Apus Peru Sustainability Policy

Sustainability & Responsible Travel Policy and Performance. Since inception, Apus Peru has been developing a sustainability policy which incorporates all aspects of their treks and tours. We believe that such a policy guides our operational practices and provides a benchmark to develop our future product. We at Apus Peru believe that we should be honest and forthright in our dealings with clients and provide objective and balanced pre-trek information in our Travellers Code of Conduct. We believe that tourism can benefit both local communities and individuals through creating bridges of understanding based on mutual respect and understanding.

Our goals include the following:

Environmental/Ecological Impact:

1. To provide good pre travel information through our ‘Travellers Code of Conduct’ and pre departure information.

2.To minimise environmental impact while trekking through: Staying on established paths and tracks and avoiding trampling, Camping in established campsites, Searching out the more durable surfaces in softer zones, Encouraging the use of biodegradable washing liquids and soaps.

Specifically:
Our staff and clients are encouraged to inspect each campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spilled foods, including for “micro-rubbish” such as bits of food and rubbish, including cigarette filters and organic litter such as orange peels, or egg and nut shells. Pack in plastic bags to carry your rubbish out (and maybe someone else’s). Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out… A policy of REFILL and REUSE of plastic bottles on trips – rather than purchasing water bottled in plastic which is unsightly as refuse and also creates large landfill problems.

3. To use green power in offices (where applicable), seek recycling alternatives and promote minimum consumption.

4. To investigate and source accommodation partners that use solar heat, wind energy, and carbon offsets to minimize their environmental and carbon footprint.

5. To seek out and support efforts to protect native species and virgin rainforest in private nature preserves created and maintained by our accommodation and tour partners.

6. To develop treks and tours with local projects that have direct or indirect environmental benefits. This might include tree planting, education or discussion groups or financial assistance with development of toilets, washing facilities or re-siting of such facilities when poorly located.

7. In 2008 we printed 3000 small brochures and intend to print no more in 2009/2010, replacing paper products with our online presence. We also request that our clients to consider before printing their emails.

8. To investigate and implement a carbon neutral policy.

Socio-Cultural Impacts: On-going commitment to socio-cultural responsibility:

1. The Andean concept of Ayni or reciprocity (meaning today for me, tomorrow for you) is central to any giving that we do in that it provides a good balance and is a traditional Andean form of giving. We do not want to corrupt or change the social cultural structure of communities.

2. Where possible we encourage our clients to book by the beginning of each month, so we can schedule guides, cooks and muleteers programs. This means that they have more balanced programs (beneficial for those with families) and also have guaranteed work days for the month – most important in a fickle industry. They are also able to know their expected income for that month.

3. In remote communities we engage in dialogue with community elders regarding their expectations of tourism in their village and their desires for visitor behaviour.

4. We educate our clients about appropriate and responsible behaviour in communities pre-visit. There is a strong emphasis on behaving and giving responsibility.

5. 5% of trek prices is invested in remote Andean communities in sustainable development projects. Current projects include revitalising weaving traditions (so that women can on-sell weavings) and a bilingual education project.

6. We have developed several social-cultural projects (bilingual education, weaving project, volunteer program) that have direct benefits to high Andean communities.

Economic Impacts: On-going commitment to economic responsibility:

1. We ONLY employ local Peruvian guides, cooks and muleteers - and pay staff above industry standard. Where applicable (for salaried staff) we pay full benefits according to Peruvian law. Staff are sought from indigenous backgrounds and remote communities where income or opportunities for work are limited.

2. We actively encouraging only tipping for good service – not because it is an obligation or to fill gaps in our pay.

3. We use local products and services. On remote, longer trips, we encourage our passengers to buy from local stores rather in the large cities to further distribute the wealth of tourism.

4. We support homestays in villages. We work with clients and accommodation providers regarding expectations of both groups.

5. We actively encourage our clients to purchase handmade souvenirs from people in remote communities. These products are usually weavings made by women and their purchase provides a direct economic source to women. International studies show that if women have income the health and welfare of their children is markedly higher.

6. When working with other tour operators, they are selected for the quality of their service but also their commitment to economic and socially responsible practices.

7. We pay Peruvian taxes. In Peru it is possible to evade this economic and social responsibility, but we have fully auditable accounts.

Innovative Best Practices: Actions your organization has taken that demonstrate exemplary performance within the travel and tourism industry in any of the above areas:

1. Focus on incorporating community projects into treks. The long term plan is to have a one day project on some treks (ie one trek per month) with a fixed departure date so that visitors will be able to spend longer in a community and also appreciate a little of their life. There will be a focus on projects that benefit the community as opposed to those that the local people can do themselves. (They are able to construct toilet blocks or install stoves but are unable to design a shelter or a website).

2. English classes for staff.

3. Donating 5% of each trek price to community projects.

4. Annual capacitation workshops for staff to update them on best practice create team work and also celebrate
successes.

Procedure for dealing with complaints regarding responsible tourism:

• The client should express their concerns to their guide when they are worried about the sustainability of the practice. Many local guides are well intentioned but are not always aware of the impact of their practice. The best learning for guides is provided by their clients as opposed to the management of a company

• The client should note their concern on the feedback form that all receive at the end of the tour.

• If the client has a serious complaint they should write to the Reservations staff at Apus Peru within 48 hours of their tour ending.

• The Reservations staff will then investigate the allegation.

• Appropriate staff within the organisation will be consulted and provided with an opportunity to offer solutions to the issue.

• Solution will be implemented.

• Throughout process the client will be kept informed and enabled to have ownership if desired.