Responsible Travel
Globalteer is dedicated to a style of travel that culturally, socially and environmentally responsible. We wish the impact of our volunteers to be nothing but positive to the communities visited. Every country has a specific cultural uniqueness which can be very different from what we are used to.
This is a general guide for responsible travel which is replaced by a country specific guide once volunteers are accepted to a placement.
The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
“Responsible Tourism" is tourism which:
- minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
- improves working conditions and access to the industry
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
- provides access for physically challenged people
- is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
Economic Responsibility
83% of the total resources expended by Globalteer went directly to support the projects and charitable activities.
All of our staffed offices and employees are based overseas in the countries where we work.
Environmental Responsibility
Globalteer use environmentally friendly transportation in the countries where we work. We provide free bicycles for volunteers and staff to use, where this is not possible we show volunteers how to use the local public transport system.
A moveable classroom has been designed in Cambodia to allow a quick, cheap and environmentally friendly option for all NGO’s to use. This includes rain water recycling, solar technology, natural air flow (no air con or fans) and water pumps. Bamboo or other fast growing sustainable products are used where possible. Wood is recycled and new wood is rarely used in buildings.
Solar lighting systems have been provided to NGO's to reduce the use of electricity and fuel generators.
Globalteer recycle and assess our energy use in offices, projects and accommodation.
We use local businesses and suppliers.
Social Responsibility
Globalteer provide pre departure orientation to volunteers to prepare them in their cultural exchange.
Initial and ongoing training is provided to volunteers to help them understand the cultural difference experienced once in country.
Below is a general guide to volunteers on how to travel responsibly.
Basics
A smile will go a long way! No matter where you go in the world, a smile is a universally recognised sign of friendship.
Learn a little of the local language, using just the simple words such as "hello" and "thank you" will earn you respect from your hosts.
Accept and embrace the differences you encounter.
Etiquette
Be respectful to the beliefs of your hosts, whether it be religious, the love of their king or their political standing. You may wish to learn about these differences and you can be sure they will wish to learn from you.
Use the locals as your fashion guide. Some cultures are very conservative and are careful about covering up certain parts of their bodies, they find the very liberal attitude of some foreigners quite embarrassing.
Body language
Learn how to greet someone in the country you visit. It may be a hand shake, a bow or even a kiss! The greeting is important in all cultures but your hosts usually understand and respect our customs in return. Some cultures are very physical in their mannerisms, with hugs and kissing the norm between people whilst, in other cultures any form of physical contact is taboo. Your country specific guide will explain the body language customs in the country that you are visiting.
Western Time
In the Western world we are very hung up on time, with our meetings and schedules. Most other cultures do not stress over time and it is not uncommon for things to happen later than arranged. Just go with the flow and forget stress, it’s better for you anyway!
Photos
Always ask permission before taking someone’s photograph. Children will be very, very interested to see their image on your digital camera and will rush to see after the photo is taken.
Beggars and hawkers
Try to be courteous to hawkers selling gifts to tourists, a polite "no thank you" and a smile is usually all that is needed to be left alone. Don’t forget that they are very poor and just trying to make a living, and sometimes you may wish to pick up a bargain from them.
Begging is an unsustainable activity. People do not wish to be beggars but have been forced into the situation by the poverty of their country. We strongly recommend that you do not give anything to beggars out of guilt. By being a volunteer in their country and supporting Globalteer and it's partner projects, you are already helping provide a sustainable future.
Giving sweets to children who have no access to tooth paste or brushes causes major problems when you consider they have no access to dental care. Giving money to children makes them spend more time begging and prevents them from going to school, when they become older and "less cute" they earn less money and have no education or possibility of employment.
Do not but products made from endangered species or hard wood.
Litter
The streets are often dirty as there are limited rubbish bins provided. Please do not throw your litter in the street or countryside just because they are already dirty, take all rubbish with you until you can dispose of it properly. An old camera film case is a handy tool to carry to dispose of cigarette butts instead of throwing them in the street.
Travel
For international journey's, look for the lowest carbon usage options. This may mean direct flights, using trains or overland journeys where possible. Rather than travel overseas many times a year for short periods, think about travelling fewer times for long periods.
Once in country, consider using low energy use transportation. At some projects, Globalteer provide free bicycles for volunteers to use. Where this is not possible we show volunteers how to use the local public transport system.
Energy use
Once in country, please be aware of your energy use. Tourists visiting a developing country can use considerably more energy in their day to day activities than the locals use. These are precious local resources. Be aware of the amount of water you use, this is a vital resource in any culture and can have a devastating impact on communities when water resources are directed to tourism and away from local communities.
Globalteer's policy is that the volunteers will not replace local employment but the donations supplied will pay for local support staff and permanent employment at the projects. Our projects source from local suppliers and employ local staff to assist in the development of the community as well as the project. The majority of the donation from volunteers goes directly to support the project. The project uses the volunteers donations to ensure their continual existence and to expand the amazing contribution they provide.