1. Introduction

Responsible Practice Guidelines have been developed for key areas of African Insight’s business operations. These are management tools that will enable the company to continuously strive to improve its performance in relation to responsible practice and sustainability.
The primary outcome sought through African Insight and its suppliers adopting these Responsible Practice Guidelines is to maximise benefits to local communities, minimise environmental and social impacts and to improve the welfare and conservation of animals that are part of African Insight’s activities and experiences.
This success will be achieved by understanding the issues, recognising responsible practice, and most importantly, changing policy/behaviour to achieve responsible practice.
RT Checklists have also been developed as a monitoring and evaluation tool for African Insight and its suppliers to assess their performance against key elements of the Responsible Practice Guidelines. These will not only stimulate action where failings are identified, but serve as a tool to measure performance and improvements in responsible practice over time.

2. Social Responsibility of Tourism Suppliers

All tourism suppliers have a social responsibility towards the local communities in which they operate. Tourism has the potential to create a real difference in the lives individuals and the wider community as a whole. Responsible practice includes:

1. Ensuring that the natural resources used for tourism activities are managed so as to allow sustainable access by local communities
2. Not all communities want to be involved in tourism – their right to say ‘no’ should be respected
3. Where communities wish to be involved, their decisions on the level and form of involvement should be respected
4. Wildlife tourism suppliers should offer communities the opportunity to participate in the planning and development of tourism in an area
5. Suppliers should consider the impact of their tourism activities on local communities and work to enhance or mitigate these
6. Where possible, suppliers should maximise the positive effects of tourism on host communities e.g. employment of local staff, using local suppliers and developing sustainable businesses
7. Local people should be offered employment in all areas of the business and be paid fair and competitive wages
8. There should be no discrimination in the supplier’s employment practices according to gender, ethnicity or colour e.g. between indigenous, national and ex-patriate employees
9. Training should be offered and career progression opportunities presented to local people
10. Locally produced goods that benefit the wider local community should be purchased where possible, as long as their production does not put an unsustainable strain on the natural resources in an area
11. Community-based tourism initiatives/enterprises should be supported by suppliers e.g. by encouraging tourists to visit these, by helping to market them, etc.
12. Suppliers should minimise the negative economic effects of tourism on local host communities e.g. by ensuring that tourism does not divert resources away from local communities or drive up the prices of local resources to the disadvantage of local people
13. Suppliers should contribute financially towards projects that improve the welfare of the local community. Where possible they should engage in partnerships with local agencies or community groups to develop such projects. This may include support for health, education or environmental protection initiatives. The community itself should make the decisions about how financial contributions will be channelled and what they should be used for
14. Financial contributions should be made public so that all community members – not just the leaders – know how much money is involved, who is managing it, and how it is being used. In this way the most common cause of breakdown (lack of transparency on how money is distributed) in agreements between suppliers and local communities can be avoided. Each payment should be made, or at least announced, in a public forum and the use of community meetings, notice boards, etc. utilised fully to achieve transparency.
15. Suppliers should present visitors with opportunities to make contributions to local community development projects and programmes
16. The sensitivities, values, traditions, practices and protocols of other cultures in the area should be respected at all times
17. Opportunities for cultural exchange, where visitors and local communities can learn from one another, should be encouraged where the communities are interested in doing so. These exchanges should only occur in authentic settings with willing participants
18. Visitors’ knowledge of the destination should be maximised in order to encourage appropriate behaviour and minimise any negative cultural impacts or offence (e.g. dress code, asking permission to take photos, public displays of affection, etc.). This can be achieved by the supplier offering literature, briefings, leading by example, and taking corrective action where necessary
19. Suppliers should be aware of their operation’s actual and potential impact on local cultures and attempt to minimise these through their own policies and practices
20. Suppliers’ employees should have access to programmes that will upgrade their ability to communicate with and manage clients in culturally sensitive environments
21. Suppliers should ensure that employees know and participate in all aspects of company policy to minimise negative impacts on local cultures
22. Suppliers should address any complaints or concerns raised by the local community about the behaviour of visitors, and provide a clearly identified opportunity (approachable forum) to allow this to happen

3. Wildlife Viewing

African Insight ensures that all wildlife viewing activities that it carries out or supports (walking and driving experiences) are conducted responsibly. This is to avoid causing disturbance or injury to wildlife, minimise the impact of these activities on the environment and ensure client safety.
Responsible guidelines in this area include:

