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SAVE
ENVIRONMENT, SAVE NATURAL BEAUTY, PROTECT CULTURAL
HERITAGE.
LEAVE NO TRACE
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ECOTOURISM IN SIKKIM
A:
Conserve Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage
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Do not trample high
altitude vegetation; do not pluck any flowers or
medicinal plants.
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Do not disturb wildlife
or its habitats.
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Do not allow clients to
purchase endangered animal parts or antique, cultural
artifacts.
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Support local
conservation efforts and income generation activities.
B.
Avoid use of fuel, fuel wood; use alternative fuels.
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Use kerosene, LPG (or
other non-wood fuel) for all cooking, heating,
lighting including that by staff and porters.
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Discourage campfires;
encourage camp fun.
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Follow safety rules when
carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas.
C:
Leave all camps and trails clean.
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Separate and properly
dispose off litter; burn burnable, bury biodegradable,
and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials
for deposit at designated trash site or for recycling.
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Use toilet tents on all
treks; set up and use toilet tents in an
environmentally sound manner so as to avoid pollution
of water sources (at least 100 m away)
-
Use established
campsites and kitchen sites; avoid trenching around
tents.
D:
Practice conservation in the Kitchen
1. Avoid
fuel-conservation menu items.
2.
Properly treat the drinking water and uncooked
vegetables for clients.
3.
Dispose of washing and bathing water well away from
streams; use biodegradable soaps.
E:
Practice Proper Hygiene and Sanitation
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Teach all staff about
personal hygiene, sanitary kitchen and camp routines.
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Properly treat the
drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients.
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Dispose of washing and
bathing water well away from streams; use
biodegradable soaps.
F:
Take responsibility for staff and porter welfare
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Provide adequate warm
clothing, sleeping cover, shoes, snow gear, food or
cooking stoves and fuel, and take care of hired staff.
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Periodically train staff
in first aid, guide responsibilities, sanitation etc.
G:
Properly brief clients before leaving
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Address cultural do’s
and don’ts; environmentally friendly behaviors, safety
precautions, proper dress, and respect for local
beliefs, peoples and religious sites.
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Plan days for proper
altitude acclimatization when ascending; know hot to
identify and treat high altitude illness and how to
provide emergency rescue.
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