• Sustainability Policy for The Map’s Edge Ltd

  Includes Purchasing Policy, Accommodation Policy and Activity and Excursion Policy

   

  Sustainability Policy

  Our Commitment

  At The Map’s Edge, we are committed to operating responsibly and sustainably.
  We recognise the importance of protecting the environment, supporting our communities, and running
  our business in a way that balances economic success with social and environmental responsibility.

  Responsible travel is one of our company’s core values. We aim to maximise the positive effects tourism can have on individuals and communities, while minimizing the negative social, environmental and economic impacts.

  This policy outlines how we aim to reduce our environmental impact and contribute positively to a
  more sustainable future. Some points we have already managed and are currently doing and it outlines what we hope to achieve in the future. It is a work in progress for our company.

  • Comply with all relevant legislation and embed sustainable development principles into core business practices
  • Use our position to drive sustainability within our destination
  • Preserve our environment and continually improve our environmental performance,
  • Optimize our social impact to enhance local livelihoods and prevent tourism leakages
  • Provide information, training and support to colleagues and external partners, to engage them towards sustainability
  • Provide sustainable information about our products to encourage our clients to opt for sustainable travel options

  Itinerary and Travel choices

  We aim to support sustainability through the itineraries we offer to our clients:

  • We prefer to work with responsible operators and businesses reflecting local cultures (hotels, lodges, restaurants, handicraft outlets, arts and culture centers) and who make conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and comply with the relevant legislation and who are properly licensed and insured.
  • We drive positive change within our supply chain, share best practices
  • We ensure that travels we organize limit ,to the best of our ability, the effects on the environment or society, especially sensitive activities that may bring travelers into contact with animals, children or remote communities.
  • We promote Responsible Tourism in our industry and to stakeholders we engage with in our destinations.
  • We put our clients and guests at the forefront of our business and help them to make informed decisions when travelling.
  • We include in our itineraries, elements that help ‘give back’ such as carbon credits to cover the whole itinerary, including international flights, as an opt out policy and the funds paid assist in habitat preservation, wildlife corridors, water sources and provide employment for local communities; we contribute to the de-snaring campaign in Serengeti, we support rural healthcare through The Flying Doctors of Africa.

  Responsible Office Operations

  Within our day-to-day operations, we are committed to the following:

  • We ensure our employees understand our goals and are accountable for the implementation of our sustainable policies
  • We monitor, reduce and manage waste in a responsible way.
  • We strive for energy efficiency within the office.
  • We purchase local products where we can and limit the use of small packaging
  • We respect our employees, their diversity and advance their wellbeing wherever we can.
  • We share best practices and raise awareness on sustainability among our teams and partners
  • We aim to communicate on our achievements against our sustainable goals, internally and externally through thorough reporting at least once a year, in the Directors report.

  People and Community

  Sustainability also means supporting people and communities. We aim to:

  • Treat employees, customers, and suppliers fairly and with respect
  • Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment
  • Support local communities and charities and provide information for our clients.

  Continuous Improvement

  We understand that sustainability is an ongoing process. We commit to:

  • Reviewing this policy regularly
  • Setting realistic and achievable improvement goals
  • Monitoring progress and adapting our approach as our business evolves

   

   

   

  SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING POLICY

   

  Our company has a responsibility to make decisions that reduce the environmental impacts of our operations. At all steps of purchasing, tours, construction, and daily operations steps will be taken to consider impacts and think through the implementation of positive change.

   

  Therefore, we consider sustainability in all our purchasing decisions and before all we investigate:

   

  	YES	NO
  Do we really need this product?	Continue to next question	Stop here, don’t buy!
  Can it be rent/leased/borrowed instead of purchased?	There you go, you can stop here!	Continue to next question
  Will this product last or is it single-use and/or breakable?	Continue to next question	Stop here, look for alternatives, re-assess your needs/processes.
  Does it create superfluous waste or harm to the planet? (ie: water, pollution, energy, transport, waste etc.)	The greener is the better! Look for eco-friendly certificates/labels and options.	Great, continue to next question
  Can we purchase from locally owned reputable companies (eg: sustainably certified)?	Now, you can compare price, quality and availability.	If information is not easily made available or if you are unsure, favor local businesses
  Can we combine orders or purchase in refill/ bulk to reduce their carbon footprint?	Great, you are ready to launch your order.	Don’t forget to document your research to keep track and monitor your future improvements.

