Climate change and responsible tourism
Some trips turn into legends. They have an impact - on you as a person, on those you meet and on the places you visit. Journeys with meaning. In Basecamp we have a saying: "Change your travel habits not the climate." The experience you have dog mushing in the Arctic, on a walking safari in Kenya or planting trees in Masai Mara is but one aspect of it. More important is what you learned and what you left behind - a tree planted, a local child educated, an AIDS-awareness projects supported, a cheetah cub saved - and in addition knowing that your CO2 emisions are taken care of - by Basecamp. Journeys not easily forgotten.
At large global tourism lacks ploicies on climate change. Basecamp Explorer took a leading role in 2008 by being one of the first tourism companies in Africa formulating a comprehensive Climate Policy. Our policy contains 5 major pillars and it recognizes UN-REDD (reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) as an important appoach and concept for the tourism sector.
1st Pillar: Documentation, Reduction and Monitoring of Basecamp emissions
Goal: Basecamp destinations and corporate practises are considered "best-practise" in the industry with regards to energy efficency and control of greenhouse gas emissions.
2nd Pillar: Compensation ("offsetting") of remaining emissions
Goal. To offer compensation through treeplanting and landskape restoration that at least offsets (ton for ton) the emissions our business represents, including staff and guest air travel, through a transparent, pro-active, and non-voluntary process.
3rd Pillar: Information, awareness-raising and engagement (Basecamp`s "Climate Warriors")
Goal: Basecamp Explorer is internationally recognized as a travel industry leader in setting the climate agenda, and in using its own infrastructure and resources to convene and promote the climate dialogue.
4th Pillar: Commitments from partners and business relations
Goal: Basecamp Explorer sets as condition of partnering and fundraising organizations that they have defined, ambitious climate policies and proven actions.
5th Pillar: Supporting organizations and initiatives fighting climate change
Goal: Basecamp partners with and supports other major, influential organizations and initiatives with documented results in fighting climate change
The Ecotourism Society of Kenya has awarded us - Basecamp is according to them the best eco hotell ever in the country. Gold rated responsible travel - gold rated guest experience and a climate initiativ from the tourism sector worth supporting.
