IMEC Information

About IMEC
Our Publications
IMEC in the News
Who We Are

 
Membership
 

Membership Information
Join IMEC

 
IMEC Projects
 

Porter Assistance Project
Project Sponsors
Assisting Mountain Cultures

 
IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel
  About the Partnership
Current Partners

Partner Treks
 
Volunteer Opportunities
 

How You Can Help IMEC
Nepal Volunteer Handbook

Kilimanjaro Volunteer Handbook

 
Mountain Information
Books and Maps
Mountain FAQs
Mountain Links

Current Travel Advisory info
 

 

IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel

 



THE IMEC PARTNERSHIP FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

The International Mountain Explorers Connection created the Partnership for Responsible Travel Program to recognize those tour operators committed to promoting proper porter treatment and cultural and environmental sensitivity among their clients. IMEC's local Projects in Moshi and Kathmandu monitor company performance to ensure that Partners abide by IMEC's Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment.


IMEC's Monitoring Methods

  • Examination of local company's performance through climber surveys, porter questionnaires, and observations on mountain
  • Review of Company's Climber briefing materials and tipping procedure to ensure fair distribution of tips

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR PROPER PORTER TREATMENT ON KILIMANJARO

 Wages - KINAPA recommends 6,000Tsh/day for the Marangu route and 8,000Tsh/day for all other camping routes.

 Loads should not exceed 25 kilos Porter carries 20 kilos for the company and 5 kilos of their own gear.

 Porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them – A transparent tipping procedure in which each crew member receives their tip directly is the best method to ensure this.

 Porters are outfitted with proper clothing and equipment

 Porters have proper shelter and sleeping equipment – Each porter is required to have a sleeping bag and sufficient space in sleeping quarters.

 Porters are provided with food and water Porters should be given access to adequate water and at least two meals a day while climbing Kilimanjaro.

 Number of crew should stay consistent throughout the trip – Porters should not be overloaded in order to send other crew down early.

 Sick or injured porters are properly cared for – An ailing porter should receive the same treatment you would provide for a sick climber.

 

As an IMEC Partner for Responsible Travel the company is expected to:

  • Ensure that the local outfitter has been approved by IMEC as a company adhering in practice to the recommended Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment.
  • Make certain that the local company allows IMEC to monitor the company for observance of these guidelines.
  • Post IMEC's web page on the company's website. This page contains information about IMEC, Proper Porter Treatment, IMEC's Post-Climb Survey and Courier Program, as well as an opportunity for donations to IMEC.
  • Assist IMEC in transporting donated clothing for IMEC's clothing lending program by asking travellers from the U.S. if they would be willing to act as a courier if their weight for luggage is below the requirement.

All companies participating in this partnership program will be posted on the IMEC Website and listed in IMEC newsletters. Tour operators are also invited to promote their participation in the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel through the use of our logo and materials.

By becoming a Partner for Responsible Travel with IMEC you can guarantee that your company is doing its utmost to ensure that these marginalized porters are given the treatment they deserve. In so doing, you will also reinforce your company's reputation for fair labor practices. Please join us in our work to ensure proper treatment of porters around the world.


For more information or to register your company, please contact us at info@mountainexplorers.org
Thank you!