   

  We give preference to:

  • Products & services that have been produced with respect for people and the planet (local, organic, fair-trade, recycled).
  • Suppliers locally owned that are sustainably certified or have implemented a sustainability policy.

   

  We repair or reuse before purchasing new and try to find a new purpose to objects before discarding them.

  As a Tour Operator with a small office and no camps or vehicles, we are not able to buy in bulk to reduce packaging. When we do purchases, we do refuse bags for carrying purchases, or request boxes instead of bags for larger items.

  As we do not bulk buy, and do not buy food items apart from tea/coffee/milk, we are not in a position to refuse the packaging.

   

   

  Recommendations for specific products:

   

  • Paper – we buy recycled paper / environmentally certified paper / lower density (eg: 60gr) when available, though Tanzania does not have dependable supply lines to ensure that these are always available
  • Tea and coffee – we buy locally produced tea and coffee. We do not consume enough to buy in bulk
  • Office supplies & uniforms – only our guides wear uniforms and these cannot be made locally to the standard required, so we purchase from a shop locally who sources from a reputable firm in South Africa. We purchase uniforms about once every three years. Our office suppliers are not large enough to purchase in bulk but we keep stationary use to a minimum and purchase stocks about twice a year
  • Catering – we do not offer any catering options
  • Giveaways – we do not offer give aways. Since these are not chosen by the clients themselves, many get left behind at the end of the safari or the end of the first accommodation stay. This is a waste. The only item we include is a stainless steel reusable water bottle.
  • Cleaning materials – we only have a small amount of cups and plates to wash each day, so we only use a minimal amount of cleaning materials – less than someone would have for a single meal. One pot of dishwashing soap will last several months. We are in rented office space and do not have our own ablution block.
  • Light-bulbs – all our bulb are LED
  • Paint – We are in rented office accommodation

   

  Printing ordering process and efficient brochure use:

  We have very little printed material, mostly for accounting purposes and for throttle the bottle campaign. Most things are online or soft copies

   

  	YES	NO
  Are prints really necessary?	Continue to next question	I work digitally instead of printing your documents (e.g. create e-brochures, e-sales catalog, e-itineraries for travelers)
  Can I reduce the number of prints I need?	I check distribution lists and I am certain I will give it only to interested/ returning customers	Continue to next question
  Can I reuse the prints later on?	Continue to next question	I remove dates & prices where possible
  I am ready to order and share these requirements with our printing company	●      Choose smaller and ecofonts ●      Require the use of Elementary Chlorine Free paper ●      Ask for Forest Stewarship Council (FSC) and/or ●      recycled paper ●      Require soy based ink and/ or water based varnish ●      Prefer embossing instead of PVC lamination ●      Favor bidding instead of glue finishing ●      Require plastic-free delivery

   

   

  Energy use (ie: computers; Air-conditioning, vehicles etc.):

  We do not have a choice on use of energy as we are in rented office accommodation but most power in Tanzania is hydro-electric.

  RECYCLE OLD EQUIPMENT	Working properly – then give old equipment away as form of charity, i.e. to schools, unprivileged student at universities, community centers etc.	Broken – then make sure you get properly disposed of your electrical equipment with a licensed partner.
  BUY EQUIPMENT BASED ON THE ENERGY RATINGS	Look for the EU energy labels or Energy Star symbol and choose the most efficient option.   For Air-conditioning ensure there is no CFCs being used or other refrigerants (especially R11, R12, R502 and R22)	If energy ratings are not available, you can compare power input (in Watt) with the capacity of the equipment (output – which depends on the kind of equipment you use). i.e. a computer with a power input of 40 Watt is more efficient than a computer with a power input of 60 Watt
  BUY NEW AND THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGY	Energy technology improves itself constantly, the newest electrical equipment are often more energy efficient than the older models.
  MAKE SURE QUALITY & PRICE OF EQUIPMENT ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT	Equipment of good quality will last longer – hence is more environmentally-friendly	Consider equipment of acceptable price range – only then consider its energy efficiency

   

  Maintenance:

  It is of the utmost importance to plan regular maintenance for all equipment’s purchased or in use within our company. Air-conditioning systems, cars, computers, must be maintained to improve their lifespan, at least one time per year with in-depth cleaning by licensed professionals.

