Migration, Serengeti, Tanzania

Our Climate Change Goals

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

North coast of Scotland in the summer, Scotland, UK
Scotland

Marine Habitat Restoration - Seawilding

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.

Traditional Turkish celebration dinner

Food resilience – The Long Table

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.

Feeding baby elephant, Reteti Orphanage, Kenya
Matthews Range, Kenya

Steppes Fund For Female Guides

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.

Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences

SFFFG Training in India
Sustainability
Confidence in the Field: Supporting Female Safari Guides in India
Kate Burnell
A guide can change the way you understand the forest. In Bandhavgarh, she might notice the warning call of a chital…
Sally Light Foot Crab, Galapagos, Ecuador
Sustainability
Increasing Focus on the Ocean
Kate Burnell
As a travel company that values thoughtful exploration, we recognise that our relationship with the ocean must be one of stewardship.…
Quiver Tree, Namibia
Sustainability
The Carbon Conundrum
Jarrod Kyte
A few years ago, carbon dominated every sustainability conversation. While it may no longer be the trend du jour, we remain…
Teenage Kitchen at The Long Table
Sustainability
Steppes Fund for Change Supports The Long Table
Georgia Morley
According to the UN World Food Programme, one-third of all food grown and produced is never eaten, which, according to Our…
Leopards in their natural habitat. Taken at the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.
Sustainability
Ethical Tourism in Yala National Park
Jarrod Kyte
Yala National Park, renowned for its leopard population, faces increasing pressure from overtourism and poorly regulated safari practices. In the park’s…
Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, Africa
Sustainability
Tackling Overtourism in African National Parks 
Steppes Travel
Overtourism is increasingly affecting some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks, impacting both wildlife and local communities. Finding ways to experience…
Local Row Boat, Koh Surin, Thailand
Sustainability
The Ocean Remembers
Steppes Travel
My mum taught me how to row when I was two years old, sitting on her lap, in the wooden boat…
Bee flying over field in UK
Sustainability
The Stillness We Can’t Ignore
Steppes Travel
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time with an old friend. She’s quiet company. The type who…
Caiman, Pantanal, Brazil
Sustainability
Guardians of Biodiversity: 6 of Our Favourite Ecotourism Projects
Jarrod Kyte
‘Wild Economy’ is, quite rightly, bang on trend; the stuff of great dinner party conversations and, increasingly, the foundation of modern,…
Female guides being trained
Sustainability
An Update for Steppes Fund for Female Guides
Jarrod Kyte
Economic growth and social development are more likely to flourish where women and girls are empowered to fully participate in paid…

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

01285 880 980