Phone Phone : (977) 9841-250-258 OR (977) 9829-949-285
Email Email : info@green-lotus-trekking.com
 

Social Responsibility Policy

A Responsible Tour Operator

We recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of our operations. Our aim in formalizing a policy on responsible tourism is to continually improve the way in which we run our business to the benefit of all involved (the business, our clients, and our destinations).  Our company-wide Responsible Tourism Policies are:

Economic Responsibility

1.  Ensure local crews are treated well and fairly. We operate as per the International Porter Protection Group guidelines (e.g. appropriate clothing, shelter, medical etc).  In addition we provide life insurance and emergency helicopter evacuation, and fair wages (e.g. Rs 400 to 450 per day per porter).

2.  Support grassroots, locally-run, community development and conservation organizations. In particular we support Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme efforts of poverty alleviation through sustainable tourism which is pro-poor, pro-environment, pro-rural communities and pro-women, making the benefits of tourism reach grass-roots level.

3.  Where possible we purchase equipment locally. Obviously all fresh produce and food is bought in local markets and small shops. Camping equipment such as dining tents, kitchen tents, porter backpacks, duffle bags, porter jackets, biodegradable soap are made locally.

Enviornment Resposibility

1.  Green Lotus Trekking has a zero litter tolerance. On our treks all rubbish and waste material is carried out and disposed of in suitable facilities in the main towns and cities. Reduce and re-use (and recycle whenever possible).

2.  Group sizes are kept below 12. We are aware that wherever we go we are having an impact on the environment. We endeavor to minimize this impact and, where possible, engage in projects and activities that not only make the environment sustainable but contribute to improving it.

3.  We encourage and promote eco friendly local lodges. Such as the lodges/hotels that uses more sustainable resources (e.g. solar panel, biogas, recycle facility etc).

4.  Our guides receive special training in low-impact travel and are selected based on their knowledge, commitment to and awareness of sustainable travel. Every year these standards are re-examined.

5. Travellers are encouraged to bring water purification tablets or water filters on the trek as this reduces the use of plastic bottles and also reduces the weight carried.

Social Responsibility

1. Green Lotus Trekking is actively involved in social welfare, working with NGO’s (non government organizations) and INGO’s (international NGO). We work in the health and education sector to uplift and improve social disadvantages in marginalized and poor communities. Through the initiative of Mr. Mingma Lama – Director of Green Lotus Trekking, a school has been built in Phaplu, which currently provides free and qualified education for about 80 poor and marginalized community children. Every year the school will take 20 new children.

The school has been built in collaboration with Solace International funding, an US based INGO (www.solaceinternational.org) and the land for the school was contributed by Mr. Mingma Lama. The school is named Phaplu Community School (www.phaplucommunityschool.com).

2. Green Lotus Trekking contributes to and supports conservation-oriented programs and organizations working to preserve the environment and help trekkers. Such as Kathmandu Environment Protection Programme (KEEP), and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA). We are life member of these organizations.

1. Green Lotus Trekking has been actively involved with INGO which work to uplifting and better of disadvantage and poor communities.  Throught initiative of Mr. Mingma Lama – Green Lotus Trekking Kathmandu Office In Charge, has help build school in Phaplu through Solace International funding ? US based INGO (www.solaceinternational.org).The land for the school was contributed from Mr. Mingma Lama family land. The school named Phaplu Community School (www.phaplucommunityschool.com) currently provides free and quality education to about 60 poor and marginalized community. Every year we will take 20 new children.

2. We contribute directly and support conservation-oriented programs and organizations working to preserve the environment and help trekkers. Such as Kathmandu Environment Protection Programme (KEEP), and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRS). We are life member of these organizations.

Social responsibility

Nate York, Mr. Lama, and
Byrne Foundation representatives
check on Phaplu Shcool
construction. 2005