The aim of the Zendmen Travel Mongolia (“ZTM”) Sustainable Tourism Policy is to ensure that all the activities are carried out responsibly without causing any negative impacts to the environment, cultures and socio-economic of the areas where we operate. 

All the excursions led by ZTM, including all parties involved, must adhere strictly to the policy and guidelines set forth in this document.

The four pillars of ZTM’s Sustainable Tourism Policy are:

  1. Environmental
  2. Social
  3. Cultural
  4. Economic

Our commitment to sustainable tourism are reflected in our actions as follows:

  1. Environmental
    1. Pollution Prevention:
      • Vehicles with efficient fuel consumption and low carbon emission will be the primary consideration as the mode of transportation on all excursions as well as staff related travel
      • All ZTM representatives (such as drivers and guides) are to receive training on sustainability prior to the tourist season. A refresher training to all representatives will be provided before setting off on a trip
      • Non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning chemicals and solutions must be used. In addition, these cleaning agents shall not be used directly in all water bodies such as rivers, hot springs and lakes
      • All camping activities will be at least 50 metres away from any water sources
      • ZTM’s representatives and clients must protect all water sources from any form of pollution at all times
      • ZTM imposes a strict no littering policy
    2. Waste Management:
      • ZTM actively seeks to minimise waste generation during all excursions.
      • Biodegradable litter bags will be used at all campsites and inside the vehicles at all times
      • The disposal of non-recyclable wastes must be carried out that is least harmful to the environment
      • Loose local fresh produce will take priority over packaged ones
      • Buy what are needed (and not over-buy) to eliminate unnecessary wastage
      • No disposable kitchen and dining wares will be used; only reusable ones allowed
    3. Recycling:
      • During excursion, recyclable waste must be segregated from other non-recyclable ones. This applies to office operations as well.
      • Re-usable bags shall be used during grocery shopping
      • Plastic bags, PET bottles, aluminum cans, if any, must be recycled
    4. Reducing our footprints:
      • Reduce carbon footprint through careful planning of itineraries
      • Measure and record all the waste generated during excursions as well as office operations, and aim to reduce waste by 5% annually
      • Electricity consumption will be monitored monthly with the aim to reduce consumption by 2% annually
    5. Public Awareness:
      • ZTM shall not offer any activities that harm humans, animals, plants, natural resources
      • Potential negative impacts must be assessed before organising any activity
      • Clients will be carefully briefed on the dos and don’ts prior to carry out any activity or reaching a destination
    6. Animal Welfare:
      • ZTM shall have zero tolerance towards animals cruelty
      • Any form of unacceptable treatment towards animals will be reported to relevant authorities. ZTM’s representatives will intervene, if necessary
      • The wellbeing of domesticated animals should not be hindered during the excursions
    7. Contribution to the Conservations of Biodiversity:
      • ZTM shall not offer excursions and/or attractions in which captive wildlife is held, except for properly regulated activities that comply with Mongolia national law
      • Wildlife must not be harvested, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded, except as part of a regulated activity that is in compliance with local, national and international laws
      • No hunting excursions will be carried out
      • Excursions with up-close interactions with wildlife (provided that these activities do not lead to any adverse effects on the viability and behaviour of these animals) can be carried out responsibly and cautiously
      • Any disturbance of natural ecosystems must be minimised.
  2. Social
    1. Human Rights:
      • ZTM has zero tolerance over any forms of abuse, violence, harassment, bullying and child exploitation. Any signs of these faults should be taken under notice immediately, and relevant responses must be carried
      • ZTM will not encourage any visits to orphanages unless they are deemed necessary and ethical
    2. Employment condition
      • ZTM ought to provide equal opportunity to everyone during recruitment. Candidates will not be discriminated based on gender, race, age, disability, ethnicity, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation and conditions of employment.
      • Employees should be provided with the same employment condition and equal access to training and career advancement
      • Child labour, under the age of sixteen, is strictly forbidden
    3. Contribution to poverty reduction
      • When employing staff or selecting business partners, ZTM supports the economically vulnerable group and prioritising those who are in need
      • Service provided by the local/rural providers shall be valued the same standards as that of big cities/Ulaanbaatar
    4. ZTM shall not offer or encourage clients to travel to destinations whereby tourism leads to negative effects on biodiversity, waste, sanitation, human rights, healthcare, water, energy and food availability. The potential impacts, and the control measures, are assessed and proposed in advance
  3. Cultural issues 
    1. Preservation of traditional way of life:
      • Clients should be guided by skilled and/or certified representatives in sensitive cultural sites (e.g. nomadic communities, reindeer herders, Kazakh ethnic group) and ecologically sensitive destinations
      • Clients should respect all local customs, and acknowledge the dos and don’ts through Code of Conduct
    2. Conservation and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage:
      • ZTM holds no tolerance towards illegal trade of cultural heritage
      • ZTM continues to raise public awareness of ethical travel behaviour
  4. Economic issues 
    1.  Procurement:
      • During sourcing, sustainable varieties (e.g. locally produced, locally recyclable packaging, fair trade, organic, low carbon footprint, eco-labelled, FSC labelled) should be given top priority
    2. Fair payment for employees, business partners and service providers:
      • Salary should be discussed and agreed by both parties. Performance-based incentives will be provided as bonus to the employees
      • Business partners and service providers must adhere to the service agreements and/or contracts. Mutual respect must be observed
    3. The economic well-being of the host communities:
      • The economic well-being of the host communities should be paid attention to
      • At the same time, the negative impact of tourism on the lifestyle of the host community should be minimised

For questions and remarks related to our sustainability policies, please contact us at info@zendmentravel.com