Making conscious choices

How it's done at Conscious Explorer

At Conscious Explorer, we believe that ethical travel can transform the world. Our philosophy is rooted in high ethical standards, conservation, and community support. We are dedicated to partnering with organizations that share our commitment to making the planet healthier and educating people about nature and wildlife.

Our philosophy

At Conscious Explorer, we believe in the transformative power of travel to foster a deeper connection with nature and wildlife. Our philosophy is rooted in a commitment to ethical travel, environmental stewardship, and education. We aim to create a positive impact on the planet while offering enriching experiences that inspire and inform.

Discover how we strive to build a community that empowers each other and fosters positive change in the conscious tourism industry. Join us as we pave the way for a more mindful and conscious travel experience.

Approaches for creating partnerships

• Environmental Stewardship: We prioritize eco-friendly practices, focussing on innovative approaches, exchanging ideas and actively participating in conservation efforts.
• Education and Awareness: We strive to educate travelers about the importance of wildlife and habitat preservation, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for nature and how to support keeping the balance of our ecosystems.
• Community Empowerment: We support local communities by partnering with organizations that promote sustainable, longterm development and respect cultural heritage.
• Quality and Integrity: We maintain high standards of service, ensuring that all experiences are following respectful approaches, and offer enriching experiences.
• Transparency in the tourism industry: We advocate for clear, honest reporting and practices within the tourism industry, ensuring travelers can make informed, ethical choices.

Criteria for partners

#1 Quality Customer Service: Partners must provide exceptional and reliable service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.

#2 Environmental Protection: We prioritize partners committed to conservation, employing eco-friendly practices, and contributing to wildlife protection efforts.

#3 No-Touch Policies: In wildlife interactions, we uphold strict no-touch policies except in the case of animal rescue actions to respect and protect animal welfare.

#4 Community Support: Partners should engage in activities that benefit local communities, from economic support to cultural preservation.

#5 Fair Trade Practices: Partners should adhere to fair trade principles, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment for all employees and local suppliers.

#6 Animal Welfare Standards: Beyond no-touch policies, partners should follow comprehensive animal welfare guidelines, such as those outlined by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or World Animal Protection.

#7 Resource Efficiency: Partners should demonstrate resource efficiency in their operations, including water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling programs.

#8 Transparency and Accountability: Partners should maintain transparency in their operations, including clear reporting on their environmental and social impact, and be accountable for their sustainability commitments.

#9 Innovation and Sustainability: Partners should be innovative in their approach to sustainability, incorporating new technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact and enhance conservation efforts.

#10 Emergency Preparedness: Partners should have robust emergency preparedness and response plans to protect travelers, staff, and the environment in case of natural disasters or other emergencies.

Selection process of partners

Choosing the right partners is crucial to our mission. While we are not a certification body and do not formally evaluate partners, we strive to align with organizations that share our commitment to ethical travel and conservation. We start by understanding their goals and assessing the tangible impact of their work on environmental protection and community support. We review their projects and sustainable practices and consider their alignment with our values.

We prioritize partners who employ eco-friendly practices, minimize their carbon footprint, and adhere to no-touch policies for wildlife interactions to protect animal welfare. Additionally, we seek partners who actively support local communities through economic support, cultural preservation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Collaboration with certification bodies

We also support and collaborate with existing certification bodies, utilizing their frameworks to guide our partnerships. By aligning with recognized standards and certifications, we ensure that our partners meet high levels of sustainability and ethical practices. This collaboration helps us maintain credibility and trustworthiness in our efforts to promote conscious travel.

Continuous feedback from travelers and partners is gathered to refine our collaborations, ensuring prompt issue resolution and enhanced impact. We value transparency and expect clear, honest reporting from our partners, building trust and ensuring aligned goals. By adhering to these criteria, our partnerships are based on shared values, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Creating a community

Together with all curious and conscious travellers and our constantly growing network of travel partners and NGOs, we want to build a strong community that inspires each other and takes the next steps towards conscious and responsible travel together.

Join us in our mission to promote ethical travel and environmental stewardship. Explore our partners, get involved, and help us build a community dedicated to making the world a better place. Together, we can make a difference.

Would you like to become part of the Conscious Explorer Community? Then get in touch with us.