• The supplier should have an in-date operating licence that is available for inspection
• All guides should be THETA accredited
• Visitors should be accompanied during all wildlife tourism activities by professionally trained, well-equipped, and appropriately qualified, leaders/guides
• During wildlife viewing, sufficient distance should be kept from wild animals so they remain undisturbed, in order to ensure client safety and that the wildlife viewing does not negatively impact on their natural behaviour. These distances will vary depending on individual circumstances i.e. whether animals are with young, what visibility is like (habitat type), wind direction, whether male elephants are in musth, etc.. If animals appear disturbed, then the distance approached is too close
• Wildlife to be viewed should be approached at an oblique angle rather than head on, so as not to represent a threat or negatively impact on their natural behaviour
• Animals showing avoidance tactics or who are running/flying away should not be pursued during wildlife viewing activities
• When in close proximity to wildlife, tourists should be instructed to speak quietly and to not make sudden movements, so as to avoid alarming animals and to guarantee their own safety
• Great care should be taken when approaching wildlife with young. Parents and their offspring should not be separated
• Suppliers should abide by speed limits in wildlife areas, paying particular attention to driving more carefully at night
• For primate viewing, visitors should not approach closer than 5 meters to avoid the risk of disease transmission
• Breeding sites should not be approached e.g. nests, dens, burrows, etc.
• ‘Playback’ tapes of bird sounds should not be used to attract birds so they are more easily viewed, as this can displace birds from their natural territories and affect their survival success
• Guides should actively discourage and advise visitors not to feed wildlife
• Guides should actively discourage and advise visitors not to touch wildlife
• Guides should respect wildlife area opening hours e.g. not view wildlife at night if prohibited
• For wildlife viewing at night, spotlights should not be shone directly into the eyes of wildlife for prolonged periods. Red filters should be fitted on spot lights
• Tourists should be advised not to use flash photography if this will disturb the wildlife being viewed
• When using open vehicles to view wildlife, tourists should be instructed to remain still, and not to make sudden movements when close to wildlife
• There should not be more than 3 vehicles viewing an animal for a prolonged period. If further vehicles are waiting to view, time spent viewing should be limited to 10 minutes before giving way to other vehicles
• Small group sizes should be maintained e.g. max of 8 people on walks and 10 people on drives
• Guides/drivers should not drive off–road in wildlife areas when this is prohibited
• Different walking routes should be used to avoid repetitive trampling of vegetation
• Tourists should be instructed not to drop litter nor cigarette ends (which can cause fires). Suppliers to provide mechanisms for tourists to dispose of litter responsibly whilst undertaking wildlife tourism activities e.g. bins, bags on vehicles etc.
• Guides should actively promote public education and awareness in relation to the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage
• Interpretation to include low impact travel practices and compatible conservation and cultural practices including ecological and cultural sensitivity
• Guides should actively educate visitors about the threats to wildlife (and other natural elements) in purchasing curios made from threatened and endangered wild animal products, etc.
• Guides should prepare tourists for each encounter with local cultures, native animals and plants by providing appropriate information
• Interpretation to centre on the active involvement of clients (rather than passive listening), making maximum use of the senses, seeking to foster self-discovered insights
• A structured further education plan should be in place for guides to improve their knowledge
 

4. Marine-Based Activities

4.1 Boat Based Whale and Dolphin Watching

African Insight only supports boat based whale and dolphin watching where it is operated and managed responsibly so as not to disturb or harm in any way the cetaceans being viewed. Responsible practice includes:

