Planet
By traveling responsibly, and in partnership with our global suppliers, we continually search for – and identify – opportunities to reduce our environmental impact worldwide, such as our small group experiences. We support renewable energy projects and carbon offset programs, promote waste reduction and develop recycling initiatives to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); adopted by all United Nations Member States, they aim to address global challenges and achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. We are aligning our efforts with this framework of UN goals as sustainable travel protects our planet, preserves cultural heritage, and supports communities.
Our Sustainable Development Goals for the Planet emphasize minimizing our environmental footprint. We seek innovative ways to conserve energy, reduce emissions, and protect ecosystems. By supporting green technologies, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and engaging in global conservation initiatives, we aim to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
Scylla, our riverboat partner
Scylla's mission is two-fold – to take care of guests and crew (through multiple programs to support their staff both on land and water) and to protect the environment. Regular hull cleaning ensures low water resistance while sailing and a cleaner-burning diesel fuel for direct emission reduction. Reusable water bottles help the environment; new water filters and systems ensure that untreated wastewater doesn't enter the rivers, and Scylla has utilized LED technology in addition to installing solar panels.
Learn more about ScyllaSan Blas Islands
Country: Panama
Project: Beach cleanup
Led by our Tauck Directors, Tauck guests make a difference in Panama when they have an opportunity to participate in a beach clean-up on the San Blas Islands. A significant amount of trash washes up on the islands daily – in particular plastics, which have a negative effect on the islands. With the assistance of our Ponant crew, the trash is transported for safe disposal.
Galápagos Conservancy
Country: Ecuador
Project: Rewilding expedition in the Galápagos Islands
In partnership with the Galápagos Conservancy, and as part of our commitment to protecting and preserving our planet and fragile ecosystems, Tauck is the first company to underwrite a research and rewilding expedition in the Galápagos Islands to help restore the populations of native tortoises. Driven to extinction on some islands, and on the brink of extinction on others, today only 10% of the original population remains. They are critical to the fragile ecosystems in the Galápagos, and Tauck is committed to helping restore the populations of these once thriving animals.
Learn more about the the Galápagos ConservancyPonant & Sustainability at Sea
Ponant, our longstanding cruise partner, is a leader in sustainable tourism. They've launched a "Zero Single-Use Plastic" policy; reduced CO2 emissions as part of their zero emissions ambition; and upgraded their ships to include new equipment for waste management. Ponant earned Green Globe certification meeting 44 criteria – and their support for scientific research includes welcoming more than 100 scientists aboard Le Commandant Charcot last year with a focus on protecting marine ecosystems.
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Country: Zimbabwe
Project: Rescue and Rehabilitation Program
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife that have been injured or orphaned due to human interference (a large percentage of rescue cases are wildlife that have been trapped in wire snares by poachers). Their mission is to actively advance and promote environmental conservation and the sustainable use of indigenous resources in Southern Africa. Their vision: local and international communities across Southern Africa working together through effective management, to ensure natural ecosystems are sustained to the benefit of all.
Rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife has been at the core of the the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust since it was established: "... we are called in on cases where wildlife have been injured or orphaned due to human interference and we will assist in looking after that animal. Where wildlife need veterinary or high-care beyond what we can provide in the field, we will bring it into our wildlife High Care Rehabilitation Facility until it is recovered and can be released safely into the wild."
Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust
Country: New Zealand
Project: Supporting the conservation and protection of endangered native bird species along the Dart River
Tauck is supporting the conservation and protection efforts of Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust who trap introduced predators to stop them from killing New Zealand's native wildlife in the Glenorchy area. They also monitor species in this region by carrying out annual bird surveys and regular five minute bird counts. Throughout New Zealand, many of the native bird species are at risk of extinction due to non-native predators, which threaten local ecosystems.
Learn more