Sustainable Development Policy of the Public Association "Destination Osh"
Our organization cares about people and the environment, so we take a number of actions that help us minimize our negative impact on nature and the communities where our tours take place.
Green Office Policy:
Reduce paper consumption:
- Electronic documents are used routinely. Printing is done only when necessary;
- If printing is required, the printer is set up for double-sided printing
- Tour catalogs are provided electronically;
- Disposable plastic utensils are being phased out. Each employee carries multiple disposable utensils (mugs, cutlery, etc.);
- Reduced use of paper files;
- Cooler provides drinking water in the office (bottle - 20 liters);
- There is an active reduction in the use of disposable goods and goods in disposable packaging (tea bags, etc.);
- Cleaning supplies are purchased in large packaging materials.
Reduce energy consumption:
- In order to save energy, lights are turned off in rooms where there are no employees;
- If the equipment is not needed for use, it is turned off or the equipment is set to default energy saving mode;
- Office lighting is energy efficient;
- Chargers are not left plugged in without the equipment being charged.
In the interest of proper disposal:
- Waste is sorted and then the sorted waste is given for recycling:
- paper, light bulbs, batteries are collected separately;
- glass, plastic - all of it is handed over.
Handle hazardous substances responsibly:
- In office renovations, water-based, lead-free paints are used;
- National legislation on wastewater treatment is followed;
- When selecting office equipment and other electrical appliances, products with the lowest energy consumption are chosen;
- Buying goods only when necessary and in reasonable quantities;
- Purchasing locally produced products and services, including food, beverages (when possible);
We're in favor of nature conservation:
- All national and local laws relating to the environment and conservation are complied with;
- Provided periodic guidance, training and information to all employees on their roles and responsibilities with respect to internal environmental practices, the importance of environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources;
Transportation:
Transportation is an important part of logistics in tourism. The quality of transportation determines the overall impression of the tourist about the tour operator. The safety of the group depends on the professionalism of the driver and the technical condition of the transportation. Transportation is also an important aspect of sustainable tourism, so we do our best to reduce the average level of pollution.
- We comply with all requirements of the KR law (patents, etc.);
- Ensure the safety and technical condition of transportation;
- Check the competence and experience of the driver;
- We monitor the comfort and cleanliness of the vehicles;
- Driving the vehicle only during daytime hours;
- Checking the availability of first aid kit and fire extinguisher and other necessary equipment;
- Choose the size and type of vehicle depending on the size of the group
Food and drink:
Food is an important element of traveling that strongly influences the overall impression of the region visited.
Therefore, to ensure that the food and beverages on our tours are delicious, fresh, sustainable and as representative of our local area and culinary traditions as possible, as well as minimizing waste in the preparation and serving process.
- Cafes and restaurants with which we cooperate are being checked for official legal registration and compliance with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic;
- We try to include the maximum number of national and regional dishes in the menu during the tours, but at the same time we warn tourists about the specific ingredients of our dishes;
- Tourists' preferences in nutrition ( taking into account dietary preferences and allergies) are taken into account;
- Minimize food waste (optimize portion sizes).
- Drinking water is available in reusable bottles or reusable bottled mugs.
- Paper food bags are used for snacks during tours, in the absence of reusable utensils.
Our tours:
Our tours protect the authenticity of communities and the environment and we are strongly opposed to harming wildlife and pollution. We strive to minimize negative impacts on the destination to ensure the sustainable development of the places in which we operate.
- No excursions are offered that are harmful to people, animals, plants, natural resources, or that are socially and culturally inappropriate;
- Legislative norms of protected areas and natural and cultural heritage are respected;
- If possible, we refuse or at least minimize trips to destinations where nature suffers greatly from the negative impact of tourism and monitor the overall load of natural places;
- When traveling to natural areas, refuse single-use plastic, and don't leave trash behind (pick it up and dispose of it safely at designated points);
- Do not promote souvenirs containing endangered species of flora and fauna or historical and archaeological artifacts (except as permitted by law);
- We cooperate with the local administration and other industry representatives, encourage and promote sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate;
- Advise guests on standards of behavior during excursions and activities with a focus on respect for local people and communities, local culture, nature and the environment;
- We do not offer any tours involving captive wildlife except for properly regulated activities in accordance with local, national and international laws;
- Have nothing to do with companies that harvest, consume, exhibit, sell or trade wildlife species unless it is part of a regulated activity that ensures their use is sustainable and complies with local, national and international laws;
- Instruct tourists on how to behave properly with animals to avoid any risks;
- We ensure the safety of both tourists and animals;
- The animals meet veterinary requirements;
- All animals that take part in tours or shows are well-fed, live in good conditions, are treated with care (owners do not beat the animal, do not use spurs and similar things that can harm the creature).
Tour guides and tour leaders:
- Only local people are hired as guides and a fair and safe working environment that supports and respects local communities is provided;
- When hiring guides, legal regulations, decent pay and working conditions are respected;
- All guides and staff have a written contract of employment, and understand the terms and conditions of employment;
- All guides are given specific instructions regarding professional and ethical guest service;
- All guides are familiar with health and safety rules, know first aid and what to do in an emergency;
- Only qualified guides are hired to accompany guests, specifically to sensitive cultural sites or environmentally sensitive locations;
- All our guides and contract employees are informed about the company's sustainability policy, and are trained in the principles of ecological behavior and care for the environment, as well as in human rights and the protection of children's rights.
Customers:
Customer welfare and satisfaction are very important to us
- Quality and truthful information about our products and services is provided;
- Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our customers;
- We care about the health and safety of our guests, so we regularly train our staff on how to act in emergency situations;
- We inform our clients before their arrival about how to prepare for their visit to our country and a specific tour;
- Motivate clients to visit local restaurants and stores and buy local souvenirs, but also warn about illegal souvenirs;
- We systematically evaluate customer satisfaction and take measures to improve services and products, and in case of complaints, we address them and respond quickly.