• Boat operators to have an in-date operating licence
• An appropriate angle or direction of approach (implement no-approach zones) should be determined by suppliers so as not to disturb cetaceans
• Whilst viewing cetaceans boats should minimise their speed (no-wake speed) and avoid sudden changes in speed, direction and noise levels
• Boats should maintain an appropriate distance away from cetaceans so as not to disturb them. If cetaceans appear disturbed, then the distance approached is too close.
• Noise should be minimised from all sources (people and boat) when close to cetaceans
• Cetaceans should never be pursued, encircled or separated
• Extra care should be taken when approaching cetaceans with young. Parents and their offspring should never be separated. If whale calves are separated from their mothers, with whom they normally maintain constant body contact, they can transfer their attachment to the side of the tourist boat with potentially serious consequences
• There should not be more than 3 boats viewing cetaceans for a prolonged period. If further boats are waiting to view, time spent viewing should be limited to 10 minutes before giving way to other boats
• Bow-riding dolphins - running through groups of dolphins to solicit bow-riding should not be permitted. If dolphins choose to bow-ride, boats should maintain original course and speed
• Cetaceans should be allowed to control the nature and duration of any 'encounter'
• Operators should adopt a ‘no contact’ policy with cetaceans i.e. no ‘swim with’ dolphin encounters or touching of cetaceans permitted
• Operators should prohibit the feeding of cetaceans
• Operators should not use ‘playback’ tapes of whale/dolphin sounds to attract cetaceans so they are more easily viewed. This can displace animals from their natural territories and affect their survival success
• Operators/guides should provide visitors with an educational insight to the ecology and conservation of cetaceans
• Operators should provide litter disposal facilities on board boats and instruct tourists not to drop litter over-board
• Operators should avoid pumping oily bilge water or other hazardous substances into the sea, particularly when near coral reefs
• Operators should encourage visitors to use rest rooms on land before their trip
• Sewage should be disposed of on land, or if not possible, sewage should be treated before disposal at sea
• Operators should contribute towards the conservation of the marine environment in which they operate e.g. financially, involvement in in-situ conservation projects, etc.

4.2 Scuba Diving

African Insight supports licensed operators who operate responsibly. This includes:

• Not allowing visitors to disturb, touch or remove plants and animals e.g. coral
• Operating a ‘no contact’ policy with all marine life
• Not permitting feeding or harassment of sharks, reef fish or other marine wildlife
• Not permitting divers to pursue marine wildlife that is displaying avoidance tactics
• Not permitting divers to swim closer than 100m from whales and 10m from dolphins, seals and other marine mammals
• Not disposing of any litter into the sea – all boats should be equipped with litter disposal facilities
• Using reef mooring buoys (rather than anchors) over coral reefs to prevent damage
• Avoiding pumping oily bilge water or other hazardous substances into the sea, particularly when near coral reefs
• Disposing of sewage on land, or if not possible, treating sewage before disposal at sea
• Operators/leaders should provide visitors with an educational insight into the conservation of the marine environment dived
• Operators should contribute towards the conservation of the marine environment in which they operate e.g. financially, involvement in in-situ conservation projects, allowing researchers/scientists a regular place on board boats to carry out research, etc.

5. Animal Sanctuaries/Rehabilitation Centres

African Insight does not support captive animal attractions and instead firmly believes that wildlife belongs in the wild unless circumstances dictate that captivity is the best option for the animal in question e.g. it is an injured or rescued animal that would not otherwise survive in the wild. In these circumstances African Insight supports the caring for these animals in responsibly run animal sanctuaries. Responsible practice in this area includes:

• Only acquiring injured or rescued animals
• Having an active programme of rehabilitation back into the wild for all animals where this is an appropriate strategy
• Having a policy of not breeding animals or replacing animals that have died
  • Not disposing of surplus animals into zoos and other such captive animal attractions
  • Not allowing visitors to touch, feed or handle animals
  • Not using animals to ‘perform’ to the visiting public
  • Not mutilating animals to make them safe for handling e.g. removing claws, teeth, venom etc.
  • Having an active visitor conservation education programme
  • Displaying accurate information on each species i.e. species name, some of its biological characteristics, natural habitat, conservation status, threats to it in the wild
  • Not selling curios using wildlife products and other threatened natural materials, and actively discouraging visitors from purchasing them elsewhere. Educating visitors on the damage caused by both the souvenir trade in wildlife products and the illegal pet trade in wild animals, so as to discourage visitors from partaking in either
  • Showing a commitment to in-situ conservation e.g. by encouraging/carrying out research that benefits conservation (own research or by forging links with educational establishments), having an overall conservation policy, contributing to conserving wildlife in the wild and/or participating in field conservation projects, etc.

