Great Ethiopian Run charity challenge
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We work to very rigorous environmental sustainability standards, such as ensuring the accommodation is are vetted to ensure that they limit pollution, practice water management, recycling of glass and paper, and the sourcing of materials and foods locally. We use local public transport where possible and practical and all vehicles used are modern and well maintained to ensure carbon emissions are minimised as well as the journey being safe.
Participants are given information on responsible tourism specific to environmental issues including information on minimising water usage, the use of environmentally safe detergent, reusing towels rather than having them laundered every day and refilling water bottled and purifying rather than buying plastic bottles which may end up in landfill. Participants are also advised to turn off air conditioning and lights when leaving a room, and to keep shower duration to a minimum.
Where possible we use direct flights to our destinations. The worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing, so the fewer landings and take offs, the better. We also recommend that participants offset their carbon emissions to neutralise their impact of flying.
Our groups are based on small groups of no more than 30 participants. We believe that the negative impact of tourism on communities is lessened when we travel in small groups.
Community
We believe that life-enhancing travel is not about seeing a place, but experiencing a place, its people, its cultures, food and ways of life. It is only right that when we, relatively wealthy tourists, enjoy the benefits of tourism, we should do so responsibly, by ensuring that we are not contributing to the exploitation of either people or the environment, that we are participating in 'fair trade' practices which benefit those who work so hard to make our experiences overseas so great, that we are contributing to the sustainable economic development of the communities who host us, and that we are respectful towards and assist in the maintenance of indigenous cultures.
The Great Ethiopian Run gives a proportion proceeds from participation to a selected charity each year. In 2011, fundraising from the race raised over 1million birr for the two chosen charities. By your participation in the race you will be supporting local communities in Ethiopia by helping them raise vital funds for local charities.
We also ensure that the hotel workers and support staff benefit from ‘staff friendly’ employment practices, and that all staff earn a fair wage for a fair days work. Therefore we can guarantee that the money you spend directly benefits local people.
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