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Guidelines for Responsible Travel

Nomadic Tuareg family on the move, Niger/Mali border

Travel in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people; travel to meet, not conquer.
Reflect daily on your experiences; seek to deepen your understanding. "What enriches you may rob or violate others."
Be environmentally friendly; use energy, water and other resources efficiently and in keeping with local practices. Only bring necessary technological gadgetry. Participate in local recycling programs where available. Try not to bring into the country any containers that you don't plan to take out.
Don't create barriers; take advantage of opportunities to walk, bicycle and use other forms of non-motorized transport.
Acquaint yourself with the local customs. Be culturally sensitive, especially with photography; people will be happy to help you.
Realize that the people in the area you visit often have time concepts and thought patterns different from your own; not inferior, just different.
Be economically beneficial. Spend money so that it stays in the community. When buying, remember that a bargain may be obtained be- cause of low wages paid to the producer. Don't purchase products made from endangered species.
Cultivate the habit of listening and observing, rather than merely hearing and looking. Discover the enrichment that comes from seeing another way of life.

OUR CODE:

Egadey, our favorite camel, Bagzane Mtns., northern Niger

Observe, but do not disturb, natural systems
Move cautiously and quietly in natural areas. Do not collect natural souvenirs. Do not use recordings, decoys, or loud noises to attract birds or wildlife. Observe all locally established rules and regulations for conduct in protected areas.
Minimize your impact on the environment
Leave no litter. Bring and use biodegradable soaps and detergents. Remove packaging from items before leaving home. Conserve water. Do not distribute nondegradable, breakable gifts or items in nondegradable packaging. Do not buy or consume animal or plant products harvested from unmanaged wild populations. Accept that campfires are inappropriate in areas where wood is scarce.
Act directly to accomplish conservation and community development.
Pick up litter left by others. Join local conservation organizations in countries that you visit. Make donations to schools, churches, museums, community groups. Attend village dances and cultural pageants. Discuss conservation with local students and teachers. Become an advocate for sustainable use of the natural environments you visit. Tell your guides and the DREAMWEAVERS staff about improvements we can make in our programs to positively effect nature and culture conservation. Do not patronize accommodations, organizations, vendors, operators, villages, or individuals who consciously violate environmental regulations or principles.

Respect local cultures.

Rumsiki family compound, le Grand Nord, Cameroon

Employ local residents as guides. Learn the names of your staff and a little of the local language. Learn proper local etiquette. Evaluate requests for gifts carefully. Provide a balanced view of Western material culture. Take photographs within the guidelines suggested by your guide. Do not drive an excessively hard bargain. Purchase souvenirs close to their point of origin or from the original makers. Dress neatly and conservatively in your own cultural tradition. Listen and learn; do not preach or criticize cultural practices. Do not rely on remote or small local markets or village food supplies to outfit your trip. You can cause inflation and food shortages. Determine from your guide the most culturally appropriate way to reciprocate for local hospitality.