Along with the above, such establishments need to meet the very best in international animal welfare standards including:
General:

• The sanctuary/rehabilitation centre should be recognised and regularly inspected by the appropriate provincial authority in South Africa, as this can sometimes guarantee a minimum standard of animal welfare
• The establishment should have a licence to operate that is in-date and on public view
• The establishment should keep up-to-date records of all wild animals held including numbers of each species, births, deaths, acquisitions and disposals
• The establishment should have insurance that covers the facility and every person under a contract of service, or acting on their behalf, against liability for any damage or injury caused by any of the animals, whether inside or outside the establishment, including transportation to other premises. This should be in addition to public liability insurance and mandatory Health and Safety requirements for the protection of visitors
• The establishment should provide on-going training for animal keepers and/or require keeping staff to have a recognised animal management qualification

Provision of Food & Water:

• Animals should have access at all times to clean, fresh water and be provided with, or have access to, a wholesome diet that meets the nutritional needs of the individual animal(s) involved
• A daily record of diet should be maintained for all animals
• Supplies of food and water must be kept and prepared under hygienic conditions and be protected from contamination, mould or deterioration
• Food preparation areas should be free from pests and vermin and a written pest control policy should be in place and implemented
• Staff preparing the animals’ food should observe strict standards of personal hygiene, so as not to contaminate it
• Smoking by staff and visitors should be prohibited in the vicinity of animals and in animal food preparation areas
• Feeding of animals by the public should not be permitted. Appropriate signage should be present on all enclosures instructing visitors not to feed animals

Provision of Suitable Environment:

• Enclosures should be of a size and design to provide the animal with its specific physical needs, allowing substantial room for movement. Minimum enclosure sizes cannot be given as these vary by species, number of animals held and other factors. Temperature, ventilation, lighting and noise levels within enclosures should be suitable for the comfort and well-being of the particular animal
• Facilities should take into account the growth of animals and facilitate their needs at all stages of their growth and development
• The enclosure should be designed to allow for the animals’ normal defence reactions and appropriate flight distance (which varies from species to species), particularly with regards to ‘mixed exhibits’ i.e. animals sharing an enclosure should be able to move out of view of each other if aggression occurs
• Animals should not be housed in the vicinity of mechanical noise or noisy visitor facilities
• Enclosures and safety barriers should be well maintained to minimise the likelihood of harm to occupants or opportunities to escape. Any design defect or any infrastructure in need of repair should be rectified at once.  Any vegetation or apparatus capable of causing harm to the animal or aiding escape should be removed or kept out of reach
• Proper standards of hygiene, including personal hygiene of staff, in enclosures and treatment rooms, should be maintained. In particular, special attention should be given to the management and appropriate cleaning of enclosures and equipment within them, to reduce the risk of disease. Veterinary advice should be obtained and followed regarding the sanitation of enclosures, etc.
• Visitors should be provided with litterbins so they can dispose of their rubbish responsibly. In this way litter should not find its way into enclosures
• Animals should be protected against extremes of sunlight, heat, draught and cold
• Animals should be able to escape the permanent gaze of the public at any time i.e. this could be either a private indoor enclosure with no access to view by the public, or an area of the outdoor enclosure that is out of view. Animals should never be ‘locked out’ of this private indoor enclosure.
• If wild animals are kept in semi-natural conditions (e.g. not in enclosures) domestic animals should not be allowed to interact with them as they may transmit disease to wildlife e.g. domestic dogs can carry rabies, which may be passed on to wild animals 

Provision of Animal Health Care:

• A daily record should be kept on each animal, indicating any changes to its prescribed diet, health checks, any unusual behaviour or activity and any interventions or remedial actions taken
• Enclosures should be of a size and design and animals must be managed so as to:
• avoid animals within herds or groups being unduly dominated by specific individuals
• avoid the risk of persistent and unresolved conflict between herd or group members, or between different species in mixed exhibits
• ensure that the physical carrying capacity of the enclosure is not overburdened
• prevent an uncontrolled build-up or spread of parasites and other pathogens
• Distances between animal enclosures and between enclosures and safety barriers for visitors should be at least two metres to minimise the transmission of disease and potential pathogens
• Regular, routine inspections must be undertaken by a qualified veterinary surgeon, who is familiar with the care and welfare needs of wild and exotic animals. Activities to include:
• screening of all animals (particularly new arrivals) for diseases
• regular screening of animals for zoonotic diseases
• carrying out treatment of sick animals
• administration of vaccines
• deworming and other aspects of preventative medicine
• health monitoring of animals including submission of blood and other samples for laboratory examination
• training of staff in health and hygiene
• nutrition and design of diets
• enclosure design (including environmental enrichment)
• supervision of quarantine facilities
• establishment of written procedures that should be followed in the event of the accidental use of dangerous drugs
• All mortalities should be reported and a post-mortem carried out in accordance with veterinary advice. Adequate facilities should be available either at the establishment or within a reasonable distance for post-mortem examination of all species held at the attraction. Dead animals should be handled in a way which minimises the risk of transmission of infection 
• Dedicated accommodation, behind the scenes where necessary, should be available for the isolation and examination of newly arrived animals and for the quarantine and care of unduly distressed, sick or injured animals
• Newly arrived animals should be kept in quarantine before introduction to other animals in the collection and screened for pathogens and disease. Conditions should equal those of other similar resident animals in terms of welfare
• Quarantine areas should not permit public access and personnel should wear protective clothing. Footwear and utensils used should be regularly cleaned to prevent disease transfer
• Animal enclosures should be cleaned regularly to remove waste, foreign objects and unwanted food, which may attract vermin 
• Direct contact between animals and the public should be actively discouraged

