Partner for Responsible Travel status achieved - by James Haughton

Great news! It's just been announced by the Kilimanjaro Porter's Assistance Project that Dig Deep will soon be confirmed as the first UK charity or charitable supplier to have been given Partner for Responsible Travel status. This marks the culmination of 2 years of research into the social impact of our Kilimanjaro fundraising climbs and recognises the policies and procedures that have been implemented to ensure fair treatment for our Tanzanian mountain crews.

Our suppliers African Scenic Safaris and Trek to Kili have been at the forefront of the movement for ethical tourism in Tanzania and we want to thank them for their determination to work towards these shared aspirations.

Dig Deep runs sponsored climbs for fundraisers from the UK to raise funds for our water and sanitation projects in Kenya (www.digdeep.org.uk). Porters traditionally are casual workers from rural areas desperate for employment. Their desperation often leads them to accept poor conditions from the guides that employ them. Their work involves carrying upto 25kg in weight up the mountain and frequently they are asked to carry in excess of this weight limit by unscrupulous operators. You can find out more about the issues facing Kilimanjaro porters by watching several documentaries that are available on YouTube.

Of Dig Deep's drive to Partner status, Director Ben Skelton said: "Dig Deep has worked closely with local NGO's around Kilimanjaro to ensure that our sponsored climbs are crewed by staff that are paid, fed and equipped to the highest standards. This reflects our commitment to put people first at all times in all areas of activity. We hope that in being recognised by KPAP today we will be able to act as advocates to other organisations in the UK to ensure their supply reaches the highest ethical standards."

You can find more information about the trips that Dig Deep offers by visiting www.climbforcleanwater.org