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As a member of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), we are committed to the following principles of ecotourism, and ask you, our visitors, to do likewise:
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I. Conserve Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage |
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Do not trample high altitude vegetation, do not pick any flowers or medicinal plants · |
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Do not disturb wildlife or its habitat · |
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Do not allow clients to purchase endangered animal parts or antique cultural artifacts |
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2. Avoid use of fuelwood – use alternative fuels · |
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Use kerosene, LPG or other non-wood fuel for all cooking, heating and lighting, including that used by staff and porters
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Discourage campfires, encourage camp fun · |
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Follow safety rules when carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas |
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3. Leave all camps and trails clean · |
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Separate and properly dispose of litter burn burnable, bury biodegradable, and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials for deposit at designated trash sites or for recycling ·
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Use toilet tents on all treks, set up and used in an environmentally sound manner so as to avoid pollution of water sources (at least 100m away) · |
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Use established campsites and kitchen sites and avoid trenching around tents |
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4. Practice conservation · |
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Avoid high fuel-consumptive menu items e.g. baked foods and large menu selections · |
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Repackage food into re-usable containers to reduce waste · |
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Reduce waste by depacking and repacking |
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5. Practice proper hygiene and sanitation |
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Teach all staff about personal hygiene, sanitation, kitchen and camp routines · |
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Properly treat the drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients · |
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Dispose of washing water well away from streams, and use biodegradable soaps |
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6. Take responsibility for staff and porter welfare |
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Provide adequate warm clothing, sleeping cover, shoes, snow gear, food for cooking, stoves and fuel, and take care of hired staff ·
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Periodically train staff in first aid, guide responsibilities, sanitation, ete. |
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7. Properly brief clients before leaving on a trek |
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Address cultural “do’s” and “don’ts”, environmentally friendly behaviour, safety precautions, proper dress and respect for local beliefs, peoples and religious sites ·
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Plan days for proper altitude acclimatisation when ascending, know how to identify and treat high altitude illness and how to provide emergency rescue
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