Imbizi is a translation of zebra.
Fair Trade is a relatively new concept which promotes the rights of developing
countries to buy and sell goods at a fair price. Throughout history, especially during colonialism, the majority of wealthy northern nations have taken advantage of the less developed southern nations. This has created mass poverty and an incredible obstacle for the southern hemisphere in competing with the northern hemisphere. Fair Trade is the idea that we should buy goods not at the lowest cost possible, but from a fair assortment of small retailers at a price that does not only sustain their small business, but enable it to grow. As these small businesses are able to stake their roots and expand, the local economies of these developing nations will also grow, and hopefully become much more steady in the future. Fair Trade thus far has mostly been associated with the selling of handicrafts and certain agricultural items, but as the concept spreads, we see that it can be applied to many more markets; for my blog I would like to focus the use of Fair Trade specifically to tourism.
Tourism is now a booming industry which continues to grow. In Namibia, where the endangered culture of the Himba reside, tourism has become one of the most important trades in sustaining the economy. Without Fair Trade practices however, the tourism trade will only benefit a tiny percentage of the population. That is why it is important when choosing travel experiences to find companies/local retailers who support Fair Trade. Doing minimal research on the internet I was able to find a safari company that displays those beliefs proudly.
Imbizi Safaris is a company that provides safaris throughout Namibia, including a choice to visit a Himba village. Although the safari is the actual "good" that is being offered, the company seems just as devoted to being sure that they are practicing Fair Trade principals. For instance, Imbizi Safaris gives a minimum of 5% of their profits to development projects which help the local community. Along with this donation, Imbizi has declared its business philosophy along four principles: respect, fair share, sustainability and integrity.
Respect includes taking care of the environment through recycling programs and a responsibility program which is designed to help tourists be eco-friendly during their visit. It also includes providing contributions to gender equality and aids/hiv awareness programs in the community.
Tourism is now a booming industry which continues to grow. In Namibia, where the endangered culture of the Himba reside, tourism has become one of the most important trades in sustaining the economy. Without Fair Trade practices however, the tourism trade will only benefit a tiny percentage of the population. That is why it is important when choosing travel experiences to find companies/local retailers who support Fair Trade. Doing minimal research on the internet I was able to find a safari company that displays those beliefs proudly.
Imbizi Safaris is a company that provides safaris throughout Namibia, including a choice to visit a Himba village. Although the safari is the actual "good" that is being offered, the company seems just as devoted to being sure that they are practicing Fair Trade principals. For instance, Imbizi Safaris gives a minimum of 5% of their profits to development projects which help the local community. Along with this donation, Imbizi has declared its business philosophy along four principles: respect, fair share, sustainability and integrity.
Respect includes taking care of the environment through recycling programs and a responsibility program which is designed to help tourists be eco-friendly during their visit. It also includes providing contributions to gender equality and aids/hiv awareness programs in the community.
Fair Share means that Imbizi includes locally owned destinations along their routes, which are on locally owned land. This ensures that money spent in Namibia stays in the local economy, and it promotes other small businesses which in turn promotes Fair Trade.
Sustainability means hiring locals before outsiders, conserving resources and even offering internships to Namibian youth. This gives great employment opportunities to locals at a fair wage, the same wage and working conditions that would be offered to an outsider (ie. American). Offering jobs with fair wages to locals is an instant boost to the economy and a way to keep money flowing within the area.
Integrity means that all employees are giving the best services possible. This is important so that travelers who do choose this Fair Trade company are satisfied with the product offered and will be sure to recommend it and hopefully use Fair Trade providers in the future.
Please visit the Imbizi Safari site to learn more about this particular company, and in the future be sure to look for companies who are collaborating with Fair Trade standards!
Please visit the Imbizi Safari site to learn more about this particular company, and in the future be sure to look for companies who are collaborating with Fair Trade standards!
RSS Feed