Provision of Opportunity to Express Most Normal Behaviour:

• Accommodation should take into account the natural habitat of the species and seek to meet the physiological and psychological needs of the animal
• Establishments should consult fully with relevant experts or a veterinary surgeon with knowledge of wild animals and keep up-to-date with information on biology and husbandry, especially when considering enclosure design and mixed exhibits
• Enclosures should be furnished in accordance with the needs of the animal and include, as appropriate, bedding material, branchwork, burrows, suitable substrate, nest-boxes, pools, wallows, vegetation and other enrichment materials designed to aid and encourage normal behaviour patterns and minimise abnormal behaviour. A tree-dweller, therefore, requires a 3-diminsional enclosure with climbing apparatus and off the ground shelters, a burrowing animal requires a soft substrate floor and a bird requires perches and substantial space for flight 
• The establishment’s management should carry out a variety of enrichment programmes, which should be alternated in order to stimulate and encourage a range of normal behaviour patterns. This should not include encouraging activities that require the training of an animal to perform tricks or manoeuvres that are not part of its normal behaviour. If abnormal behaviours are detected (e.g. pacing, head-rolling, rocking, etc.), then the establishment should seek expert advice and carry out enrichment programmes to try and reverse the behaviour   
• Animals of social species should be maintained in compatible social groups. Isolation should only occur on welfare grounds i.e. the animal is a cause of danger to others in the social group or is sick  
• Solitary animals should not be kept in groups

Provision of Protection from Fear & Distress:

• Animals should be allowed to carry out normal behaviour patterns and not be tethered, chained or otherwise restricted by physical means or by using drugs, unless this is for specific animal welfare reasons.
• Animals that hunt in the wild (cats, hunting dogs, etc.) should not be housed in sight of prey species (antelope, buffalo, zebra, etc.)
• Animal handling should be actively discouraged
• Animals should not have teeth, claws, venom etc. removed in order to make them safer for handling
• Animals should not be used as photographic props
• Animals should not be provoked for the benefit of the viewing public
• Animals should not be kept in the close vicinity of loud noise
• Steps should be in place to prevent the public from provoking, teasing or alarming animals
• Animals should be provided with alternative accommodation to escape conflict with other animals and minimise stress, particularly if that animal is pregnant, raising young, or injured
• Animals should not be used to ‘perform’ to visitors

6. Off-Road Motorised Experiences and Adventures (4x4 Vehicles, Motorbikes & Quad Bikes)

African Insight supports the responsible use of 4x4 motor vehicles, motorbikes and quad bikes to offer sustainable opportunities for experiencing the great outdoors.  To ensure these activities are responsible the following guidelines should be followed:

• Only use designated trails and keep to these at all times
• Obey all designated speed limits
• Do not use designated trails to test the power of vehicles or driving skills, but only to provide the opportunity and privilege to visit and appreciate remote areas
• Do not allow anyone to drink and drive
• Strive to travel through an area with little or no negative impact (on the contrary, strive to leave trails in a better state e.g. remove fallen trees, fill in pot holes, improve drainage, etc.)
• To prevent veld fires, when driving through grassy areas frequently check the undercarriage of vehicle for grass packing close to the hot exhaust
• Do not stop unnecessarily or idle in dry grass on the trail, as hot air from exhausts can start fires in dry grass
• Respect and be considerate to other user groups, so as not to impact negatively on their experience and enjoyment of the area
• Drive slowly past farms and villages so as not to disturb local people or their livestock
• Be constantly on the look out for wildlife and domestic animals crossing the road and drive slowly when these are sighted so as not to harm, disturb or alarm them
• Do not chase, unnecessarily disturb, or follow an animal that is displaying avoidance tactics at any time
• Ensure each vehicle has a rubbish bag in the cab to prevent littering
• Ensure that all vehicles are well maintained and mechanically sound
• Ensure that all vehicles have appropriate insurance cover and meet all legal requirements

