Sustainable Travel11

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 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. 5.
• 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

Before you travel:

• The more you know about your destination before arriving, the more the destination will come alive. Look into the destination’s history, culture, natural environment, customs, legends, advisory notices and more.
• Learn a few words in the local language. Trying to speak the local language allows you to interact with the people who know the site best. People appreciate your efforts and your interest in learning. Simple words like “Hello”, “Please” and “Thank you” can go a long way.
• Pack light. It is tempting to pack everything you think you might need but remember to be smart about your necessities. If traveling to a developing country, the local laundry service is affordable and is appreciated income to local service providers.

During your travels and while on a KLM Safaris:

• We encourage you to engage in our local culture. Your trip provides a unique opportunity to explore a new culture and to see the world through a different perspective.
• Remember that eating local foods, shopping in local markets, and attending local festivals are all part of experiencing the culture.

• We do not support any activities that account for unethical human or animal interactions.
• We believe in responsible tourism that supports respectful interaction, authentic culturalheritage and wildlife experiences that make visiting places in Africa special.

• We believe in keeping wildlife wild and support formal conservation organizations and their endeavors to secure the survival of Africa’s wildlife species.
• Obey all game laws and regulations. We insist that our clients respect the fact that our guides are bound by these laws and regulations.

• Please respect all instructions and guidance from your professional Guides and Drivers.
• Leave no trace. Aim to leave the environment as you found it. Please do not litter. Our destinations are exceptional due to their natural or cultural splendor. Do your part to keep them that way by following designated trails, respecting caretakers, and not removing archaeological or biological treasures from sites.

• We don’t approach wildlife too closely. We follow the recommended distance of at least 25 meters away. Please don’t ask you guide or driver to get closer.
• To minimize the disturbance to wildlife please don’t make too much noise during game drives.
• Never give food to any animal in the wild.
• Do not pick plants or flowers.
• Buy local products and services. Choosing to support locally owned businesses, community tour operators, and artisans means that you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience, and your money will go directly to the community. Before purchasing goods, ask about their origin.
• Avoid buying products made from threatened natural resources and report poaching and other illegal activities to the local authorities.

Additional Information when on a Safari with us

• Do not buy or trade any articles which are covered under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species. This includes ivory, turtle products, rhino horn, furs, butterflies and many plant species.
• Refrain from aggressive bargaining. It’s often difficult to know your limits in bargaining so if you’re not sure, ask your local guide for tips. Remember that the purchases you make directly affect vendors’ livelihoods, so decide if you really need to hang onto that extra dollar or if it could impact the vendor more.
• As a courtesy, please ask a person before taking their picture.
• Human trafficking including child prostitution is illegal and should be reported immediately.
• Discourage begging. Do not give out sweets, school supplies or money to people, especially children on the streets. It is better to give through local organizations, churches, or schools.

After your travels:

• Distribute your responsible travel tips. In addition to telling family and friends about the wonderful memories you made, also consider sharing tips on how they too can positively impact the World while having an amazing journey.
• Share your photos. Pictures can say a thousand words.
• Explore more. Traveling is just the start of learning. Once you return home continue exploring and being involved with the issues or our region that captured your attention.
• Give back. Traveling often opens your eyes and heart to something new.

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