Definition and Importance of Environmental Responsibility
The growth of tourism throughout the world inevitably impacts upon the fragile environments and cultures that the tourist is actually there to see and experience. It is therefore very important that we understand the impacts that our operations may have, and to pro-actively seek to ensure that our operations are as locally sustainable as possible.
The article "Alternative Paths to Sustainable Tourism" (in a summary format, by Tony Griffin and Nicolette Boele - see 1993 The Annual Review of Travel - The American Express Company) outlines the following five key elements for tourism sustainability:
We aim to adhere to these principles and have therefore produced the following code of practice and environmental policy. This policy is designed to inform and guide both ourselves and our clients during all of our operations. We recommend that all of our clients read and digest this policy before booking or joining one of our tours.
Here at Uncover the World Ltd.
Here at Uncover the World we benefit from being led by a team that is formally trained, both in various environmental sciences, and in economic and social issues in the developing world. This formal education together with our own personal convictions means that we take environmental and social issues very seriously when we work to create our tours and develop our operations abroad. To this end we have created, and strive to adhere to, the following code of practice.
Uncover the World Code of Practice
Environmental, Social and Economic Issues
Many of our tours, by definition, travel through a variety of different environments and cultures. We try to cause as little negative impact as possible during our journeys and where possible to act in such a way to benefit the local communities and environment.
Flights
We understand that CO2 emissions from air travel are a contributory factor (2-3% globally) in global climate change and their impact should be taken very seriously, especially as air travel is on the increase. Here are a few ways in which you can reduce the effect your air travel has on the world’s climate.
Carbon Offsets: In theory carbon offsetting sounds like a great idea, and can be when done properly. However, we believe it should not be seen as a substitute for personally reducing your carbon emissions, using methods such as those outline in the Energy section below. All too often carbon offsetting is used as an “easy way” to be seen to be fixing the problem by shifting the pressure and responsibility onto developing countries when actually the problem is caused by the rich industrial countries. So if you don’t try to reduce your own carbon footprint first, is it ethical to expect the developing countries to take on your burden, whether by forcing good practices on developing countries or securing large areas of land in developing counties for the planting of trees? On could easily say “why not plant them in your own back garden”. We therefore strongly believe that carbon offsetting should only be used as a part of a wider carbon friendly lifestyle.
Uncover the World: We use only local guides and operators thus removing the need to fly foreign guides into and out of our destinations. Also, on the occasions it is necessary to fly staff to destinations; we calculate and use the carbon debt produced to introduce new carbon reducing measures to our UK and local offices, donate to environmental charities or buy carbon offsets. In our set tour itineraries, we try to use train and coach journeys as the standard option instead of internal flights where this is realistic (upgrades to flights are normally still available on request).
Energy
Whether you are at home or on holiday you can take many steps to conserve energy and reduce your personal carbon footprint. A few simple measures can go a long way and will also help to set a good example at home and abroad.
Whilst at home:
Whilst on holiday:
Uncover the World: We operate a fully integrated recycling policy in our UK office, including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and print cartridges/toners. We also have in place a number of energy saving measures, including low energy light bulbs, double glazed windows, and thermostatically controlled heating.
Waste
Even when travelling abroad in what we consider to be a simple fashion, we produce a large amount of daily waste. We make every effort to ensure that all of this waste is disposed of responsibly. Your appropriate tour leader will explain our standard procedures for carrying this out.
Water
In many developing countries water is considered a precious resource that should never be wasted. It is also often the case that outside major cities the purity of tap water can be unreliable.
Behaviour and Local Customs
These are often very different to what you are used to living with and adhering to. On some of our tours they change as the tour progresses. You should always respect local religions, beliefs and customs. Your tour leader will brief you on changes to accepted and recommended dress and behaviour as your tour progresses. Some examples include:
Local Laws
As part of our booking conditions you are expected to respect and obey the law of the country or countries in which you are travelling.
Local Economies
Our presence as a tour operator bringing tourists into foreign destinations has a significant impact on these locations. We have a great opportunity, and responsibility, to make sure that the money that we, and our clients, spend, goes to those who can benefit most from it. To this end we:
Natural Resources
The highlight of many of our tours is the environment through which we travel. We aim to leave this environment and its ecology in the same state that we found it, if not better. We encourage this by:
Projects and Charities We Support
As part of our code of practice we support various local and international organisations, NGO's and charities, related to the areas in which we operate. The booking of any of our tours will include a donation of at least UK£2 to one or more of the following (details of specific donations made are included in each tour factsheet):
Shree Nalang Primary School Project
Shree Nalang primary school is situated about 50 miles to the northwest of Kathmandu in the foothills of the Himalayas. It caters for children aged 5 to 11 years and is in desperate need of modernisation. Your donations are helping tremendously in this process. Read more…
Bardia Eco Lodge Project
Bardia National Park is one of Nepal’s seven national parks and is the most westerly. It is a haven for wildlife and in particular endangered species such as Rhinoceros, Wild elephant, Tiger, Swamp deer, Gharial crocodile, Gangetic dolphin, Bengal florican and Sarus crane. We are helping to build a carbon neutral wildlife lodge with the aim of providing an environmentally sympathetic and sustainable destination for tourists, which will also benefit the local community. Read more…
KEEP (The Kathmandu Environmental Education Project)
Keep is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation. Its aims are twofold: to provide impartial, and independent information to travellers, and to ensure the future ecological and cultural prosperity of Nepal through positive impact tourism and outreach project work. Read more...
IPPG (International Porter Protection Group)
IPPG's aim is to improve health and safety for the trekking porter at work in the mountains and reduce the incidence of avoidable illness injury and death. This is done by raising awareness of the issue among trekking and travel companies, leaders, sirdars, and trekkers.
Himmalayan Rescue Association
The HRA is a voluntary non-profit organisation which strives to reduce casualities in the Nepal Himalaya. It provides extensive information and advice on trekking at high altitudes and on various aspects of altitude sickness.
Following the large earthquake in Nepal on 25th April, thankfully all our travellers in Nepal, plus our local manager Narayan, his family and local team are all OK. In light of the risk of further aftershocks, updated UK Foreign Office travel advice...
Comprehensive guide to whitewater rafting in Nepal & Bhutan.
Detailed guide on what to expect trekking in Nepla & Bhutan.
A short summary of Nepal's rich and fascinating history, from it's earliest records right through to modern day.
"Ram was a very good guide and a true gentleman. He was sensitive, caring and very helpful."
Nicole Findlay (Nepal Tailor-made)
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Nepal Uncovered, Head office: Leigh House, Varley Steet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6AN
Phone: +44 (0) 845 130 48 49 Fax: +44 (0) 845 130 48 84
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat 09:30-12:30. Registered in the UK: 7560987
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