Embracing Sustainability

It’s a notion that isn’t new to Jacada.

‘Positive impact travel has been part of our dna since the very beginning in 2008,’ says Founder Alex Malcolm, as we think back on how Jacada has championed the idea of conscious travel. We believe that our travels have the ability to create a positive impact on the places that we visit, and when we do it right, we can change the world.

Alex goes on to say that ‘knowing that you’re making a difference simply by being there and supporting these projects helps you to experience destinations on a deeper level’.

The next step in Jacada’s growth has been a long time coming, and to keep us on track to always do better we’ve introduced a new and exciting role to the team.

Natalie Lyall-Grant joins us as our Positive Impact Coordinator. After spending 12 years working in travel, living in countries all over the world - Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia and Indonesia to name a few - Natalie was inspired to jump head first into responsible travel.

‘After seeing some of the benefits of sustainable tourism first-hand on communities and environments during my travels, I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of,’ says Natalie as we sit down with her at Jacada hq.

The role will see her immersed in the finer details; taking stock of the types of trips we create, the local partners we work with and finding ways to constantly improve.

‘I want us to take a longer-term approach to ensure that future generations are also able to enjoy the kind of high-value low-impact travel that Jacada offers today.’

‘When travel is done responsibly, it can have a positive impact on the environment, on host communities, on those who travel, and of course on the many people that are employed both directly and indirectly through tourism. Its benefits are almost infinite,’ says Natalie.

So how can we endeavour to be more responsible travellers? ‘There are a multitude of ways. For example, it’s in our hotel choices, how we engage with host communities, how we interact with wildlife and how much waste we create as we move around,’ she tells us. ‘This is where Jacada steps in.’

We take the weight off of your shoulders, by providing you with the knowledge and advice you need to feel empowered to make better choices. As Natalie puts it, we seek out accommodations, guides, transport and partners who are ‘purpose-driven, and who can demonstrate commitment to both the environment and their local communities’.

At Jacada, we are able to take our clients beyond the concept of ‘responsible travel’ and into the realms of positive impact travel, which Natalie explains is ‘where trips contribute to longer-term goals: rebuilding ecosystems, solving complex social issues or protecting threatened species and habitats’.

When asked what industry breakthroughs she is most excited about, Natalie encouragingly has a lot to mention. There’s especially promising news from our parent company Wilderness, who have partnered with Carbon Ark and the Zambian Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to launch a carbon store and sequestration project that will aim to protect millions of hectares of game management areas around Kafue National Park.

‘The area has been degraded by logging for charcoal production, as well as burning for farming and hunting,’ she explains. ‘But it’ll now be protected, creating over 1,000 community jobs as well as restoring areas bordering the Kafue National Park and helping with the important work of decarbonising.’

Natalie’s top picks for positive impact travel

1.

By choosing to stay at Tswalu, South Africa, you can become part of their conservation effort without compromising on luxury. Located on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, Tswalu restores vital habitat to ensure biodiversity can flourish again, and continuously supports local communities. Guests also have the option to sponsor young rhinos to support the camps overall rhino conservation goal.

2.

Take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galápagos Islands for incredible wildlife encounters. Arrive at the airport, run completely on solar and wind power, with strict entry regulations in place to protect the fragile marine haven. Stay at the breathtaking Galápagos Safari Camp constructed sustainably to keep the human footprint light. The camp also makes use of rainwater treatment and solar panels throughout.

3.

Stay at the Torfhús Retreat for a breathtaking, remote experience of Iceland and the Northern Lights. Committed to sustainable practices, the retreat is powered entirely by hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. The real star of the show is the local cuisine - think fruit and vegetables grown in local greenhouses, seafood from coastal fishermen, and beef and lamb grazing local mountains.

4.

Visit Shinta Mani Wild a beautiful eco camp in Cambodia throwing a lifeline to the Cardamom National Forest. Home to some of Cambodia’s most endangered species, the camp employs a dedicated Wildlife Alliance ranger to patrol the 865 acres of land, to arrest poachers and loggers, and release captured wildlife, among a host of other conservation tasks. Sustainability is at the centre of every decision - from employing staff from local villages, to celebrating traditional Khmer treatments in the spa.

For more information email your questions to hello@jacadatravel.com