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Pioneer Journeys Travel Style
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PIONEER JOURNEYS Development Policy is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. It is implemented on our trips through the following features:
• We employ skilled local people at competitive and fair wage rates, both to aid travelers understanding of local culture and to support national economy and tourist industry. At least 50% of our office staff and 100% of our drivers, guides, accountants and lawyers are native Ecuadorians. We also work together primarily with Ecuadorian suppliers and tour operators.
• Our group leaders facilitate communication of our values to travelers and local communities, educating them in sustainable tourism practices.
• Where possible we use local and community resources.
• Small groups allow travelers to experience cultures first hand, offering greater opportunity for cross-cultural understanding.
• We are committed to putting back into the communities and regions we visit by supporting aid, development and conservation projects in these areas. Examples of that are our commitments to supporting the most respectful Development and Human Rights Ecuadorian Organizations, and our determined support to some Community-Based and Ecological Partners -as Sani Lodge or Kapawi Lodge-.
PIONEER JOURNEYS AND PEAKS OVER POVERTY ARE FIRMLY ASSOCIATED
CLIMBERS FOR A CAUSE
 Peaks Over Poverty is a network of outdoor enthusiasts who organize “climb-a-thons” to promote and fundraise for healthy living and the conservation of mountain resources. Pioneer Journeys is helping fundraising this organization, so by climbing the fantastic volcanoes of Ecuador, you as a climber are also helping the communities that live there.
 Peaks Over Poverty raises funds for grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of rural mountain communities. With the help of Pioneer Journeys we support the communities that work with Groundswell International (a not-for-profit) in the Ecuadorian highlands.
We offers climbers and hikers of all levels a meaningful way to recognize and empower the people who can protect our sacred playground. As adventure tourists, we are often oblivious to the mountains’ keepers. These are the people who surround our journeys: the last village we stop in for trail food and water, the shepherd with his flock who we salute and take home in our cameras, volunteer park guards and guides, and the communities who are forced to leave their homes and live outside the boundaries of a new wildlife reserve or recreation park.
 The FAO reported that nearly 30% of the world’s chronically undernourished live in mountains; this means that 245 million or more rural mountain people are at risk of, or suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
Mountain communities are usually left out from the benefits of society because of their geographic location; they have limited access to basic nutrition, clean water, medical services and education – resulting in extreme poverty. These conditions have been worsened by climate change, which has altered the environmental conditions that communities are already struggling to survive in. For example, erratic rainfall patterns disrupt crop cycles and make populations vulnerable to limited or excessive water supply; this creates more problems such as land infertility or erosion, which are root causes of malnutrition and the destruction of fragile highland ecosystems. Our mountains’ survival depends on responsible tourism and the harmony between its inhabitants and their natural surroundings.
Through Peaks Over Poverty and Pioneer Journeys, participants’ climbs, hikes, treks, and expeditions will raise money for grassroots organizations that are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of mountain communities and the conservation of fragile highland ecosystems. We choose partners who work together with local people to find solutions to poverty and land degradation by using local resources, knowledge and traditional practices. Our partners focus on sustainable development, such as chemical-free agriculture and rain harvesting systems, that require small investments and are based on hands-on learning, which can be easily passed on between families, neighbors, and communities. |
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Pioneer Journeys Development Policy
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We recognize that the tourism industry impacts local communities and the environment we enjoy. As travel operator, we must manage the impacts we create in the way we operate our business.
We are aware that the health of our environment, the wellbeing of our people, the contribution to wealth of local economies and the way PIONEER JOURNEYS does business overall are areas that are intrinsically linked to the success and longevity of our business. Therefore PIONEER JOURNEYS is committed to tackling the issues we face in each of these areas and will work toward sustainable operations by including environmental, social, economic and ethical considerations in our business practices and those of our business associates.
We aim to manage our impacts in the following way:
Our Environmental Responsibility:
• To ensure we are working toward protecting the environment both locally and globally by using resources in an efficient, fair and responsible way.
• To have our trips designed in a way that limits the physical impact on our Ecuadorian destinations so that they may be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Our Social Responsibility:
• To protect human rights within our sphere of influence and ensure that all our people including our staff, travelers, suppliers and local communities as well as other stakeholders who are impacted by our business, are treated with fairness and respect.
• To work with our stakeholders to tackle issues that act as barriers to responsible practices in order to promote a more equity society in Ecuador.