   

7. Game Lodges in Reserves

Lodges should be operated so as to minimise their impact on the environment and maximise their positive impact on the conservation of the area. Guidelines to be followed include:
Energy Management:

• When feasible use renewable energy sources (solar, wind or biogas)
• If using generators, ensure these are turned off when clients are out of camp
• Keep usage of firewood to a minimum
• Do not collect firewood from within protected areas
• Only collect dry wood – do not cut down trees, unless part of a specific management plan against an identified bush-encroachment problem

Water Use Management:

• Use and install water saving devices e.g. low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads
• Use technologies that recycle water
• Avoid wasteful landscaping practices such as watering grounds during the day, etc.
• Native plants that require less water, pesticides, fertilisers etc. should be used for landscaping 
• Provide guests with water saving tips

Wastewater Management:

• Wastewater and sewage to be disposed of responsibly using ‘best practices’ appropriate for each area (recycling, composting etc.)
• If used, dug-out toilets should be located so waste filters naturally through sand or well drained soil before it reaches natural water systems
• All wastewater to be properly treated before it is released into the environment. If no municipal system is available make sure that wastewater is treated on site – if feasible use natural wastewater treatment options that use plants and natural bacteria to purify water rather than chemicals
• For overnight guests, provide biodegradable soaps/shampoos

Waste Management:

• The 4 R's of consumption - Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Replace – should be followed
• Waste should not be disposed of in uncovered pits

Purchasing Policy:

• Locally produced products and services should be purchased where possible, as long as their use does not put an additional strain on the natural resources in an area
• Lodges/reserves should not sell curios using wildlife products and other threatened natural materials and should actively discourage visitors from purchasing them elsewhere. This includes:
  • coral - soft and hard
• shells - of any kind, marine or land
• any kind of reef animal - particularly popular are starfish and seahorses
• ivory 
• skins - anything made out of animal skin (unless sure it is legal), belts, handbags, drums, etc.
• hard woods - although it may not be illegal to export certain kinds of hard woods, the craft 'tourist' industry is destroying forests 
• bushmeat - fresh or dried
• anything made with a part of an animal - such as quills, bones, teeth, feathers
• tortoiseshell (either a whole shell or made into other items)
• traditional medicines with animal products
• good luck charms made out of animal parts
• live animals for pets (e.g. tortoises)
• plant parts - seeds, flower heads, roots, etc.

If livelihoods are affected by such a policy, tourism suppliers should understand who is affected by the discouragement of such trade, and encourage NGOs/governments etc. to work with them or local organisations on alternative livelihood sources. Tourism suppliers should support such initiatives by promoting, as appropriate, products produced by these alternative livelihood strategies e.g. encouraging the purchase of products made from vegetable ivory etc. Suppliers could also work with local people directly to support them in securing new livelihood strategies.

Visitor Activities/ Tourism Infrastructure:

• Tourists on wildlife tourism holidays should be accompanied by a professionally trained and accredited guide whilst in the field, so as to reduce visitors’ environmental impact
• Visitor impact on the environment should be minimised by offering literature, briefings, leading by example and taking corrective action
• When guests are camping and washing in streams, rivers etc. biodegradable soaps/shampoos should be used at all times
• Visitors should be briefed and given a copy of any codes of conduct produced by the reserve visited
• On wildlife viewing experiences, small group sizes (max 8 on walks, 10 on drives) should be maintained. Under-managed and over-visited areas should be avoided
• Off-road driving should be discouraged in sensitive environments (e.g. national parks, reserves)
• Suppliers should be aware of and in compliance with the carrying capacity or visitor number restrictions of a visited area
• Visitor behaviour should be kept compatible with the fragility of visited environments and suppliers should work with wildlife area managers and /or NGOs to implement impact monitoring plans when possible
• Visitors should not be allowed to take any ‘souvenirs’ or specimens from the wild
• Visitors should be encouraged to not litter the environment but to put rubbish in designated places
• Employees should have access to programmes that upgrade their ability to communicate with and manage clients in sensitive environments
• Employees should know and participate in all aspects of company policy to prevent impacts on the environment 
• Tourism facility and/or accommodation should be site sensitive, not wasteful of local resources, nor destructive to the environment in its design, build and maintenance and provide ample opportunity for visitors to learn about the environment
• The wildlife tourism supplier should be aware of its operational footprint, and endeavour to keep it as minimal as possible
• As the introduction of exotic species into an environment can be very damaging to native species (which may be out competed), only native species should be used when developing tourism infrastructure and landscaping sites. This will help maintain the environment in as natural a condition as possible and guard against the introduction of aliens that may cause damage to native species

