The largest land mammal on earth, African elephants once roamed much of the continent. Over time, their numbers have diminished dramatically due to changes in habitat, loss of migration routes, increased human settlements, ivory hunting and poaching. Today, with estimates of only about 300,000 wild elephants remaining, down from more than 12 million in the early 1900s, they are the focus of intensive conservation efforts, from banning the sale of ivory, to combatting poaching, to engaging in landscape-level conservation, needed for large migrating animals, chief among them the elephant. Research continues to expand our understanding of the complex social networks, intelligence, memory, communication and abilities of these iconic mammals – the equivalent of whales on land. Their survival and protection are one of the most important challenges for conservation in Africa and the world. So, what better symbol than the elephant to signify sustainable tourism achievements for each African country, based upon protecting nature, safeguarding cultural heritage, and delivering social and economic benefits to local people. It is our intention that this will help you, as a fellow purposeful traveler, to create a great vacation that embraces authenticity and discovery to one of the most amazing destinations on Earth – Africa!
Sustainable tourism initiatives at the national level are at the beginning stage.
The destination recognizes sustainability as being important and have embarked on establishing sustainable tourism practices.
Destination stewardship planning is underway at the national level with multiple stakeholders, including government, NGOs, private sector and communities, to increase understanding and awareness of sustainable tourism best practices.
The country has fully embarked on a national level sustainable tourism master plan incorporating the three main pillars of best practice: environmentally-friendly operations; support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage; and improving the special and economic well-being of local people.
The country has achieved international recognition as an innovative leader in sustainable tourism, the government is actively engaged in implementing or has already implemented a national sustainable tourism development plan, multi-stakeholders are engaged in ongoing dialogue for taking best practices to a higher level. Progress towards sustainability goals are evaluated, measured and monitored for improvement and ongoing success.
Learn more about the Safaritours.com sustainable travel values.
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