Our Economic Responsibility:
• To ensure our wealth is distributed in a way that is beneficial to our staff, host communities, suppliers, shareholders and other key stakeholders while achieving sustainable growth of Ecuador Expeditions and our associated companies.
Our Governance & Ethical Responsibility:
• To live out our core values, achieve our purpose and work toward our long term vision by being accountable for the impacts that we have on Ecuador and on our planet.
• To have effective systems and good governance in place to help us understand and manage our impacts on society and the environment.
• To work against corruption in all its forms.
We aim to implement this policy by engaging and supporting our staff, shareholders, suppliers, contractors, passengers, business partners and host communities in fulfilling our environmental, social, economic and ethical responsibilities.
Signed:
Javier Albuja Josep Nebot
Founder and CEO Founder and President |
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Pioneer Journeys Travel Guidelines
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| • What can you do as a traveler? |
Basically we ask all our travelers to respect Ecuadorian rules and values. This even means different things in different areas within the country so be as informed as possible about Ecuador before you arrive - try to learn some Spanish and Quechua (if you are planning to go to indigenous areas) and read about the religion, culture, history and economic situation. This certainly will improve your traveling experience. With a little effort on your part you will find yourself coming away with a greater sense of understanding of other cultures and feeling pleased to have left a positive mark on the country you visited.
The following general guidelines are standards of behavior we expect from everyone on an Pioneer Journeys trip. By observing them you will gain the respect of the local people. Why do we have these guidelines? We are guests in Ecuador and are privileged to be able to visit its communities, homes and places of worship. As responsible travelers, we want our type of tourism to be sustainable for the areas we visit, so future travelers can enjoy similar wonderful experiences. |
| • Cultural differences respect |
| Probably things are done differently in Ecuador compared to where you come from, which is why we will love that country! Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. The people of Ecuador are known as wonderful guests and surprisingly kind and pleasant. The traveler who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Patience, courtesy and smiles are virtues that open many doors and will make you to enjoy much more your trip. |
| • Friendships |
Making new Ecuadorian friends will be one of the greatest joys of your travels. Don't expect any special privileges though, as you may be only one of many travelers to the area. Accept and enjoy offers of hospitality when you can. By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life, plus have a very enjoyable time and a few laughs. This is a chance for them to learn about your culture too. Consider ways to reciprocate hospitality as posting back photos. Don't make promises that you can't keep. In indigenous regions don't flaunt your wealth - use discretion with jewelry, cash and techno equipment!
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| • Dress, cameras and video cameras |
Ecuador does not have special dress standards or rules concerning videoing or taking photographs. In big cities as Quito, Cuenca or Guayaqui, one should be more cautious shooting pictures or videoing people. But in general, even in indigenous areas, people and specially children love being photographed. Travelers should avoid paying for the right to take a photo as this has been found to encourage a begging mentality in the locals. Instead, if you do take photos, send back copies through Pioneer Journeys or direct to the people themselves. The locals gain a great buzz from seeing themselves in photos and it encourages a 'sharing' rather than 'taking' attitude towards photography. We will make every effort to distribute them the next time we visit the area. |
| • Environmental awareness |
Pollution and waste management is a huge problem throughout the world. In Ecuador disposal systems are generally inadequate and recycling is limited. Don't be fooled by watching people throwing the rubbish straight out the window! Collect and dispose of at the next town or hotel.
During an expedition many travelers take an extra plastic bag to pick up any rubbish that they see to improve the area and for their own rubbish. In many cultures it is not appropriate to put rubbish in the cooking fire. Rubbish may have to be carried until a suitable disposal opportunity in the next town.
Suggestions while in a natural environment are also very important. We need to make sure our human waste is buried away from waterways. Burying or carrying out used toilet paper is a must. Tampons and sanitary pads must also be taken out of the area and disposed of appropriately. Minimize use of soap or shampoos in rivers and lakes - your group leader will let you know when using soap is unsuitable.
There is little education on environmental awareness in some parts of Ecuador; so many locals are unaware of the implications of littering. Our aim is to educate by example, rather than through lecturing. You will notice that our guides are generally very good on their environmental impact when in national parks and remote areas. Please join in if we have a beach, trail or reef clean-up. |
Shoppint with conscious
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Buy handicrafts and art directly from local makers when you can, rather than from fancy department stores. This may help the maker to obtain a better price. We try to support community cooperatives and disabled handicraft centers.
