MAKING THE GRADE
In most countries there is an environmental grading system of sorts, which will help you to identify operators with strong green credentials. In Botswana, for example, there are more than 240 standards encompassing environmental management, cultural resources protection, community development, socio-economic responsibilities and ecotourism. There are three grading levels — Green, Green+ and Ecotourism — designed to incorporate the broadest cross-section of tourism operations. Ker & Downey Botswana’s Kanana camp has received the scheme’s highest accolade. Built to blend in with the natural environment and with a minimal carbon footprint, the materials used in the camp’s construction came from sustainable sources, with old materials repurposed where possible. Kanana is 100 per cent solarpowered; plastic use has been signi.icantly reduced and any purchases are made locally.