At KLM Safaris we define Sustainable Tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities in destination visited.”
It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.
Rationale of implementing sustainability in our company
At KLM Safaris we are concerned about the socio-cultural, environmental, ecological, political and physical impacts of our travel, tourism and leisure activities. Sustainable tourism requires that all parties involved in the process of travel and tourism both products and services to make a commitment to more sustainable travel practices. Sustainability in tourism is an on-going process, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment of policies as the industry constantly grows and changes. Thus, KLM Safaris and stakeholders in travel and tourism have a responsibility to respect and protect our environment through correct education, awareness, planning and action.
KLM Safaris is committed to social responsibility by investing in local communities through employment and training to Tanzanians. We are involved in charitable activities in health, education, and conservation. Our aim is to create sustainable livelihood, reduce poverty, conserve and protect the environment and nature.
If you are interested to participate in our responsible travel activities please contact us at info@klmsafaris.com
KLM Safaris recognize our responsibility to develop and operate in a manner that makes a positive contribution to the natural, social, and cultural environment. KLM Safaris also recognize and accept our responsibility to operate in ways that reduce environmental impacts, benefit host communities, safeguard the future livelihood of local people, and ensure the protection of destinations for future generations. We will be open, honest, and realistic about our environmental and social impacts, targets, and achievements in the context of our business objectives.
We are dedicated to continually improving our sustainability performance with the full support and participation of our staff.
To fulfill above responsibilities, we commit to:
- Reduce the consumption of primary raw materials (including fossil fuels, water, and energy) and prevent pollution and environmental damage where possible.
- We stress the importance of the following to everyone:
- –switching off all electrical equipment and lights when not in use.
- -reducing carbon monoxide by refraining from having our vehicle engines idling when parked or at a prolonged stop.
- -reducing water waste by turning off the tap when brushing teeth and lathering up during showers.
- Minimize waste production and divert it from landfill supporting reduce, reuse, recycle and recovery plans
- Encourage and demonstrates sustainable approaches to the built environment in our refurbishment and maintenance projects.
- Consider sustainability in the procurement of goods and services, as well as encourage bulk buying where appropriate.
- Advocate strongly for garbage separation (compost, recycle and trash) and green commuting and transportation.
- Encourage sustainable practices by staff and all travel partners (includes” hotels, airlines, and clients).
- Work with conservation organizations that support environment, community, and wildlife protection.
- Protect the natural environment and cultural heritage.
- Co-operate with local communities and people, ensure they benefit from the visits of our customers and encourage our customers to respect the local way of life;
- Encourage considerate, culturally, and environmentally conscious habits amongst those who travel with us.
- Ensure that our leaders and guides pass on to our clients an insight and understanding of the host destination.
- Conservation to plants and animals, protected areas and landscapes
- Respect the integrity of local cultures and their social institutions
- Comply with local, national and international laws and regulations
- Oppose and actively discourage illegal, abusive or exploitative forms of tourism
- Provide access to people with different physical abilities.
- Work closely with business partners, government and non-government organizations to achieve sustainable development of tourism;
- Provide information on our activities to develop and encourage the sustainable development and management of tourism;
- Provide regular and ongoing training to our staff in the principles and practices of sustainable tourism
- Review current business practices and ensure plans are in place to embed the company’s sustainable
tourism vision. - Communicate our progress quarterly and annually in implementing these commitments
KLM Safaris sustainability approach will focus on the following key areas
- Supply Chain Management,
- Integrating Sustainability into our Business operations,
- Internal Management,
- Product Management and Development,
- Customer Relations, and
- Co-operation and partnership with tourism destinations.
At KLM Safaris we are keen to align all 12 aims of sustainable tourism according to UNWTO within our sustainability strategy
- Economic viability
- Local prosperity
- Employment quality
- Social equity
- Visitor fulfillment
- Local control
- Community well-being
- Cultural richness
- Physical integrity
- Biological diversity
- Resource efficiency
- Environmental purity
At KLM Safaris we are aware of the 17 sustainable development goals and the need to address them in our sustainability approach. However, we have focused on few important priority goals for implementation.
At KLM Safaris we aim to improve our focus on these goals using this sustainability policy and implementing the following working practices:
- Promote sustainable livelihoods
- Continuing education support and innovation
- Promote Energy Conservation practices
- Engaging our community suppliers i.e., in CBT to provide sustainable, conscious experience.
- Provide staff with knowledge and skills to operate effectively.
- Undertake Climate Action Planning and Implementation
- Support Equity and Inclusions
- Participate actively in biodiversity conservation
- Develop local and international partnership through sustainable activities.
GOAL 2: ZERO HUNGER
Promote Sustainable Livelihoods Community and School-based food programs Climate Smart Agriculture/horticulture.
GOAL 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Education Support and Innovation Knowledge, Skills, Awareness, Capacity Building and Advocacy. i.e Training of Guides.
GOAL 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Energy Conservation, Rocket Stoves, Solar Energy Projects
GOAL 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Sustainable Tourism i.e., Community Based Tourism (CBT) Community Based Tourism (CBT) approaches Employment in Tourism industry.
GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION
Climate Action Planning Implement Glasgow Declaration.
GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND
Biodiversity Conservation. Nature Based Approaches/Ecosystem Based Approaches
We will produce our sustainability reporting annually. The report will include sustainability in Supply Chain Management, Integrating Sustainability into Business, Internal Management, Product Management and Development, Customer Relations, and Co-operation with Destinations. The budget spent in each activity will be analyzed.
Trainings and Coaching with Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda Ltd
KLM Safaris staff received a sustainability training from which aimed at increasing us innovative strategies on Sustainable tourism and to increase both performance and value for our company.
Areas Covered:
- Getting started with sustainable tourism
- Documenting, Reporting and Communicating Sustainable Tourism
- Working with Communities in tourism
Energy Conservation, Rocket Stoves, Solar Energy Projects
