Environment

Conservation:
We support conservation locally and around the world by providing funds, transport and logistical help for several researchers. We have continued to work with BirdLife International as a ‘Species Champion’ for the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. To date, the following agencies have also benefited from our fundraising: Save the Albatross, Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, and Marine Mammal Research Trust. We are dedicated to making regular financial contributions, and if clients want to participate then they are able to do so. We also donate annually to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Antarctic Heritage Trust and Russian State Reserve Agency.

Waste and Recycling:
When selecting our specialist expedition equipment, vehicles and vessels, we research carefully to ensure that they are the most suitable and the most environmentally responsible. All waste generated on our expeditions is disposed of in a responsible manner: on board it is treated as prescribed by MARPOL and on land expeditions recycling is encouraged. Non-recyclable waste is brought back for disposal at approved sites.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

Community

Local Craft and Culture:
With our emphasis on natural history, we work principally in unpopulated areas; however we do as much for the communities we visit as we can by providing extensive pre-departure information on history, customs, religion and politics of that group. We visit Uelen Village, which is the most north-eastern village in Russia and known for a history of whaling settlements but today the population is predominantly Chukchi, with some Russians and Inuit. The village is now one of the largest centres for traditional Chukchi and Inuit art in the world and we will be able to visit a bone carving workshop on our tour. By spending money here, we are supporting this remote community and encouraging the preservation of traditional methods of craftsmanship.

A Fair Deal:
We ensure that all of our guides are paid and treated fairly in exchange for their local expertise. Leaders will give briefings on Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce your environmental impact and maximise the benefits to the local community from your visit. We maintain a guide-to-client ratio of 1:12 so none of this information is lost.