Conservation

• Contribute a percentage of net profits, or make a stated donation, or an ‘in kind’ contribution towards activities/projects that aim to conserve the area’s natural resources/wildlife, e.g.
  • for anti-poaching activities in the area of operation;
  • to fund/assist conservation/wildlife organisations or in-situ conservation projects;
  • to fund/run conservation education programmes in local community/schools;
  • by supporting the evolution of alternative livelihood strategies for local people e.g. poachers retrained as guides, forest-based livelihoods around honey and the export of medicines developed, wood carvers trained to apply their skills to furniture making for lodges and to using more sustainable wood species, etc.
• Advocate conservation and sustainable tourism by demonstrating exemplary behaviour above and beyond any rules and regulations

   

8. Accessibility for Disabled Users

The relationship between people, buildings and access to the environment is a complex one. Buildings are not merely structures that enclose space, and accessibility is not simply barrier-free access. Buildings combine with man to form systems that permanently modify landscapes and have an impact on the environment by consuming resources and energy, creating waste and pollution and modifying ecosystems.
From the outset, the built environment should be designed and managed to welcome and accommodate a diverse set of people, including disabled people, whilst minimising negative environmental impacts.
With specific reference to tourism, the accessibility of buildings, outdoor facilities and scenic view sites have a major influence on the way visitors experience our country or a specific aspect of their holiday experience.
The built or modified environment should be planned and developed in such a way as to encourage and enable people to experience their holidays in sustainable ways that reduce environmental damage and improve the quality of life for all. Similarly staff training should aim to ensure that all users are made to feel welcome and comfortable.
South Africa is regarded as a touring destination where visitors are exposed to a wide diversity of social and environmental experiences. This requires that transportation be planned in such a way as to provide a smooth, barrier-free experience.
African Insight actively promotes accessible tourism and, therefore, strives to encourage suppliers of services to take accessibility issues into consideration. In reality, there are few accommodation establishments that can claim to currently achieve the objectives set out in this introduction and unfortunately those that do are often in the highest price categories or not necessarily the most ideally situated/ located in relation to our tourist attractions.
A comprehensive set of guidelines for the complete spectrum of disabled users is not within the scope of these Responsible Practice Guidelines. Service providers would be wise, therefore, to consult with specialists in this area before investing in new developments or refurbishment. African Insight is confident in making recommendations in this regard.
For the purposes of these guidelines African Insight addresses access issues pertaining to its main disabled client base i.e. wheelchair users on serviced, accommodated, guided tours (not self-catering). In most cases the recommendation made herein should be regarded as minimum responsible practice guidelines in this area.
Medical and Personal Assistance
It is possible to hire such assistance in South Africa if necessary.  However, African Insight recommends that disabled visitors provide their own nurse aides and travel companions.
Transport
Although very sophisticated transport is available with hydraulic lifts etc., the minimum requirement for transportation is that a wheelchair user, with assistance, can manoeuvre up a ramp into the vehicle and into a position where he/she has a suitable travelling position equal to other users. Should the client opt to transfer to a regular vehicle seat, wheelchair access and transfer to the seat must be barrier-free and suitable provision made for passenger safety whilst travelling i.e. restraint. Should the client wish to travel in his/her own wheelchair, provision should be made to ensure normal passenger safety requirements are met in terms of securing the wheelchair and the passenger. In many cases the luggage space requirement for disabled clients is greater, so trailer provision should be catered for if required.
Parking, Loading and Unloading Passengers
Provision of suitable parking for the loading and unloading of wheelchair passengers which gives direct access to facilities is essential. Ideally a parking space of 3.6m is required. The distance from designated parking spaces to the entrance of a building should be no greater than 100m if covered, or 50m if uncovered. These parking areas should be reserved exclusively for disabled clients.
Pathways and Passageways
A minimum width of 900mm (ideally 1200mm) is required.
Ramps
Ramps of less than 10m long should be no steeper than 1:8 (1:12 is ideal). For ramps longer than 10m, a resting area should be provided at 6m intervals.

