Sustainability Policy of Ecotrek NGO

We promote ecotourism while creating a client-oriented service through continuous training and professional development of trekking staff.

As one of the organizations in Kyrgyzstan engaged in and contributing to tourism activities in our country, we bear an inherent responsibility for the sustainable development of tourism.

We create a customer-focused service that meets the needs and expectations of both tourists and the local population. Sustainable tourism in Central Asia implies the possibility of establishing long-term conditions for the development of tourism itself, as well as the preservation of rich natural resources alongside the diverse social and cultural values of local communities.
Our ultimate goal is to achieve a higher standard of living for the local population by supporting their economic growth and preserving environmental assets and natural capital for future generations.

Our Goal and Sustainable Development Policy Focus On:

1. Purposeful Actions to Minimize Human Impact on the Environment

• Actively reduce the use of disposable and consumer goods

• Support the purchase of eco-friendly products and services, office supplies, catering services, and free promotional items

• Purchase in bulk to reduce packaging waste

• Set all copiers and printers to default to double-sided or paper-saving modes

• Use cleaning products that are non-hazardous, non-eutrophic, biodegradable, and ecolabelled where locally available

• Choose green energy and energy-efficient lighting where possible

• Minimize printed advertising materials and shift towards digital, non-resource-based promotions

• Turn off lights and equipment when not in use, use timers or motion sensors, and enable energy-saving modes by default

• Prefer low-energy equipment when making new purchases, balancing cost and quality

• Comply with national waste disposal regulations

• Reduce packaging and avoid using non-recyclable or non-biodegradable materials

• Reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles and disposable utensils in offices and tours

• Separate all recyclable materials and ensure proper collection and disposal

• Avoid harmful or hazardous products; prioritize eco-friendly alternatives

• Use food items with sustainable (preferably reusable) packaging such as refillable bottles and paper/cardboard containers

• Dispose of batteries responsibly

• Use water-based, lead-free paints for interiors and exteriors, where available

• Reduce transport impact by using remote work, tele/video meetings, and home office policies

• Provide regular guidance, training, and/or information to employees on their environmental responsibilities

• Respect land use, zoning, and heritage site regulations in planning, design, construction, renovation, operation, or demolition

• Support and preserve local historic, archaeological, cultural, and spiritual sites and ensure local communities retain access to them

2. Conscious Management of Sustainable Development and Compliance with Legal Standards

• A sustainability coordinator is appointed within our organization to oversee the development of sustainable tourism in all its forms

• All plans and initiatives are developed and monitored by this coordinator

• A sustainability mission statement is communicated to clients, partners, and suppliers

• A written and accessible sustainability policy is in place to reduce the negative social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of our activities, including employee health and safety

• We actively participate in external forums and working groups supporting tourism sustainability

• We maintain a sustainability action plan with clear goals, measures, responsibilities, and timelines

• We ensure transparency in sustainability efforts through public reporting and open communication

• All employees are made fully aware of our sustainability policy and are encouraged to implement and improve it

• Employees are free to enter or terminate employment contracts with reasonable notice (ideally one month) and without penalties

• Employment terms comply with national labor laws and include a job description

• Wages are stated in contracts and meet or exceed the legal minimum

• Overtime is pre-agreed and compensated accordingly

• Health and liability insurance is provided in line with national laws

• Employees are entitled to fixed annual paid leave, sick leave, and unpaid leave

• First-aid kits and trained personnel are available at appropriate locations

• We comply with the national minimum employment age

• Effective, documented procedures allow employees to raise concerns and expectations

• A clear disciplinary process is in place and communicated to staff

• We provide internship/apprenticeship opportunities for students

• We support employment opportunities for people with special needs

3. Positive Collaboration with Partners

• We maintain regular contact with partners, attend forums, and participate in training seminars to stay up-to-date on tourism trends, respond to innovations, and keep partners and clients informed

• We prefer to work with organizations that genuinely incorporate sustainability in their tourism policies

• We prioritize accommodations that benefit local communities and align with fair staff social policies

• We raise sustainability awareness among key partners via (online) campaigns and training sessions

• We inform partners about Travelife and national tourism sustainability standards

• We regularly assess partners’ sustainability practices to ensure they are genuinely sustainable

• We communicate our sustainability policy to key partners and encourage them to adopt or share it with their clients

• Sustainability clauses are included in all contracts with incoming/outbound partners

• We encourage participation of incoming partners in sustainable tourism training

• We maintain written agreements with partner agencies

• Contracts allow termination if partners fail to take appropriate action to prevent child sexual exploitation in the supply chain

• Partner companies must comply with national labor protection laws

4. Selection and Use of Sustainable Transportation

• We choose the most environmentally friendly transport options, balancing cost and comfort, including public transport to departure points for long-distance travel

• We prioritize sustainable options when selecting transfer and excursion vehicles, based on price, comfort, and feasibility

• We integrate and promote eco-friendly vacation packages that include sustainable transport, accommodation, and activities, based on recognized methodologies

5. Accommodation Selection

• We select accommodations that meet sustainability and quality standards, focusing on:

  • Do they have a signed sustainability agreement?

  • Do they have water and energy-saving programs?

  • Do they have waste management systems and sustainable supply chains?

  • Do they have child protection policies and CSR programs?

  • Do they train staff on health and safety?

• We prioritize locally owned and managed accommodations

• We prefer accommodations that employ local communities

• Accommodations are required to sign sustainability appendices

• We clearly communicate our sustainability goals and requirements in contracts and agreements

• We favor properties with internationally recognized certifications (e.g., GSTC, Travelife)

• We include sustainability clauses in contracts focusing on child labor, corruption, waste, and biodiversity protection

• We offer incentives to accommodations that actively promote sustainability

• Child rights must be respected and protected throughout our supply chain

• Contracts include zero-tolerance clauses for child sexual exploitation

• The company reserves the right to terminate agreements with accommodations that fail to prevent such exploitation

• We partner with accommodations and restaurants that feature local art, architecture, or cultural heritage, respecting local IP rights

• We terminate cooperation with properties that endanger essential services (food, water, energy, healthcare, or land) for nearby communities

6. Sustainable excursion and activity programs

• Availability of a list of excursions that take into account the ecological or cultural characteristics of each destination;

• Advising guests on standards of conduct during excursions and activities, with an emphasis on respecting local culture, nature, and the environment;

• Communicating our sustainability goals and requirements to contracted and other relevant excursion providers by disseminating this information through a code of conduct, representative agents, social media, email, discussions, and/or meetings in order to minimize negative impact on visitors and maximize enjoyment;

• Not offering excursions that harm people, animals, plants, natural resources such as water and energy, or that are socially and culturally inappropriate;

• Not offering any excursions involving wild animals in captivity, except for properly regulated activities in accordance with local, national, and international legislation;

• Not being associated with companies involved in the extraction, consumption, exhibition, sale, or trade of wild animal and plant species, except in cases where such activity is regulated and ensures sustainable use in compliance with local, national, and international laws;

• Providing qualified and/or certified guides to accompany our guests to culturally sensitive sites, heritage locations, or environmentally sensitive destinations;

• Promoting and advising our guests on excursions and activities that directly involve and support local communities by purchasing services or goods, traditional crafts, and local (food) production methods, or by visiting social projects;

• Promoting and advising our guests on excursions and activities that support the local environment and biodiversity, such as visiting protected areas or participating in environmental conservation projects.