  We have an annual contract for regular maintenance for all computers, printers, scanners, screens with our main provider of IT

   

  SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY

   

  Our company is committed to promoting sustainable accommodation.

  Sustainability and responsibility to the environment of an accommodation establishment is of key importance, as it enables our company to extend sustainability practice throughout a core element in our tours and supply chain.

  In some cases, we do not select the accommodation for our clients. It might be requested by the agent or the client. In such case, it is our policy to recommend our clients the most sustainable accommodation options within their budget range or to explain why we would prefer an alternative the accommodation chosen.

  When we do have a chance to select the accommodation, we will give strong preference to establishments that follow sustainable practices throughout all aspects of their operation.

  Scope

  This policy will be part of the Sustainability Policy. The policy is applicable to the selection of accommodation suppliers that our company collaborates with.

  This policy is effective immediately after approval by Managing Director and circulation to staff. The policy will be formally reviewed every 2 years to ensure its relevancy. The Managing Director or an officer delegated with such authority must approve any deviations to this policy.

  Sustainable Accommodation Principles

  In our effort of selecting the most sustainable accommodation providers available, we prefer establishments who follow these core principles:

  1. The right comfort for the right price

  The establishment is hygienic, sanitary and safe and is able to offer good comfort and service to the expectation of our clients. Sustainable accommodation practices can be found in all price ranges; hence we aim to identify the most sustainable options available within the budget of our clients.

  2. Fair business

  The establishment follows fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection.

  3. Minimizes impact on the environment and society

  The establishment places high priority on sustainable practices, aiming at minimizing its effect on the surrounding environment and society.

  General Sustainability Considerations

  Internationally certified accommodation currently does not exist in Tanzania, however there are establishments that are known for their good practices.

  There is a local accreditation system but it is geared around urban hotel best practice that does not take into account the safari and nature of bush settings. Therefore, this accreditation is not a good guide to use.

  Sustainable practices can be found in all budget ranges. Hence our company mainly looks at their practices to identify the more responsible suppliers.

  Evaluations of the accommodation by our company can be made in several ways:

  • Site visit by our company’s sustainability coordinator / manager, our site visit form covers most of these areas.
  • Observations from our guides
  • Client feedback form

  The following considerations will be made in the evaluation of accommodation establishments and will inform our company preference:

  Human care

  We aim to work with establishments with sound care for their human resources, which is of key importance to the hospitality sector. Hence, we assess if the establishment provides good labor conditions for their staff (minimum wage, reasonable working times, proper lunch hours, etc.).

  No plastic policy

  The accommodation minimizes the use of plastic and as a common practice does not offer plastic water bottles to its guests. Instead the establishment makes available places where guests can re-fill jugs that are provided in the room and their own bottles.

  Waste management

  We verify that the accommodation separates at least organic waste for composting and plastic for recycling. Establishments that are able to go beyond these basic waste management practices will be highly preferred.

  Energy efficiency

  The establishment follows energy efficiency practices, such as energy saving light bulbs, and energy efficient equipment. The accommodation provider advises their guests (e.g. through signs in the rooms and hallways) to switch off lights and electric appliances when not in use or has put in place an overall switch off plan (automated system).

  Water efficiency

  The accommodation efficiently uses water. Places with a water saving system on their ‘western’ toilet and shower will be preferred over other. Places that make use of a bucket flush for the toilet and/or bucket shower also have a clear control over the amount used.

  Child protection

  The establishment ensures that the rights of children are respected and safeguarded. If the supplier employs children below the age of 14, the business should ensure that there are special working conditions put in place to safeguard them (for example part-time or on internship basis).

   

  Local supplies

  Accommodations are stimulated to purchase and use local food products, which are produced based on fair trade and sustainability principles.

  Biodiversity care

  The accommodation limits their negative effect on local and global biodiversity wherever feasible (e.g. do not offer red-listed species on the menu, designs menus around local produce and minimizes important food stuffs, reduces reliance on shell fish and unsustainable methods of catching fish.) The provision of game meat for public consumption in hotels and lodges and camps is illegal.

