Our commitment to Sustainable Development
Our team is committed to preserving the natural beauty and cultural integrity of unique destinations and communities on our Planet. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is a value that drives every aspect of our business. From minimising environmental impact to promoting positive social development, we strive to ensure that our tours leave a positive impact on the lives of local people and in the memories of our tourists.
Our tangible actions in the field of sustainable development:
1. Commitment to gender equality
We are proud that our team is 50% female. This reflects our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership positions within our organisation.
2. Minimise the use of single-use plastic
We have eliminated the use of single-use plastic dishes and cutlery on our tours. Instead, we opt for reusable alternatives to reduce plastic pollution in the environment.
3. Reduce the use of plastic water bottles
We encourage our guests to fill their reusable bottles from large 19 litre drinking water bottles. This significantly reduces the use of plastic bottles during our tours.
4. Waste collection
At each campsite, we conduct a thorough rubbish removal before and after setting up camp. As a result of this, our campsites become even cleaner than they were when we arrived. By doing this, we also set a positive example of responsible tourism to others.
5. Providing portable toilets on Socotra tours
During Socotra tours, we provide our tourists with portable toilets in campsites that do not have permanent toilets. This ensures that human waste is properly contained and disposed of. This prevents contamination of water sources used for drinking by both local residents and some tourists.
6. Support local women
For every tourist we bring, we make a $10 purchase at the local Women’s Association on Socotra. By doing this, we empower women in the local community and contribute to their economic sustainability.
7. Donate to a local tree farm
For every group we bring to Socotra, we donate money to a farm dedicated to growing local plant species, including the iconic endemic Dragon Tree. By doing this, we are contributing to efforts to conserve local endemic flora, as well as restore and preserve biodiversity in Socotra.
8. Cooperation in the field of environmental education:
With a sustainability expert on our team, who has experience of running environmental education initiatives, we offer expert assistance in environmental matters. We work with local partner organisations in Socotra, Oman and Madagascar to help them promote environmental good practice in the local community. By doing this, we contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental issues and sustainable environmental practices.
9. Cooperation with environmental authorities:
We collaborate with the Yemen Environmental Protection Authority’s Socotra office and offer guidance (provided by our sustainability expert) for the sustainable management of protected areas in Socotra. We plan our tours to comply with environmental goals and regulations.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we’re committed to:
SDG 5: Gender equality
We actively promote gender equality within our company. In addition, our support of local women’s associations helps women in the local communities improve their economic opportunities. We believe that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to equal opportunities.
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Through initiatives such as providing portable toilets at campsites, we are actively contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By preventing human waste from entering local waterways, we help ensure access to clean water for all local residents, promoting both environmental sustainability and public health.
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production.
Through our efforts to minimise plastic use, support local communities and promote sustainable tourism practices, we actively promote responsible consumption and production patterns, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry in destinations.
SDG 15: Life on land
Our initiatives to collect rubbish, support the cultivation of endemic plants, and collaborate on environmental education, directly contribute to the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. This is how we are contributing to preserving biodiversity for current and future generations of locals and tourists.