In Ecuador illegal wildlife trade is a real problem. We ask you not to purchase endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale. Apart from the unethical issue, in many cases wildlife products that are offered for sale in popular tourist locations cannot be taken through customs on your return home. Avoid contributing to illegal or detrimental trade in wildlife by not purchasing wild life products or living species (for instance, sea turtle or iguana products, coral, snake skin, butterfly or bucks specimens, sea shells- which may have been taken from the sea while still inhabited by living animals, wild animal meats on restaurant menus, etc.).
You will have the opportunity to work on your bargaining skills while visiting some indigenous markets. Here are a few pointers to help you on your way:
• Start bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be. This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores;
• The correct price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the seller happy. Therefore there's no 'right' price;
• Be polite, patient, but firm in your bargaining. No-one ever has received a cheaper price through being rude or insensitive;
• Don't appear too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get the price to drop;
• Shop with a friend - buying in bulk will often reduce the price;
• Learn the numbers in Spanish. It will win respect from the seller, and will certainly make the process a lot more interesting;
• Once a price you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal;
• Only say you'll buy something later if you intend to buy later. The sellers usually have amazing memories, and will come hounding you on your promise!;
• It is our policy that group leaders do not receive commissions from vendors for their group's purchases;
• Most importantly, enjoy the experience, and remember you're often only bargaining over only a couple of dollars - keep it in perspective. |
Drugs
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| Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any of our trips and the group leader has the right to expel a member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. It must be understood that possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of Ecuador, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is practiced in some parts of Ecuador, but is not acceptable for Pioneer Journeys travelers or staff. |
Donations and gifts
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| Please do not give money, pens, or sweets to the local people in the communities we visit, as it can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourist and visitor, with tourists being seen as purely 'givers', and it can also strip self esteem away from people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action. Some local villages can be supported by buying their craft work etc. Pens, note books, cloths and other items for children are usually best distributed via a school teacher or community leader. Your group leader would be happy to help distribute these items. From our office in Quito we will be pleased and diligent in distributing to our destinations any gift that our travelers wish to do. |
The right to develop
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| We ask you to remain open minded about development and poverty in local areas, and respect that the local people may wish to develop economically and gain access to material possessions that we take for granted. While this undoubtedly changes villages and makes them less 'unspoilt' for travelers, it is something that we should respect. A role you can play is to share some of the realities of our western culture, which while may be materially rich is often lacking in spiritually and community awareness. |
Be a responsible traveler beyond your trip...
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At Pioneer Journeys part of our travel philosophy is to develop tourism as a two-way means of communication. When you return home we'd like you to think about how you can give something back to Ecuador. You've just spent quite a bit of money on giving yourself a great time by experiencing the variety of Ecuadorian culture and natural territories. Your spending has certainly helped the local and national economy, and now there are other things that can be done to help develop Ecuador. After your trip, you will probably be more aware of the environmental, social, political, economical and cultural problems that some local communities or territories face.
Money is not the only way you can assist, as simply providing your time and/or skills might be as valuable and useful. Things you could do:
• Join a development agency or other group devoted to concerns in Ecuador.
• Become a volunteer and donate time to aid groups in Ecuador.
• Try to become a usual costumer of Fair Trade products and shops run by third world charitable groups. From Ecuador you may find fair trade premium coffee, chocolate, flowers or tropical fruits.
• Become more aware of your own government's policies and how they influence Ecuador and the rest of the developing countries.
• Or just be a more environmentally friendly household and help to use the world's resources more efficiently. |
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Pioneer Journeys Responsible Travel Code of Conduct
The following are our key principles for operating our trips in a 'Responsible' way:
• Use locally owned infrastructure for accommodation and transport where possible.
• Spread the financial benefits amongst local people and operators.
• Provide employment and leadership opportunities for local people, applying competitive salaries.
• Respect local customs and culture.
• Provide safe trips for our staff and travelers.
• Educate travelers and our operators about how and why we choose to travel this way.
• Limit the negative impacts to daily lifestyles of local people.
• Limit the physical impact of trips in all destinations and in particular in sensitive natural and cultural environments.
• Provide support to visited organizations and local communities.
• Provide fun enjoyable trips to our travelers.
• Provide the best possible service to Pioneer Journeys travelers and staff.
• Provide opportunities for travelers to interact with local people.
• Actively ban leader and passenger participation in or endorsement of illegal drug use or illegal wild life trade on Pioneer Journeys trips.
• Use local operators that adhere to the Pioneer Journeys Responsible Travel Philosophy.
• Work to prevent the exploitation of children in tourism.
• Support and encourage fair employment practices.
• Give our travelers the best possible value.
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Travel Responsability
