustainable Tourism Policy

At Africa Sustainable Journeys (ASJ), we recognize the profound impact of tourism on local communities, the environment, and the economy. We are committed to responsible tourism practices that benefit both our guests and the destinations we operate in. This Sustainable Tourism policy outlines our commitment to sustainable tourism, guiding our approach to minimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts.

  1. Environmental Responsibility

We strive to minimize our environmental footprint through various initiatives. We reduce carbon emissions from our operations and supply chain, implement sustainable practices in our offices and operations, such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling, and reducing water waste. We encourage our guests to opt for sustainable transportation options, like electric or hybrid vehicles, or bicycles. Furthermore, we contribute to the Climate Impact Portfolio through a 1% donation of every tour booking, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). This contribution reduces carbon emissions, promotes renewable energy, and conserves natural resources.

In addition to our climate initiatives, we also focus on reducing paper usage through digital documentation, implementing waste management and recycling programs, and promoting eco-friendly accommodations. We recognize the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations and strive to minimize our impact on the environment.

2. Social Responsibility

We respect and celebrate local cultures and traditions, recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Upon completing their journey, our travelers receive STI-certified sustainable travel certificates, acknowledging their contribution to responsible tourism practices and encouraging continued sustainability efforts, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). We support local communities and economies by partnering with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and schools.

We ensure fair labor practices and ethical sourcing, promote human rights and dignity, and engage with local stakeholders to ensure our practices align with their needs and expectations. We also support local events and festivals, collaborate with local organizations for community development, and provide cultural sensitivity training for our staff.

3. Economic Responsibility

We generate income and employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to local tax revenues and economic development. We ensure fair prices and fair wages for our services, support local economies, and promote sustainable tourism that benefits both our guests and the destinations we operate in. We partner with local businesses and entrepreneurs, develop local capacity-building initiatives, and monitor and report economic benefits to local communities.

4. Implementation and Monitoring

We develop and implement sustainable tourism practices in our operations and supply chain, train our staff and partners on sustainable tourism principles, and monitor and report our sustainability performance regularly. We engage with local stakeholders to ensure our practices align with their needs and expectations. We conduct regular audits and assessments and establish a sustainability committee to oversee our sustainability initiatives.

5. Guest Responsibilities

We ask our guests to respect local cultures and traditions, follow sustainable practices and guidelines provided by our staff, support local businesses and communities, and report any concerns or feedback. We encourage our guests to participate in sustainability activities and provide them with sustainable travel guides, pre-trip information, and in-trip briefings.

6. Supply Chain Responsibilities

We recognize the significance of our supply chain in promoting sustainable tourism practices. To ensure accountability and responsible partnerships, we:

Assess and Select Suppliers

  1. Conduct on-site evaluations
  2. Review website information and policies
  3. Gather insights from our field tour guides
  4. Verify compliance with local regulations and international standards

Partner with Suppliers who:

  1. Demonstrate environmental responsibility (conservation, energy efficiency, waste management)
  2. Practice fair labor and support local communities
  3. Preserve cultural heritage and offer authentic experiences
  4. Source products and services locally

Ongoing Collaboration

  1. Monitor through guests’ feedback
  2. Support improvement initiatives
  3. Foster long-term relationships built on mutual respect and transparency

7. Emergency Response

ASJ prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and local communities. Our comprehensive emergency response plan ensures prompt and effective action in case of an emergency, minimizing impact and ensuring timely support.

Key Components

Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan: Detailed procedures for various emergency scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security incidents.

Partnership with BAR SOS: Enhancing our emergency response capabilities with expert support for:

  • Immediate field rescue
  • Air-Medical evacuation
  • 24/7 Real-time safety monitoring

Regular Emergency Response BAR SOS Training: Annual training sessions for staff on emergency procedures, first aid, and crisis management.

Communication Protocols: Established channels for swift communication among staff, guests, and emergency responders.

BAR SOS Partnership Benefits:

  1. Expert Rescue and Evacuation Services: Swift and professional response to emergencies.
  2. 24/7 Real-Time Safety Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of guest locations and safety status.
  3. Medical Evacuation: Access to air ambulance services for urgent medical attention.
  4. Enhanced Safety Measures: Proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Emergency Response Procedures:

  1. Initial Response using satellite Gramine devices : Immediate assessment and response to he emergency.
  2. Communication: Notification of relevant authorities like Defense Forces, Tourism Police, guests, and staff.
  3. Evacuation: Coordination of medical evacuation or rescue operations.
  4. Support: Provision of emotional support and assistance to affected individuals.

