Since 1982, we have actively supported global conservation initiatives. We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the enviroment and local culture of the places we visit. Through the programmes established and managed by Friends of Conservation (FOC), we support sustainable conservation worldwide through projects which help give local people a personal economic interest in preserving the unique qualities of their habitat and environment. We have contributed to the important work of the organization, and our continued support includes the valued assistance provided by colleagues. Guests are welcome to visit projects and meet the people involved, whenever and wherever possible. From tree planting to restoring fragile ecosystems, to energy conservation through the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy, the emphasis is on finding practical applications and responsible management solutions for land, wildlife, water, forests and other natural resources that are under pressure from expanding populations and the ever increasing ripple effects of global warming.
We have launched our new philanthropic initiative to facilitate commitment to corporate social responsibility in its locations worldwide. The company has announced six new philanthropic initiatives, designed to offer guests privileged access and insight into local customs whilst also demonstrating the groups' commitment to conservation and community projects around the world.
We have been deeply involved with supporting local people, environments and ecosystems since it was founded over 40 years ago. In 1982, Jorie Butler Kent and Geoffrey Kent established Friends of Conservation (FOC), a non-governmental organisation which aims to ensure that future generations benefit from the continued protection of the planet. We still support some FOC initiatives and are working with them to fulfil the new philanthropy project.
In 2007, the company launched our Climate Change Challenge – funds raised so far have helped to plant over 30,000 trees; restored habitats in the Balkan Green Belt; bought equipment to study the marine environment in Antarctica and contributed to research programmes in the Great Barrier Reef and education programmes in Peru. Most recently, we mobilised their office team in Myanmar to deliver a package of essential supplies following Cyclone Nargis. The aid shipment, worth $5,000, was one of the first to arrive in Pathein, where thousands of refugees gathered after the storm. To date, our philanthropic initiative's effort has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Myanmar Relief Fund and is now co-ordinating fundraising efforts worldwide with FOC. This enables travellers and industry partners to contribute to the relief efforts in the knowledge that 100% of all funds collected will go directly to those most in need.
Each year, our offices select projects that they believe will make a difference in their local communities. “We place great importance on enabling guests to become personally involved in the lives of the people that they meet,” explains Jorie Butler Kent, Vice Chairman. Our philanthropic initiative, n addition to current FOC programmes in Kenya and Tanzania, is supporting these six new initiatives for 2008:
- Jordan: 'Madrasati' (“My School”) Rehabilitation. Recently launched by HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah, this grassroots effort to rehabilitate schools in urgent need of repair is being supported by our Jordan office through the adoption of Balquees School in Amman.
- Kenya: Nyumbani Children’s Home, Nairobi. Our Kenya office is supporting Nyumbani, the first facility to be established in Kenya as a home for AIDS orphans. Nyumbani provides the best available nutritional, medical, psychosocial, academic and spiritual care whilst FOC involves the children in tree planting projects, nature-based field trips, and Conservation Club activities. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the home and interact with the children at play, while donating books, school supplies or sports equipment.
- New Zealand: Kiwi Encounter, Rotorua. Our New Zealand office is supporting the National Kiwi Trust in its effort to increase the numbers of this beloved national bird. Without human intervention, the kiwi has a survival rate of only 5% in the wild. Guests will enjoy exclusive tours of the conservation centre, its breeding units and nursery.
- Tanzania: Bee-keeping in Mwika Village. In collaboration with TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute), our Tanzania office is providing beehives to families in Mwika Village, near Swala Camp, to enable them to earn income from the sale of honey and provide their families with a traditional foodstuff. Guests will be able to visit the village, interact with the families to learn about the beekeeping process and purchase honey to support the programme.
- Australia: Daintree Rainforest Rescue, Cairns, North Queensland. A remote region of spectacular beauty, this is the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Support from our Australia office is helping to re-establish native rainforest species in a buffer zone adjacent to the rainforest. Guests have the opportunity to participate in much-needed tree planting.
- Europe: Croatia: Botanical Gardens of Ostrog School, Kastela. Established by teachers and students on previously-neglected land, this garden, maintained by local school children, is now considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Croatia. Through our Europe division, guests can lend their support by donating and bringing books and other school supplies to this school.
These six initiatives will offer our clients the opportunity to be involved first-hand and will also educate local individuals on the impact that their actions have on their surrounding habitats.
“We believe passionately in adventures that both respect the natural environment and benefit indigenous peoples” explains Jorie Butler Kent. “A&K's philosophy is governed in equal parts by this unswerving commitment to conservation and a mission to provide 'memories of a lifetime'.”
