To coincide with Earth Day on the 22nd April 2019, South America specialists, Chimu Adventures, highlight their favourite sustainability initiatives in South America which contribute positively both environmentally and culturally.
One of Chimu’s unique selling points is that they work with their own DMC’s in South America. This ensures their standard of client service and ethics are maintained throughout all operations in the continent. Examples of their DMC’s sustainability efforts are outlined below.
In March 2019, Chimu Brazil contracted a car leasing company for their Rio transfers which have just imported Brazil’s first electric cars. Not manufactured in country, heavy importation taxes mean each vehicle costs approximately US$75k. This is, therefore, is a major step towards sustainable transport in Rio. Chimu Brazil also work with Amazon river boat, the MV Tucano, which now uses electric motors for its small craft excursions. This cuts emissions and noise pollution in the river and jungle which, ultimately, results in a better wildlife experience for guests.
Chimu Ecuador is partners with Ecuadorian Amazon ecolodge, Hakuna Matata, which protects over 100 hectares of forest. The area has been recovered, starting with paddocks that are now secondary forest and will eventually be primary forest. The lodge promotes respect for the indigenous cultures and their ancestral knowledge of the rainforest through employment and collaboration opportunities. Hakuna Matata is currently financed by its partners and depends on this funding to continue.
South America has an ancient heritage like no other and Chimu Peru wants to show visitors this through eco and community tourism projects such as Land of the Yachaqs in the Sacred Valley. This project highlights Incan culture through traditional activities such as textile art, agritourism, gastronomy, ceramics, traditional medicine, handicrafts, ceremonies and rituals, as well as treks through the Andes which connects guests to the historic land.
Chimu co-founder, Chad Carey, says: “I am immensely proud of the sustainability ethics of our Latin America operations. This isn’t a new thing for us, sustainability was always front of mind when we started the business 15 years ago, and it is something we want to continue with more than ever in 2019. This year, we will continue to check how our products, including hotels, measure up in terms of sustainability and this will be used as selection criteria.”
The first Earth Day launched on April 22nd 1970. Its purpose was to activate and educate the environmental movement worldwide; stimulating awareness of air, water and soil pollution. Events such as conferences and outdoor activities are held on this day annually to demonstrate environmental protection.
By highlighting the ongoing efforts of their suppliers in the sustainability field, Chimu hope to show potential clients the reciprocal benefits of travelling with an environmentally and socially conscious tour operator to both the traveller and the people and places they visit.
Chimu’s Destination Specialists have travelled Latin America extensively so can organise bespoke itineraries to suit all tastes and budgets. See www.chimuadventures.com
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