When Land & lake need assistance, the community are approached first to ensure that the financial benefits are passed to them. Dzalanyama school is also the beneficiary of art and other learning materials that have been collected from other learning institutions that are no longer needed. Land & Lakes support to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre continues from helping at Fund raising events, supplying various items and equipment, offering the centre volunteers preferential rates for holiday packages around Malawi and Zambia, helps to train local guides and the numerous tasks as required by Trustees. Wildlife Protection in Zambia – Through their Lodge in Luangwa Valley, Thornicroft Lodge, Land and Lake contributes financially to support 2 selected and worthy organizations. They are: a/ South Luangwa Conservation Society -SLCS works closely with the Zambia Wildlife Authority and local Community Resource Boards under a memorandum of understanding. One of SLCS main activities includes the support of village scouts with law enforcement activities by providing technical, financial and material support. b/ Project Luangwa is a charitable organisation formed by the Safari Operators of South Luangwa as a part of their commitment to responsible tourism. The aim is to create an effective, coordinated approach to helping local communities improve their long term economic prospects whilst avoiding a negative impact on the environment and wildlife.
The company recycles its own waste paper first for use as scrap paper, then bags it up sends it to The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre where a community group make fuel wood bricketts out of the paper. The company has a strict NO LITTER policy. Vehicles carrying clients provide litter bags and litter generated in sensitive areas are removed for disposal in the correct way. Guides and staff pick up litter wherever possible. On an annual Basis all Land and Lake staff help the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre on their annual litter patrol. Office printing is done mainly using the more efficient lazerjet system. Printed material is kept to a minimum, the company relies on electronic medium when sending itineraries and quotes. Computers are backed up on external drives, thereby ensuring that important documents do not need printing as backup files. Vehicles are naturally aspirated diesel engines which are serviced regularly thereby limiting carbon emissions. Old engine oil is used to treat poles and fence posts at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. A carbon tax is paid to the Zambian Government every 3 months for them to use to offset carbon emissions.
Land and Lake further support other organizations and institutions like the Wildlife Society of Malawi, a number of community, church & orphan groups by either a financial contribution to their cause, or, by donating a prize [A safari or stay at a Lodge] to enable them to raise funds through an auction or raffle. We ensure travellers adhere to our code of conduct, which includes the following: At all times respect both clients and locals privacy. Always ask locals if clients are wanting to photograph them or visit their village BEFORE it takes place. If payment is requested, encourage that the money the client pays, be paid to a charity / cause / church to which that said person belongs to or supports rather than directly into his pocket.
