Andaman holidays & community tours, Thailand

Planet

We work towards addressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, nature conservation and sustainable development through the grass roots level. Our programs are created in collaboration with the communities in which we work and we use local resources to have a positive social, environmental and financial impact. We facilitate community-based, innovative projects to help foster knowledge sharing, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange.

We give 50% of our profit to North Andaman Network Foundation (NAN Foundation) which was established to serve communities in the area by empowering them through conservation and development projects.

We utilize written codes of conduct for guests, volunteers, interns, and researchers. Codes will ensure everyone is aware village cultural and environmental expectations, help maintain healthy relationships with local communities, and avoid inequitable interactions.

Locals recognize the potential for negative environmental impacts from tourism too. If tourism grows too quickly, or is not managed well by community groups and AD, the environment could suffer.

People

By taking this holiday you are able to help build a sustainable tourism future for this pristine area; one that helps to preserve traditional cultures and the local environment. Your tour dollars will support this program which is designed to provide important income diversification and opportunity for the lives and local economy that were devastated by the 2004 tsunami.

A portion of the cost of each tour is contributed to a community fund used by and for the village that you visit. Typical projects they hope to use the community fund for include a new house boat for Moken, improved hiking trails, new community trails, waste management programs, etc.

The fact that tourists are spending their money to see natural habitats and observe traditional ways of life shows the community the importance of preserving these assets. Some of the activities have also created new jobs and revenue for women who previously had no employment.

By means of a volunteering program, we have supported local schools and centres to improve children's English and part of the money generated from your tour is donated to schools for materials and equipment.