  Authentic charm

  The accommodation building (exterior and/or interior) incorporates elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage.

  Community value

  The establishment respects the intellectual property rights of local communities and contributes to the local community in whichever way they can (e.g. sponsoring of local events, donation to local heritage sites).

  Stimulating enhanced sustainable practice

  Our company follows a long-term strategy to improve the sustainability of regular accommodation suppliers.

  When possible, we talk to the accommodation owner / manager about their current practices and what they could do to follow more sustainable practices (e.g. by visit from our manager or through our guides).

  In addition, we may share best practice standards and guidance to our accommodation suppliers, including:

  • Information about hotel certification, such as Travelife for Hotels
  • Self-evaluation tools
  • Training manuals

   

  Sanctions

  If it is revealed that an accommodation supplier acts on unsustainable practices, our company will give them a warning. If that supplier does not amend its practice, our company will end any form of collaboration (informal and contractual) and will blacklist that company from any further association.

  Communication to accommodation providers

  Our company communicates with accommodation establishments in various ways.

  Email

  Our most common communication is via email and phone. Particularly when sending emails, we are able to communicate on some sustainability aspects. We also request a reservation summary with detail of price and booking for checking.

  Voucher

  Once our booking is made and confirmed, we request a Proforma to initiate payment. This is done via email with soft copies. We no longer deal with physical documentation with suppliers.

   

  Contract

  We sign rates contracts with accommodation suppliers that we work with on a regular basis. These contracts include the prices charged, the Terms and Conditions.

  In-person visit

  When we have the opportunity, we visit the accommodation in person and talk to them about how they could improve on their services and become more sustainable. In many instances it is our guides who deliver these messages.

  Our Company position viz our suppliers

  We have a zero-tolerance policy on

  • Child labour
  • Anti-corruption / bribery

  We will not book with suppliers that encourage or request the above

  We encourage proper and responsible

  • Waste management
  • Protection of biodiversity

  We will promote companies that take their responsibility seriously and we will not book suppliers who do not put importance on the above.

   

  Incentives

  Our company will give preference to working with those accommodation establishments who are able to operate in a sustainable manner, taking responsibility for their impact on environment and society.

   

  SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES POLICY

  Our company is committed to promoting sustainable activities.

   

  Sustainability is of key importance to us.  Our entire business is built on the wonders of nature, so protecting nature as our key resource is paramount.  Caring for nature necessarily requires us to support the communities that live within and around the natural landscapes that our guests will be visiting.

   

  When choosing partner safari operators and activities, it is our policy to suggest sustainable options that are within our clients’ budget range and still provide a fantastic guest experience.  To this end, we work by preference with operators that follow sustainable practices throughout their operations.

   

  Sustainable Excursion Principles

   

  In our efforts to select the most sustainable operators available, we prefer companies that adhere to these core principles:

  4. The right product for the right price

  Operators that provide an excellent safari experience, while ensuring at all times the safety and comfort of our guests.  As sustainable options can be found at all price ranges, we try to identify the most sustainable options available within the budget of each group of clients.

  5. Fair business

  Operators that follow fair business practices, including transparency and adherence to law, human rights and economic/social equity, and environmental and animal protection.

  6. Minimizes impact on the environment and society

  Operators that place a priority on sustainable practices, aiming at minimizing their effect on the surrounding environment and society.

  General Sustainability Considerations

   

  Internationally certified excursions don’t currently exist in Tanzania, however

  there are safari companies that are known for their excellent practices. Sustainable practices can be found in all budget ranges. Hence, we try to assess their practices and business models to identify the more responsible suppliers.

   

  Evaluations of the activities can be made in various ways:

  • Site visit by our company managers
  • Observations from our guides
  • Client feedback forms

   

  The following considerations will be made in the evaluation of operators and will inform our company preferences:

   

  Social Impact

  We aim to work with operators with a solid track record of care for their employees, who is of key importance to the tourism sector. Hence, we only partner with suppliers who, to the best of our knowledge, maintain good labor conditions for their staff.

