We have chosen to align our vision of Positive Impact Travel with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with our efforts focussed on the goals most closely linked to community, conservation and carbon reduction.
“Climate change is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. And climate change depends on biodiversity as part of the solution. So clearly the two are linked and cannot be separated.”
Elizabeth Mrema, Exec. Secretary, UN Convention on Biological Diversity
According to UNEP research, half of the greenhouse gases produced by humankind are absorbed by the land and ocean. Protecting these habitats and the biodiversity they contain is critical to combatting the effects of climate change. If we don’t, these natural carbon sinks will become carbon sources. UNEP advise that two-thirds of nature-based carbon mitigation solutions are safeguarded by the protection and restoration of forests. While we acknowledge that our afforestation project in Brigg, covering between 35-40 acres, will have the tiniest of impacts on what is a global issue, we hope it may inspire other companies to do something similar. Collectively, our positive impact can grow exponentially.
Ocean habitats, such as seagrasses, are capable of sequestering carbon at rates of up to four times more than terrestrial forests. No wonder UNEP refer to the ocean as ‘the world’s greatest ally against climate change’.
Seawilding restores seagrass beds and native oyster beds on Scotland’s spectacular Argyll coast, working towards the overarching goals of sequestering carbon, restoring lost biodiversity and creating green jobs. They are one-third of the way to achieving their target of restoring 1M native oysters, while the innovative methods used in their seagrass projects are being adopted by many other coastal communities. We are delighted to support a marine habitat restoration initiative that makes a positive difference to local environment and community, but also has a global impact through the sequestration of blue carbon.
According to the UN World Food Program, one-third of all food grown and produced is never eaten, which, according to Our World in Data, generates 6% of human-generated, global greenhouse gas emissions. This was the spark that lit the fire for a community-based, social enterprise called The Long Table. Based in our own local community, just outside Stroud, the aim of The Long Table is to make locally sourced, wholesome food available to everyone, regardless of their social or financial background. Their founder, Tom Herbert says “We put food at the centre of the community. We want to make sure that everyone has access to great food and people to eat it with.” At a time of climate crisis and economic downturn, the goals of food resilience and creating a community that looks out for each other, have never been more vital. That is why we have chosen to support The Long Table.
As a tour operator running holidays in some of the world’s more deprived regions, we strive to leave a positive social footprint in our host communities. Our aim is to provide women with access to training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a fulfilling and prosperous career as a guide.
We prioritise this, in the knowledge that economic growth and social development are more likely to flourish where women are empowered to fully participate in labour forces. When given the opportunity, women are effective agents of change in combatting the climate crisis. We are also mindful of what a difference a good guide can make to the enjoyment of your holiday. And we know that in countries where women are already fulfilling the role of guide, they are among some of our clients favourite travelling companions.
From the blog
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
