Excursion Base Sustainability Policy for Manya Africa Tours

Objectives and measurable targets

(Using the base operations as baseline; targets to be refined with baseline data within 6 months)
• Reduce total energy consumption at the base by 30% within 5 years.
• Source 50% of the base’s electricity from on-site or procured renewable sources within 3 years and 80% within 5 years.
• Reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from base operations by 40% in 5 years (against baseline year).
• Achieve 90% diversion of operational waste from landfill within 3 years.
• Reduce potable water use at the base by 25% within 5 years.
• Ensure 100% of new major equipment and 80% of procurement spend meet defined sustainability criteria within 3 years.
• Deliver no-net-loss of key on-site habitats and achieve net biodiversity gain through restoration by 2030 (or within 7 years).
• Ensure all staff and contracted guides complete sustainability induction and role-specific training within 12 months.
• Provide pre-visit sustainability guidance to 100% of booked groups and incorporate an environmental briefing into 100% of excursions.

Commitments and key action areas:
A. Energy and buildings

• Carry out an energy audit within 3 months and implement high-priority efficiency measures (LED lighting, insulation, efficient cooking/heating).
• Install on-site renewable generation (solar PV with battery storage where feasible) and investigate solar water heating and heat pumps.
• Introduce energy management and monitoring to identify savings opportunities.

B. Transport and logistics

• Improve scheduling and route planning to reduce unnecessary trips.
• Prioritise low-emission vehicles for staff and guest transfers when feasible; create a fleet transition plan to hybrid/electric where infrastructure allows.
• Promote shared transfers, organised shuttles and public transport options for guests and encourage staff active travel where safe.

C. Waste management

• Implement a waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, compost and recover.
• Install clear waste segregation stations across the base and eliminate single-use plastics in catering and guest facilities (replace with durable/reusable alternatives).
• Compost organic waste on-site or arrange local composting; work with waste contractors to maximize recycling.

D. Water stewardship

• Fit low-flow taps, showerheads, efficient dishwashing systems and leak detection.
• Implement rainwater harvesting and use for irrigation, cleaning and toilet flushing where appropriate and compliant with health regulations.
• Employ water-wise landscaping with native, drought-tolerant species.

E. Biodiversity and land management

• Protect sensitive habitats and species; map high-value biodiversity areas and restrict visitor access where necessary.
• Adopt best-practice trail design and maintenance to prevent erosion and habitat disturbance.
• Implement invasive species control and a native planting programme; work with local conservation groups.

F. Sustainable procurement and local economic benefit

• Embed environmental and social criteria into procurement processes (durability, recycled content, repairability, local sourcing, ethical labour).
• Prefer local suppliers and labour where quality and cost are comparable to maximise community benefit.
• Reduce packaging through bulk purchasing and refill systems.

G. Visitor management and education

• Provide clear pre-visit guidance and a sustainability briefing on arrival.
• Integrate Leave No Trace and wildlife-sensitive behaviours into excursions and interpretative materials.
• Offer incentives for sustainable guest behavior (e.g., discounts for arriving by shared transfer, reusable bottle availability).

H. Staff engagement and capacity building

• Include sustainability responsibilities in job descriptions, performance targets and team meetings.
• Create a Sustainability Champion role or working group at the base to coordinate action and monitor progress.
• Provide ongoing training and recognitions for sustainable innovations.

I. Community and stakeholder engagement

• Consult with and support neighbouring communities, landowners and conservation organisations.
• Seek partnerships for conservation projects and employ local guides and staff to support the local economy.

J. Risk management and resilience

• Integrate climate and environmental risks into emergency plans (floods, droughts, wildfire risk) and maintain resilient infrastructure and supply chains.

Roles and responsibilities

• Senior Management: approve policy, set targets, allocate budget and review progress annually.
• Base Manager: day-to-day implementation, compliance, staff oversight.
• Sustainability Officer / Working Group: coordinate projects, track KPIs, prepare annual sustainability update.
• Procurement Lead: ensure sustainability criteria applied to purchasing.
• All staff and contractors: follow procedures, participate in training, report issues and suggest improvements.
• Guests and visitors: follow visitor code of conduct and sustainability guidance.

Implementation and short-term action plan (first 12 months)

• Undertake baseline audits for energy, water, waste and transport within 3 months.
• Appoint a Sustainability Champion for the base within 1 month.
• Introduce staff sustainability induction and deliver initial training within 3 months.
• Install waste segregation stations and remove single-use plastics in guest catering within 3 months.
• Replace remaining lighting with LED and implement simple energy efficiency fixes within 6 months.
• Pilot rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses (e.g., irrigation) and start leak detection program within 6 months.
• Develop a procurement checklist with sustainability criteria and require it for all new purchases within 6 months.
• Begin a small-scale native planting and trail-stabilisation project with local partners within 9 months.
• Prepare a 3–5 year costed sustainability action plan, prioritising high-impact, low-cost measures.

Monitoring, reporting and KPIs

The base will track progress against KPIs and report annually. Key performance indicators: • kWh energy used per operational-day and per visitor
• % of electricity from renewable sources (on-site + procured)
• tCO2e emissions (Scope 1 & 2; report significant Scope 3 categories such as transport)
• Waste generated (kg) per visitor and % diverted from landfill/composted
• Litres of potable water used per visitor
• % of procurement spend meeting sustainability criteria
• Hectares of habitat restored or conserved; number of invasive species control actions
• % of staff trained in sustainability and % of guest groups receiving pre-visit guidance.

Communication

• Publish this policy and the action plan on Manya Africa Tours’ website and make a summary available at the excursion base.
• Communicate progress in the annual sustainability update shared with staff, partners and stakeholders.
• Provide clear sustainability information in booking confirmations and on-site signage.

Review and continuous improvement

• The policy and targets will be reviewed at least every 24 months and whenever operational, regulatory or scientific changes require revision.
• Targets will be adjusted based on baseline audits, technological advances and financial feasibility.

Approval

Approved by: _Yvonne Hilgendorf______
Position: ____CEO__________________
Date: ____30.08.2025_______________
Next review date: ____30.08.2026______

Visitor Code of Conduct (summary)

• Arrive prepared with reusable water bottles and appropriate clothing; reduce single-use items.
• Follow marked trails and the guidance of your guide; minimise noise and do not disturb wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife or remove plants, rocks, cultural items or artefacts.
• Take all litter home or use designated disposal points; respect local communities and private land.