A CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR

ECOTOURISM IN SIKKIM

    1.  Conserve Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage

            i. Do not trample high altitude vegetation, do not pick any flowers or
             medical  plants
           ii. Do not disturb wildlife or its habitats
           iii. Do not allow clients to purchase endangered animal parts or antique
                cultural  artifacts
           iv. Support local conservation efforts and income generation activities

    2.   Avoid use of fuelwood. Use alternative fuels

           i. Use kerosene, L.P.G. (or other non–wood fuel) for all cooking, heating,
              lighting including that by staff and porters.
           ii. Discourage campfires, encourage camp fun
           iii. Follow safely rules when carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas  

     3.   Leave all camps and trails clean

         i. Separate and properly dispose of litter, burn burnable, bury biodegradable,
            and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials for deposit at
            designated trash site or for recycling .
         ii. Use toilet tents on all treks, set up and use toilets tents in an
            environmentally sound manner so as to avoid pollution of water sources (at
            least 100m away).
         iii. Use established campsites and kitchen sites, avoid trenching around tents

    4.  Practice Conservation

         i. Avoid fuel-consumptive menu items, e.g. baked foods and large menu
            selections
         ii. Re-package food into reusable plastic containers to reduce waste
         iii. Reduce waste by de-and replacing also

    5.  Practice proper hygiene and sanitation

         i. Teach all staff about personal hygiene, sanitary, kitchen and camp
            routines
         ii. Properly treat the drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients
         iii. Dispose of washing and bathing water well away from streams, use
              biodegradable soaps
            

    6.   Take Responsibility for staff and porter welfare

         i. Provide adequate warm clothing, sleeping cover, shoes, snow gear, food for
            cooking, stoves and fuel, and take care of hired staff
         ii. Periodically train staff in first aid, guide responsibilities, sanitation etc

   7.   Properly brief clients before leaving on a trek

         i. Address cultural "do’s" and "don’ts", environmentally friendly behaviour,
           safety  precautions, proper dress and respect for local beliefs, peoples and
           religious sites
        ii.  Plan days for proper altitude acclimatisation when ascending, know how
             to identify and treat high altitude illness and how to provide emergency
            rescue