Training and Preparedness:

  1. Staff Training: Annual emergency response training sessions.
  2. Guest Briefings: Pre-trip briefings on emergency procedures and safety guidelines.
  3. Emergency Equipment: Availability of essential emergency equipment, including first aid kits and Satellite Garmin communication devices.

Benefits of Our Emergency Response Plan:

  1. Enhanced guest safety and well-being.
  2. Prompt response to emergencies.
  3. Minimized risk and impact.
  4. Compliance with international safety standards.
  5. Peace of mind for guests and their families.

By partnering with BAR SOS and maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan, Africa Sustainable Journeys ensures the highest level of safety and support for our guests, staff, and local communities.

8. Community Project Funding Model

We’re passionate about giving back to the communities we visit. Our innovative funding model empowers travelers to make a meaningful impact.

How it Works

  1. Upon booking, we introduce our carefully selected community projects.
  2. Travelers choose which project receives 2% of the net cost of their trip.
  3. Funds are accumulate for a period of five months, ensuring significant contributions.

Supporting Local Initiatives

Choose from:

  1. Batwa Clinic: Providing essential healthcare services to marginalized communities.
  2. Rural Primary School: Enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
  3. Teenage Mothers: Empowering social welfare and development for young mothers.
  4. Nkumba Cultural Dancing Group: Preserving cultural heritage through traditional dance and music.
  5. Gorilla Guardian Village: Supporting the Goats for Gorillas project, providing sustainable livelihoods for reformed poachers’ families and protecting endangered mountain gorillas.

Transparency and Impact

  • Regular updates on accumulated funds
  • Notification when the donation made
  • Clear reporting on project outcomes and beneficiary stories

Your Impact

By choosing where our 2% goes, you:

  • Support community development and social responsibility
  • Contribute to lasting positive change
  • Enhance your travel experience with meaningful engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How are projects selected?

Projects are chosen based on traveler preferences. Upon booking, travelers select which community project receives 2% of the net cost of their trip.

  • How often are donations made?

Donations are made every 5 months.

  • Can I visit the project during my trip?

Visits require prior approval and adherence to our child protection guidelines.

  • Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Your trip payment remains taxable as usual.

  • How will I be updated on the project’s progress?

We regularly updates, reports, and stories from the beneficiary projects.

  • Can I suggest new projects or partnerships?

Yes, we welcome suggestions!

9. Stakeholder Engagement

We engage with local stakeholders through regular community meetings, collaborations with local organizations, and transparency and accountability procedures. We recognize the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring our sustainability initiatives align with local needs.

10. Transparency and Accountability

At Africa Sustainable Journeys, we prioritize transparency and accountability in our sustainability practices, ensuring our commitment to responsible tourism is measurable and verifiable. Our transparency and accountability initiatives include:

Annual Sustainability Reports

  1. Comprehensive overview of our sustainability performance.
  2. Progress towards sustainability goals and targets.
  3. Financial investments in community projects and initiatives.
  4. Environmental impact assessments.
  5. Stakeholder engagement and feedback.

Regular Audits

  1. Internal audits to ensure compliance with sustainability policies.
  2. External audits by independent third-party organizations.
  3. Financial audits to ensure transparency in funding allocation.

Stakeholder Feedback Mechanisms

  1. Client feedback surveys to assess satisfaction and suggestions.
  2. Community feedback sessions to ensure local needs are addressed.
  3. Supplier feedback mechanisms to improve sustainability performance.
  4. Employee feedback channels to foster internal accountability.

Client Impact Reports

  1. Personalized reports detailing individual contributions.
  2. Project updates with images and figures.
  3. Impact assessments of client-supported initiatives.
  4. Testimonials from beneficiaries.

11. Employee Training

we prioritize employee training to ensure our staff embodies sustainable tourism principles. We provide comprehensive training programs, including sustainable tourism practices workshops, regular training sessions, and performance evaluations. Our training partnerships include:

  • Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), supporting inclusive and sustainable economies
  • Uganda Wildlife Authority, promoting conservation and wildlife management
  • Association of Uganda Tour Operators, enhancing industry standards
  • Uganda Safari Guides Association, ensuring expert guidance
  • Tourism Cares, fostering sustainable tourism practices
  • Visit Rwanda, showcasing Rwanda’s tourism offerings

These partnerships enable our staff to stay updated on best practices, industry trends, and local regulations. Through continuous training and capacity building, our team delivers exceptional service while promoting sustainable tourism principles, supporting local communities, and conserving the environment for future generations.

