It has never been more important to consider the negative impact
of our travels and the effects of global warming and carbon
emissions but it is a fact that thousands of families in Ethiopia
rely on tourism. Bringing economic stability through employment can
rescue whole communities from poverty.
Travelling responsibly means that we are always aware we are
visiting someone’s home country and we are asking them to share
some of its unique history. We are asking for a glimpse of daily
life and maybe a walk in the mountains to see the Gelada Baboons.
By taking small groups and individuals around Ethiopia we ensure
that the communities have a powerful economic reason for preserving
their heritage.
We encourage our clients to observe local customs and visit local
restaurants. The markets have an abundance of locally made goods
and home grown produce. The stall holders will be delighted by your
visit and you will come away with great memories and maybe the odd
unusual souvenir.
You might like to consider offsetting your carbon
emissions. Here you can calculate your footprint and take
steps to ‘neutralise’ the impact on the environment.
Reducing the Negative Impact of Tourism
There are significant constraints on the supply of water – in some
areas for parts of the year and in other areas throughout the year.
Included within the information documents we provide to our clients
we make recommendations and give advice on water preservation that
we have developed through our experience of the country over the
years.Our guides who helped to draw up the guidance on water
preservation encourage clients to adopt this practice.
Tourist visits to tribal communities in the south of Ethiopia have,
in many instances, resulted in tensions. We have developed
constructive working relationships with local guides based in the
communities we visit with tourists so that these concerns are
addressed and managed.
Begging is pervasive in Ethiopia – with many people having no
regular source of income. Children participate in begging on behalf
of their families and the advice that we have received is to
discourage children from begging as one of its consequences is that
parents will prevent the child from attending school thinking that
they have greater economic value on the street. However, we do
encourage interaction between our clients and the poorest members
of the community. This can take various forms, such as the donation
of clothing/exercise books/ stationery etc.
Our sponsor company in the UK has gained ISO14001 – to demonstrate
adherences to environmental best practice. Whilst we have not
achieved that assessment in Ethiopia we seek to operate to
equivalent standards. Staff from the sponsoring company have
provided CPD training to Alligan Travel staff on the principles of
the impact of our business on the local environment. Our guidance
notes to clients and the advice they receive from our guides
supports them in practical ways to reduce environmental
impact........Read
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