Bangladesh small group tour

Planet

Carbon Reduction:

1) One significant aspect of this trip that has been designed to be as eco-friendly as possible is transport. This trip features journeys by boat (2 nights in the mangroves) and by shared vehicle, with much of the day-to-day explorations and tours of sites being done on foot (e.g Sundarbans trails and Nilachel Peak). Though this trip does contain one internal flight, it is necessary in order to reach distant locations on this trip – locations in which we strongly believe the benefits of our responsible tourism outweigh the impact of the flight needed to get there.


2) We endeavour to cut back on plastic waste by asking our clients to bring a re-usable water bottle/canteen. We stress the need to limit air-conditioning and power use wherever possible, and this reflects in our preferences when selecting accommodation.

3) Vegetarian and Vegan nutrition will be offered as an alternative throughout the trip from food grown locally in Bangladesh.


Environment & Wildlife:

1) This trip supports the Lawachara National Park & Nature Reserve. In addition to the significant natural area and biome protected under the park’s status, the park is home to 62 individuals of the endangered western Hoolock gibbon speciies; the largest surviving population in Bangladesh. Parks such as this rely on the support of visitors in their continued running, and ultimately, their ability to continue to protect the important flora, fauna and natural spaces found here.

2) By having a 2-night riverboat cruise through the Sundarbans as a mainstay of the tour, we support efforts to conserve a biomass that might be the world's largest mangrove, but is under continual stress by human population growth.

People

PEOPLE
Local Economy:

1) This trip includes stops in a number of rural locations, including weaving and fishing villages in Tangail and the Sunderbans, the hill tribes of Rangamati, the Khasi and Tripura tribes and the indigenous people of the Marma tribe. Responsible tourism can be a powerful tool, particularly within small communities such as these, and we do our best to ensure that the benefits of our tours reach as widely as possible into these communities through meals, attending workshops, and educating guests about the workings of these places and why their cultures are so important.

2) We are aware that the often ancient ways of life of these groups differs greatly from our own, and we are sensitive to the unique cultures of others. On visits such as these, we rely on knowledgeable local guides to ensure these people endure no negative effects that may occur due to cultural differences, misunderstandings or lack of knowledge. It is important to us that our presence is wholly positive in these and all other communities we visit.

3) None of the accommodation used on this trip is clearly owned by a foreign entity or is a part of a chain which significantly minimises possible economic leakage.

Employment, Inclusivity, and Diversity:

1) As first preference in these and all other locations visited on this trip, we use local guides and drivers who are offered fair wages and working conditions, use locally-sourced supplies, and visit locally-owned accommodations, shops and eateries in order to benefit the people of these communities as directly as possible.

2) This trip also supports many of Bangladesh’s countless cultural and historical sites. From the Mahasthangarh ruins and the Puthia temple complex to the largest Buddhist monastery in Paharpur and Bagerhat’s Muslim city, a UNESCO world heritage site, the economic support that visitors provide is essential. Ultimately, the support of these locations goes towards the vital preservation and proud exhibition of Bangladesh’s rich culture and history, benefitting not only those who visit, but the country itself.