Responsible Tourism - Our Code of Conduct for Travellers
Conservation and responsible travelling has been at the heart of what we do ever since we began running wildlife tours. As tour operators and guides we try to minimise our own impact on the environment and the wildlife that we travel to see, and expect all our clients to do the same. We do our utmost not to disturb the birds and other wildlife that we take groups to see in the field, and try to minimise the use of tapes and other potentially disturbing equipment.
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Collecting We absolutely forbid the collecting of specimens on any of our tours, including the picking of flowers. Please remember - take the book to the plant, not the plant to the book! Our tours often take place in countries where the whole idea of conservation is in its infancy, and we must take care to be seen to act responsibly, especially by local people. Photography Photographers are most welcome on our tours, but should bear in mind that on most tours photography is not the principal objective. We do ask you to take photos sensitively, both regarding the wildlife (especially taking care not to trample plants) and other members of the group who may not share your enthusiasm! |
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Responsible Tourism: tour leader Tim Earl spreads the conservation message in Madagascar (Photo by tour participant Cliff Gilbert) |
Respect for local cultures and customs Be especially sensitive to local cultures and customs as regards photography. Ask for guidelines from your local guide before taking photographs of local people. Also avoid taking photographs in the vicinity of airports and government buildings where there may be security issues. Do observe local dress codes to ensure that you are not offending local cultural or religious beliefs. When buying souvenirs, do buy locally made crafts which support the local economy. But never buy products that exploit wildlife (eg made from ivory or coral) or cause the destruction of habitats (e.g. logging of rainforests). Do not give out pens, sweets or other gifts to random begging children; far better to channel any gifts you would like to make via local schools, charities or wildlife projects. Respect for the local environment - Try to minimise the waste you are bringing with you - remove the packaging from products where possible. Take home used products and packaging where possible (ie old batteries, plastics). - Choose environmentally-friendly travel products - shampoos, detergents and others. - Conserve Energy and water. Turn off lights and heating/airconditioning when not needed. Minimise your requirements for clean towels etc. Use water sparingly. - Needless to say, leave no litter anywhere! |
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Ambassadors for Conservation We ask clients to remember that, by joining a group from The Travelling Naturalist, they become Ambassadors for Conservation, no less! Simply by being there to watch wildlife, you are supporting local conservation against other pressures. But, as ambassadors, it is important for us to maintain good diplomatic relations. We therefore ask clients to communicate with the local people in as friendly a way as possible, and take every opportunity to show them your interest in and support for local wildlife conservation. When home, we hope that you will be inspired to support or join another wildlife conservation organisation with special interests in your destination country, or even to become an overseas member of an organisation within the country itself. We also hope that, if there are any conservation issues that the tour has highlighted, you will also be inspired to put your views to that country's government thorugh its embassy or tourist board. Any suggestions? Many of the ideas above have come from our clients and leaders. If you have any further suggestions as to how we can improve our Responsible Tourism policy, please do contact us. |
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