At Amazonas Explorer, we began our climate action plan back in 2007 when we joined 1% for the Planet. Since then, we have been building on what we started, working hard to minimize the negative impact we leave, and maximize the positive impact left behind.
We believe in sharing the beauty of the world with the people of the world. We also believe strongly in preserving it for future generations.
This Climate Change Action Plan outlines the strategies and initiatives of Amazonas Explorer, a DMC committed to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
The plan aims to address climate change, reduce the company’s carbon footprint, and promote sustainable practices within the tourism industry.
By implementing these measures, Amazonas Explorer Cusco will contribute to the combined efforts of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency in order to combat climate change and ensure the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage across the world.
What we are currently doing:
Carbon offsetting
We offset carbon emissions produced both from our office and our clients by planting trees in the Manu national park. To do this we use a company called Regenera.
1% for the planet
We joined 1% for the planet back in 2007, and we’re proud to be the very first member of the organisation in Peru. Being a member of 1% for the Planet means that we donate 1% of our annual turnover to reforestation in the high Andes.
Carbon Positive – Reforestation
For every guest that Amazonas Explorer welcomes to Peru, we plant two trees per day in the Lares Valley. We also partnered with ECOAN in order to bolster our efforts and increase the impact our tree planting can have. We plant on average 20 to 30 thousand trees every year, with ECOAN planting around 1 million trees every year.
B-corp
Being a b-corp essentially means putting people and planet before profit- an ethos that we hold close to our hearts. Echoing our 1% for the Planet achievement, we were the first registered B-Corp in Peru and until 2022 we were the only registered b-corp in Cusco.
Travelers against plastic inc. plastic free trips
While recycling has its place, we firmly believe that the best way to deal with the massive problem of waste plastic is to stop at the source. We, along with Travelers Against Plastic, have committed to running trips using as little plastic as possible, promoting the use of UV filters, and offering reusable bottles to our direct clients.
Staff training
We are investing time in ensuring all our staff are knowledgeable about best sustainability practices, both in a professional and a personal sense. We have invested in courses and have an open information policy for our sustainability efforts.
The Long Run
Working with the “Four C’s” of sustainability, Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce in order to ensure that Amazonas Explorer is increasing positive outcomes for all areas of the business alongside The Long Run.
Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is an organisation dedicated to supporting better land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate in over 100 countries.
Sustainable choices within the office
The Amazonas office boasts several sustainable choices, with solar-powered hot water, a wood-burning heater, and a recycling point all within the office. We’re making conscious choices to be better.
You can read more about our current commitments to sustainability here.
Goals for action plan:
Conservation: Lowering Carbon Footprint:
Re-measure amount of carbon emitted per guest
Re-measure exactly how much carbon is emitted per guest per trip, in order to ensure that our offsetting is accurate and to identify any areas where we can easily reduce the carbon footprint of the company.
Offer lower carbon alternatives to standard trips
Create minor changes to existing trips that result in a lower carbon footprint for the trip as a whole. This may include offering the option of public transport in place of private transfers, or dinner in a local restaurant instead of a picnic, etc.
Produce innately lower carbon trips
Focus on creating tours that, by their very nature, are lower in carbon than alternatives. For example, using a single base in the Sacred Valley that lowers the need for commuting to activities, and only offer activities that are a lower carbon footprint- biking over ATVs for example.
Work with low carbon providers
Vetting external providers to ensure they too focus on low carbon emissions. From hotel providers, to restaurants, to suppliers, we are focusing on finding local, low emission providers to work with.
Define clear targets for reduction of carbon within the office
While we have already made conscious efforts to lower carbon emissions within the office, we are always looking for ways to improve what we are doing. We are looking into ways we can go paperless, lower electricity usage, and more.
Explore renewable energy sources
The use of energy is inevitable in running a business, and sourcing renewable energy is an important part of reducing our carbon footprint. We aim to power the office and our e-bikes using solar panels, and in the future use hybrid cars.
Staff training & incentives
Ensuring that all staff understand and are motivated to help reduce carbon in and around the office, as well as making personal choices that are lower carbon. We offer staff seminars which allow staff to learn more about sustainability and its importance.
Make use of waste management and reduction practices
We run a recycling friendly, low waste office, and we plan on increasing the reach of this- from staff incentives for recycling, to introducing a compost point for food scraps, as well as encouraging staff to make use of these facilities.
Reduce food waste within the office
Analyse how much food is being used and wasted for each trip, and adjust purchases appropriately, as well as finding a sustainable way to dispose of any waste- eg. office pigs, composting, composting companies.
Use more eco-friendly alternatives when preparing equipment for trips
From finding the most eco-friendly way to clean tents in preparation for clients, to sourcing boxed lunches closer to activities and utilizing space efficiently in transport.
Implement water saving measures
From changing the type of taps and nozzles used, to reassessing how much water is used during cleaning processes, a reduction in water consumption is a great way to reduce stress on the environment.
Help to educate and inform local communities about more sustainable options
There is only so much that we can do just in the office, but by spreading awareness and knowledge of how to live a more sustainable lifestyle can plant seeds that grow. By using a guide volunteer system, we can share knowledge and tips of how to be more environmentally sustainable to different communities around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Promote responsible & respectful tourism
By training our guides about sustainable practices, we are able to ensure that they uphold the company’s values on trips and help guide guests to act the same way.
Inspire community based initiatives – eg recycling in communities
Amazonas Explorer already works closely with several indigenous communities, and a part of our pledge is to make it easier for them to make lower carbon choices. Whether this is petitioning recycling points to reach the villages or educating about water pollution.
Sustainability Certifications
It is important to us to be able to show that we are committed to our sustainability journey, and certifications demonstrate that we are taking action in a meaningful way- not just greenwashing. While we do already have solid certifications, we intend to continue getting them.
Measuring the results:
Regularly monitor results and adjust practices as necessary
Measuring our results means that we will be able to accurately measure how effective what we are doing is, and allow the adjustments we make to be appropriate and efficient.
Make use of KPIs to measure progress
Selecting appropriate KPIs will allow us to assess our progress year after year, providing accurate and detailed feedback.
Review and update practices to ensure they are in line with current research.
Research on climate change is constantly changing and developing, and our actions must change and develop along with it. A commitment to staying informed and knowledgeable is the best way to ensure that our efforts are working as best as they can.
If you want to know more about our commitments to sustainability, or chat to one of our team, then feel free to contact us today.
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