Genghis Khan warrior training in Mongolia

Planet

We are committed to running our business and tours in a way that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. We encourage our guests and suppliers to work with us to travel and operate in a way that conserves and protects the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to local communities. We are therefore committed to continual improvement in our environmental performance, preventing pollution and minimising our effects through a complete programme of annual reviews of our expeditions and try to make our activities environmentally and socially positive.

We strive at all times to respect the natural environment and never deplete it. We also endeavor to ensure a safe and viable future for the Nomadic people of Mongolia by working with these people and helping them to attain their needs, by learning about their culture and traditions and by educating others in these areas. The nomadic culture is a warm and hospitable one but please remember that we are only guests in this wonderful country. We ask all our clients to come to Mongolia with this same level of respect for the people, customs and environment.

Environment
Ecotourism in Mongolia is only in its early stages. It is our intention to help develop this area in Mongolia. As such we always attempt to keep high environmental standards on our treks and train our staff to do likewise. The guiding principle is one of leaving the land and natural resources in a better condition than we found them in. A philosophy of ‘leaving no trace’ of our presence guides all of our travel.

Dispose of all garbage (refuse) including cigarette butts and matches and any paper or plastic scraps. We avoid any on site disposal of garbage and provides adequate bins for clients to dispose of any waste. They will be disposed of properly at the end of the trip.

Care will be taken to maintain the purity of all the water on the trip. When washing in the rivers of streams never soap and shampoo in the water. The water in Mongolia is pristine and we would like to keep it that way. We provide all clients with a bowl for washing, this should be used for washing rather than the stream or river itself. It is a good idea to bring bio-degradable washing products if possible. All food scraps and soap will be kept out of streams, lakes and other bodies of water.

Vehicles will stay on established roads and tracks wherever possible. When driving cross country care will be taken to minimise grassland damage and avoid wetlands.

Our commitment to our environmental policy extends to our working environment and all staff recycle and make business decisions with an ethical dimension such as using public transport and maximising the use of email. We are committed to running a business that has as little environmental impact as possible. We ceased having paper brochures printed in 2008.

People

Culture
The world is rapidly changing and evolving, especially in areas of the world such as Mongolia. The ease of travel and communications makes interactions between people of different countries and cultures possible. All interactions produce change both in our own ways of thinking and doing things and also the local culture we are interacting with. No condition is permanent. The key issue in these interactions is one of mutual respect and tolerance for individuals, institutions, customs, practices, social norms and religious beliefs.

We believe that the interaction between two different cultures can produce positive change and learning opportunities for all involved. Perspective on one’s own life, values and beliefs, is gained through a respectful interchange with individuals holding different beliefs and adhering to different norms. Old values are reinforced, new ways of thinking are given the chance to blossom and grow and our horizons are expanded through mutually respectful interactions. Friendships are made and everyone continues on the positive path to change.

Fellow travellers & staff
All participants on our treks and the people we encounter and interact with when travelling will be treated with respect. We expect our clients to behave in the same manner. Travelling in a foreign country requires patience, respect and humility. Each and every individual must be treated with respect and in and open and honest manner. No person should put or be put in a compromising position - thus it is important to remember that each person has a role to play in making the trip a success.

Clients are expected to follow staff recommendations at all times. Any conflicts, problems or miscommunications should be immediately conveyed to the staff in the hope of a quick resolution. Remember that you will be with this group of people, interacting closely with them for a prolonged period of time and as such everyone should be aware and sensitive to other peoples need and requests.