Entrances and Reception Areas
Access through the main entrance of a building is the desired option. When not possible, it is important that alternative entrances are no less welcoming. Wheelchair users should not be required to enter a facility via a service entrance or back door. A minimum door width of 800mm (ideally 900mm) is necessary. 
Reception desks should have a lower section so that wheelchair clients can be served face to face, whilst seated, to complete registration formalities.
Access to General Facilities
Wheelchair clients, in most cases, will be paying full rate for accommodation and, therefore, access to all the facilities of the establishment should be provided. It is not acceptable that wheelchair users can only have access to limited facilities.  Specifically the following facilities, if provided, must be accessible:

• Dinning room/ restaurant
• Visitor lounge
• Restrooms
• Toilets
• Viewing deck/ outside verandas
• Bar
• Swimming pool

Dinning Rooms/ Restaurants etc.
It is important that suitable tables that can accommodate a wheelchair are provided (slightly raised and preferably round) and if these are different from the others in the facility, that they are reserved for wheelchair users. Access from the entrance to a suitable table and from the table to the restroom requires a minimum of 900mm – 1200mm between tables. 
The Bedroom
Although some wheelchair users object to being restricted to ground level rooms where upper level rooms offer better views, the safety of the visitor is of paramount importance. It is therefore not ideal to provide accessible rooms on upper levels if access is only via electronically operated lifts, which may not be used in the event of fire or power failure.
Reception areas of most establishments are usually the noisiest.  Accessible rooms should therefore offer a suitable compromise between being close to all facilities whilst at the same time allowing clients to enjoy quiet, pleasant locations and views. It is a good practice to plan accessible bedrooms with an inter-leading door to the adjacent room for situations where parents or nurse-aides need to be close at hand.
Once in the room, accessibility to facilities and conveniences and manoeuvrability within the room are critical. The following are the minimum requirements in this area:

• Suitable telephone, alarm or other means of calling for help are in place
• Transfer space from wheelchair to bed or toilet should be 950mm or wider
• Suitable, barrier-free circulation area of 1200mm exists in each room to allow manoeuvrability of wheelchair 
• Height of controls, light switches, door handles, cupboard space, etc. should be between 900 – 1200mm above the floor
• Writing desks and tea/coffee preparation areas should provide wheelchair access and be between 750mm – 900mm in height
• Bed-side light switches and telephone should be accessible once in bed
• Power points should be easily accessible without having to move furniture, etc.

The Bathroom and Toilet
Bathrooms should be en-suite and designed so that the user, if normally able to, can access and use all the facilities unassisted. It is useful to plan accessible accommodation in such a way that a second wheelchair client in an adjacent room could, if necessary, share the same bathroom. This is useful when clients who are familiar with each other are travelling together. The adapted bathroom should have the following features:

• Tiled surfaces
• Roll-in shower with minimum doorway width of 900mm
• Bathroom fitted with sufficient vertical and horizontal grab-rails (sufficient to handle a minimum of 120 kg)
• Toilet should be easily accessible with a minimum of 950mm transfer space
• Fixed or portable toilet seat with suitable grab-rails to facilitate transfer (sufficient to handle a minimum of 120 kg)
• Toilet seat and hinges sufficiently strong to withstand additional manoeuvring movements
• Lever flush mechanism 
• Toilet paper to be placed within easy reach
• Lever-type hot and cold water tap controls
• Hand-held shower option
• Lowered soap dish and toiletry storage space
• Height of wash hand basin should be 800mm from the ground with adapted hot and cold water controls
• Warning signs present if towel rails etc. have not been sufficiently anchored to take additional weight

Staff Training
It is vitally important for suppliers that provide accessible services to wheelchair users to ensure that all staff are suitably trained, so that visitors are made to feel comfortable and at home, neither ignored nor overly fussed over. Most disabled travellers wish to ‘blend in with the crowd’. 
Some Basic Etiquette To Consider Regarding Visitors With Different Disabilities

• Never attempt to push a wheelchair without first asking if assistance is needed 
• Do not lean on a wheelchair – this is an intrusion of space
• When having a conversation with a person in a wheelchair, where possible, stand in front of the person and face them
• When offering assistance to a blind person, allow them to take your arm. Guide them, rather than leading or propelling them.  Give adequate warning of steps and other obstacles
• To help a blind person sit down, place their hand on the back of the chair and tell them what you have done
• When talking to a blind person always introduce yourself and