   

  ‘No plastics’ policy

  Suppliers that minimize the use of plastic and do not offer single-use plastic water bottles to its guests. Instead, the supplier provides safe drinking water in jugs provided in rooms, as well as reusable water bottles.

   

  Waste management

  We cannot currently verify that the excursion provider separates at least organic waste for composting and plastic for recycling where possible, but we hope that this will be possible in future. Suppliers that are able to go beyond these basic waste management practices will be highly preferred. There are very limited recycling opportunities in Tanzania.

   

  Energy efficiency

  Operators that follow energy efficiency practices, such as solar water heaters and photovoltaic arrays for energy, as well as energy saving light bulbs, and energy efficient equipment. As well as not excessive use of lighting outside.

   

  Child protection

  Operators that ensure that the rights of children are respected and safeguarded. Employing children under the age of 16 is against Tanzanian law, so this should never arise.

   

  Local supplies

  We have a strong preference for operators that purchase and use local products, which are produced based on fair trade and sustainability principles.

   

  Biodiversity care

  Operators that actively seek to limit their negative effect on local and global biodiversity wherever feasible.

  Ensure that no game meat is on the menu, specifically any animals listed on the CITES red list.

   

  Human Wildlife interactions

  We do not support any activity that allows direct human wildlife interactions such as: walking with elephants or lions, handling and feeding wild animals, visiting zoos or ‘sanctuaries’ where wild animals are kept confined for the benefit of tourists. We feel strongly that these experiences are ethically flawed, are often purely for commercial gain and do not take the long-term future and welfare of the animals into consideration.

  We emphatically support the work of organisations working genuinely to rehabilitate animals who have been victims of poaching or human wildlife conflict such as the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary  the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

   

  Emphasis on local cultural & artistic elements

  Camps and lodges that incorporate elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage, making use of local materials, wherever possible.

   

  Community value

  Operators that respect the intellectual property rights of local communities and contribute to the local community in whatever way they can (e.g. sponsoring of local events, donations to local heritage sites).

   

  Stimulating enhanced sustainable practice

   

  Our company aims to implement a long-term strategy to improve the sustainability of regular partner suppliers. Upon request or self-initiative, we will support collaborative initiatives with other tour operators and/or stakeholders to promote sustainability among excursions in our destinations.

   

  Whenever possible, we talk to fellow owners and managers about their current practices and what they could do to follow more sustainable practices (e.g. by visit from our manager or through our guides).

   

  In addition, we may share best practice standards and guidance to our excursion suppliers, including:

  • Information about certification, such as Travelife for Tour Operators
  • Self-evaluation tools
  • Training manuals

   

  Sanctions

  If it is revealed that an excursion supplier acts on unsustainable practices, our company will give them a warning. If that supplier does not amend its practice, our company will end any form of collaboration (informal and contractual) and will blacklist that company from any further association.

  Communication to excursion providers

   

  Our company communicates with excursion suppliers in various ways.

   

  Email

  Our most common communication is via email and phone. Particularly when sending emails, we are able to communicate on some sustainability aspects. We also request a reservation summary with detail of price and booking for checking.

   

  Voucher

  Once our booking is made and confirmed, we request a Proforma to initiate payment. This is done via email with soft copies. We no longer deal with physical documentation with suppliers.

   

  Contract

  We sign contracts with excursion suppliers that we work with on a regular basis. These contracts are Rates Sheets with the supplier Terms and Conditions. This is the standard approach for all DMC here in Tanzania who do not deal in large volume or who do not operate packages or do not place all their business with one supplier.

   

  In-person visit

  When we have the opportunity, we visit the excursion in person and talk to them about how they could improve on their services and become more sustainable. In many instances it is our guides who deliver these messages.

   

  What we communicate

  Our company promotes as a mandatory policy:

  • Child labour
  • Anti-corruption / bribery
  • Waste management
  • Protection of biodiversity

   

  Incentives

  Our company will give preference to working with those excursion suppliers who are able to operate in a sustainable manner, taking responsibility for their impact on environment and society.

   

Contact

If you have any questions about this Sustainability Policy or our approach to responsible business
practices, please contact:

The Managing Director
For any comments, please use the ‘Contact Us’ page on the website.
Address: Box 381, Usa River, Arumeru, Tanzania