Equator Expeditions Sustainability Policy

Introduction and Institutional Support

This policy has been approved by the senior management of Equator Expeditions, including the CEO and Commercial Manager, who are fully committed to its implementation and oversight. It serves as the foundation of our corporate strategy, aligned with our mission to offer personalized and sustainable travel experiences that generate a positive impact in Ecuador.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits derived from our tourism activities, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects, as well as to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our staff. This policy applies to all areas of the company’s operations: trip planning, community engagement, workshops, transportation, accommodation, communications, and internal management.

Principles and Commitments

• Responsible environmental management: minimize energy, water, and resource consumption; maximize recycling and the use of biodegradable or low-impact materials; eliminate single-use plastics. Inspire similar practices among suppliers and communities.
• Carbon footprint reduction: promote efficient transportation, offset emissions through local reforestation or conservation projects, and encourage clients to offset their travel emissions.
• Cultural and community conservation: promote community-based tourism (such as in Nayón), support local artisans, and preserve customs and traditions through culturally respectful guided visits involving local leaders and artisans.
• Social responsibility and fair labor conditions: prioritize local hiring, ensure fair wages, gender inclusion, staff well-being, and continuous training.
• Occupational health and safety: comply with hygiene standards, implement medical emergency protocols, and ensure safe transport and accommodation conditions.

Organizational Structure

Responsibilities are distributed as follows:

• Senior Management (CEO and Commercial Manager): approve the policy, allocate resources, monitor implementation, and ensure accountability.
• Operations Management: daily implementation, coordination with suppliers and communities.
• Human Resources: staff training and oversight of health and safety conditions.
• Marketing and Communications: internal and external dissemination of sustainable practices and visitor education.
• Environmental/Quality Auditing (internal or external): monitoring, measuring indicators, and conducting the annual review.

Objectives and Indicators

Establish clear, measurable indicators to be reviewed annually:

• Annual reduction of plastic use and waste generation.
• Percentage of renewable energy use or energy efficiency in offices.
• Number of local suppliers/artisans involved.
• Staff satisfaction index and number of accident-free workdays.
• Tons of CO₂ offset through local projects.

General Actions and Activities

a) Internal Management:

• Offices equipped with LED lighting and energy-efficient devices.
• Use of recycled paper, minimal printing, and digital signatures.
• Waste separation, reuse, and recycling practices in place.

b) Suppliers and Transportation:

• Selection of local suppliers with proven sustainable practices.
• Awareness programs on energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• Optimized and eco-conscious transport: shared vehicles, efficient routes, and use of cleaner fuels.

c) Clients and Tours:

• Pre-trip information on responsible practices and cultural respect.
• Awareness sessions during tours (environmental and cultural care).
• Promotion of flight emissions offsetting.
• Activities that support local communities, artisans, and agriculture.

d) Local Communities:

• Hiring of local staff and guides.
• Inclusion of artisan sales and traditional gastronomy in itineraries.
• Direct contributions to community projects (education, conservation).

Risk Management and Health & Safety

• Updated safety protocols for transport, activities, and accommodations.
• Medical emergency and evacuation plans.
• Mandatory first-aid and prevention training for all staff.

Communication and Training

• Regular training for staff on sustainability, operational standards, and environmental care.
• Clear communication tools for clients and partners.
• Progress reports available through internal channels and on the website.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

• Annual evaluation of indicators by internal or external audit.
• Formal reports reviewed by senior management and presented to the team.
• Annual policy review to update commitments, practices, and goals.

Institutional Commitment

On behalf of senior management, we endorse this policy as a firm commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Equator Expeditions is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible, socially just, and culturally respectful manner. This formal policy expresses our institutional support, clear structure of responsibilities, measurable goals, staff training, community involvement, and mechanisms for annual review.