12. Guest Education

At Africa Sustainable Journeys, we empower our guests to become responsible travelers through comprehensive education and awareness programs. Our sustainable travel initiatives include:

  1. Pre-Trip Information: We provide detailed guides on cultural norms, environmental considerations, and local customs to ensure respectful travel.
  2. Sustainable Travel Guides: Our guides highlight eco-friendly accommodations, locally-owned restaurants, and community-based tourism projects.
  3. In-Trip Briefings: Our expert guides deliver daily briefings on sustainable tourism practices, local history, and cultural significance.
  4. Environmental Awareness: We educate guests on reducing waste, conserving water, and respecting wildlife habitats.
  5. Cultural Immersion: We facilitate authentic cultural experiences, supporting local artisans and community projects.
  6. Responsible Wildlife Viewing: We promote safe and respectful wildlife viewing practices.
  7. Community Engagement: We encourage guests to support local businesses and engage with community members.

Examples:

  • Providing reusable water bottles and shopping bags
  • Recommending local, sustainable accommodations
  • Organizing community-based tourism activities (e.g., village walks, homestays)
  • Supporting local conservation initiatives (e.g., reforestation, wildlife monitoring)

13. Local Economic Development

Africa Sustainable Journeys is committed to supporting local economic development through strategic partnerships and initiatives:

  1. Local Entrepreneurship: We partner with local entrepreneurs to develop innovative tourism products.
  2. Capacity-Building Initiatives: We provide training and mentorship programs for local businesses.
  3. Community-Based Tourism: We support community-led tourism projects, ensuring fair revenue distribution.
  4. Local Procurement: We prioritize local sourcing for goods and services.
  5. Fair Pricing: We ensure fair prices for local services and products.

Examples:

  • Partnering with local tour operators to create community-based tourism experiences
  • Supporting women-owned businesses through procurement and training
  • Developing local guide training programs
  • Establishing community development funds (e.g., supporting education, healthcare initiatives)
  • Collaborating with local organizations to promote cultural events and festivals

14. Cultural Heritage Preservation

we prioritize cultural heritage preservation in Uganda and Rwanda through strategic collaborations and support. In Uganda, we promote institutions like the National Museum, Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Ndere Cultural Centre, Batwa Cultural Centre, Kabaka’s Trail, and Uganda Martyrs’ Trail to promote and conserve historic sites and cultural traditions.

In Rwanda, our focus is on the National Museum, Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Nyanza Royal Palace, Butare National Museum, Volcanoes National Park (home to endangered mountain gorillas), Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, and Rwesero Art Museum.

We also invest in community-based initiatives, sponsoring local artisans, cultural establishments, and festivals, while collaborating with schools to integrate cultural heritage education. By supporting these initiatives, we contribute to preserving Uganda and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange between locals and visitors, and ensuring these treasures endure for future generations.

15. Child Protection Policy

At Africa Sustainable Journeys, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and dignity of children. As a responsible and sustainable tourism operator, we commit to protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and harm.

Our Position:

We strongly oppose:

  1. Child exploitation, abuse, and harm in all forms.
  2. Orphanage tourism and institutional care.
  3. Child labor and commercial exploitation.

Key Principles:

  1. Children’s rights and dignity are respected and protected.
  2. Best interests of the child are prioritized.
  3. Community-based solutions and family reunification are supported.
  4. Confidentiality and privacy of children are maintained.
  5. Staff and partners are trained on child protection.

Guidelines:

  1. No interaction with children unless authorized.
  2. No photography or videography of children without consent.
  3. No physical contact or gift-giving.
  4. Report suspicious behavior or concerns.
  5. Compliance with local laws and regulations.

School Volunteering:

We exercise caution when considering school volunteering, ensuring:

  1. Prior approval from Africa Sustainable Journeys authorities.
  2. Respect for school rules and schedules.
  3. No direct interaction with children.
  4. No photography or videography of children without consent.
  5. No physical contact or gift-giving.

Prohibited Activities:

  1. Visiting or supporting childcare institutions, orphanages, or institutional care.
  2. Engaging in or promoting orphanage tourism.
  3. Soliciting or facilitating child sex tourism.
  4. Exploiting children for labor or commercial purposes.

Alternatives:

We support community-based initiatives that:

  1. Keep children in families or community settings.
  2. Promote local economic development.
  3. Foster cultural exchange and understanding.

Reporting Incidents:

If you witness or suspect child exploitation or abuse, report immediately to local authorities and Africa Sustainable Journeys’ Sustainable Impact Officer at admin@africasustainablejourneys.com.

Training and Awareness:

Staff and partners receive regular child protection training.

16. Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and update this policy, seeking feedback from our guests, staff, and stakeholders. We stay up-to-date with industry best practices and trends in sustainable tourism and publish annual sustainability reports.

By adopting this sustainable tourism policy, we aim to minimize our negative impacts and maximize our positive impacts on the environment, local communities, and the economy. We’re committed to responsible tourism practices that benefit both our guests and the destinations we operate in.