In alignment with our shared values of sustainable tourism, this partnership policy between Ace the Himalaya and Bhutan Scenic Tours mainly focuses on promoting responsible and eco-friendly trekking and tour practices that minimize environmental impacts, promote cultural preservation, and uplift local communities. Both companies commit to sustaining and promoting sustainability principles across all joint trekking and tourism performance.
Purpose
This policy outlines a commitment to sustainability principles that minimize environmental impact, support mutual expectations, and joint efforts to ensure an eco-friendly and ethical approach to tourism practices. The policy aims to minimize ecological effects, promote local well-being, and secure sustainable operations.
Objectives
We agree to focus our partnership on the following sustainability objectives:
- Encourage sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
- Minimize non-biodegradable waste and practice recycling methods.
- Assist the local community’s well-being and promote eco-friendly products.
- Practice offsetting and reducing carbon footprint.
- Secure wages and a good working environment for all staff.
- Engage local people in company operations assisting with employment opportunities.
- Collaborate on packages to benefit locals, promote natural scenery, and preserve cultural heritage.
Mutual Sustainability Commitments
We are committed to protecting, preserving, and promoting the natural environment and cultural heritage in both Nepal and Bhutan. Following are some of our commitments:
Community Engagement
Commit to procuring from local suppliers and vendors. Both companies are committed to recruiting local staff, guides, and porters, ensuring fair wages and a working environment supporting the local economy and creating a multiplier effect.
Waste Management
Both companies will focus on reducing single-use plastics, installing dustbins within office primes, carrying garbage bags while traveling or trekking, recycling possible waste, and using biodegradable products.
Environmental Protection
Stick to guidelines to preserve natural resources and avoid harming local or destination ecosystems while visiting. Both companies will encourage carbon offset programs such as tree plantation and switching to EV vehicles for more sustainability practices.
Energy and Water Conservation
Practice energy efficient practices such as switching to LED bulbs and minimizing unnecessary water usage or conserving through using restrictors and percussion taps within office premises. Avoid soiling or casting garbage at natural water taps.
Sustainable Resources
Both companies will comply with an understanding to promote the use of eco-friendly products and locally sourced sustainable materials and services
Social Responsibility
Both companies will avoid encouraging any tourism activities that affect local cultures or destination sites. Preserve the local heritage and promote awareness among visitors by educating them on local customs, heritage, and responsible travel behavior while respecting the rights of local communities, and avoiding exploitation of resources.
Commitment to Travelife Criteria
We encourage each other to practice and implement the Travelife sustainability standards, achieve Travelife partner, and adapt our work to achieve Travelife certification while exhibiting a mutual agreement and commitment to sustainability tourism practices.
Compliance and Monitoring
Both companies agree to comply with the shared sustainability policy and will be committed to regular monitoring and evaluation and tracking progress through regular email exchanges, online meetings, and feedback. Any recognized non-compliance will be conveyed with a possible action plan to align with concurred sustainability practices and standards.
Review and Renewal
Both parties will review this policy annually to ensure its relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness in their environment. Updates will be made based on new sustainability practices, developments, local regulations, and mutual agreement.
