At Wicked Adventures, we’re proud to announce our groundbreaking Animal Protection Policy, making us the first travel company in Indonesia to join the World Animal Protection network. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible tourism and the preservation of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
Championing Animal Welfare in Indonesian Tourism
As pioneers in ethical travel within Indonesia, we recognize that the so many aspects of travel and tourism should be taken into consideration. In our trips and tours – we consider the safety and benefit tot he communities we visit. The benefits and protection of the culture. How our tours can be risk or benefit the to cultures/communities/ecosystems we visit. We also take into account the welfare of the animals within these ecosystems. This might sounds like some big concept – but we incredibly fortunate to see such diverse species as Komodo Dragons, Orangutans, Tarsier Monkeys, Manta Rays and the hundreds of species of Birds of Paradise. Protecting, minimizing or eliminating our impact on their life is not just a moral imperative but a crucial aspect of sustainable tourism. This has been such a core belief in how we operate, what we offer on our tours and the destinations we choose to visit (or NOT visit), that we simply never mentioned it. We have assumed that all tour companies that did the same. When you go on safari in Africa – you don’t visit Zebras in a cage, or eat them. If you go on a scuba diving trip, you don’t serve fish for dinner. But we were wrong. incredibly wrong.
We are the first company in Indonesia to publicly declare, and sign the pledge to protect the welfare of animals on all our tours. Wicked Adventures has also published our Animal Protection Policy, and we this beyond mere guidelines; it’s a comprehensive framework that ensures every adventure we offer respects and protects the diverse wildlife that makes Indonesia a unique destination. You – our guests, and visitors to Indonesia, should feel confident that Animals are not exploited or mistreated on any visit we arrange.
Key Aspects of Our Animal Protection Policy:
1. No Wildlife Entertainment: We strictly prohibit activities that exploit animals for entertainment, such as elephant rides or wildlife selfies. Quite simply – DUH!
2. Support for Genuine Sanctuaries: We partner only with legitimate wildlife sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare and conservation. We do visit a few locations where wildlife may be in cages. The only ones we offer are very carefully assessed and considered from many different benefits to the wildlife and the community. Nothing for exploitation.
3. Education and Awareness: Our guides are trained to educate guests about responsible wildlife interactions and local conservation efforts. If you DO NOT see a species at a location…that is good! This is wildlife in its own natural habitat. We understand that you, as our visitor, may really want that photo of the rare Scopes’ owl. But we are also happy that they go about their lives without our interference. We explain how they live, behavior, and their roles in the ecosystem. In many cases, we also include the stories and myths surrounding them. In some cases…one of the company co-founders has grabbed some animal “waste” and shown what the diets of these animals are…and missed an actual sighting of the animal!
4. Community Engagement: We work closely with local communities to develop alternative, sustainable livelihoods that don’t rely on wildlife exploitation. It should be understood, that we work closely with the communities we visit in all aspects of our travels, but if we there is animal exploitation – we try to help create a shift in the overall consideration of tihs.
The Ripple Effect of Animal Welfare Policies
Implementing a robust animal protection policy creates a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate welfare of animals. This is not an immediate or obvious choice when visiting the diverse locations we visit. But it adds value – to our guests. to the communities and to the ecosytems:
Benefits for Our Guests:
– Authentic Experiences: Observing animals in their natural habitats or in ethical sanctuaries provides a more meaningful and educational experience.
– Ethical Peace of Mind: Travelers can enjoy their adventures knowing they’re not contributing to animal exploitation.
– Health and Safety: Responsible wildlife practices reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, ensuring safer travels.
Benefits for Ecosystems and Locations:
– Biodiversity Preservation: By discouraging harmful wildlife interactions, we help maintain the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
– Habitat Conservation: Our policy indirectly supports the preservation of natural habitats, crucial for Indonesia’s unique flora and fauna.
– Sustainable Tourism Model: We set an example for other operators, encouraging industry-wide shifts towards more responsible practices.
Indonesia’s Biodiversity: A National Treasure
Indonesia’s biodiversity is not just a natural wonder; it’s one of the country’s most valuable resources. As the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia is home to an astonishing variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs.
Key Facts:
– Indonesia hosts approximately 17% of the world’s species.
– The country is home to over 25,000 flowering plant species, 515 mammal species (12% of the world’s mammal species) and 1,592 bird species (17% of global totals).
– Indonesia’s forests are the third-largest in the world, after the Amazon and Congo Basin.
– Maine species (remember to look under the water too): 17% of global marine species, 18% of the global reefs, 3.1 million hectares of Mangroves (largest in the world). And two locations that compete for the world highest concentration of Marine life (Raja Ampat and South Wetar).
This incredible biodiversity is not just a source of national pride; it’s a cornerstone of Indonesia’s economy and cultural heritage. For many visitors – this is WHy you are coming to Indonesia. Protecting it is crucial for:
- Ecotourism: Biodiversity attracts nature enthusiasts from around the globe, supporting local economies.
2. Ecosystem Service: Healthy ecosystems provide invaluable services like clean water, air purification, and climate regulation.
3. Scientific Research: Indonesia’s unique species offer endless opportunities for scientific discovery and medical advancements.
4. Cultural Preservation: Many indigenous communities have deep cultural ties to local wildlife and ecosystems.
Wicked Adventures’ Commitment to Conservation
At Wicked Adventures, we understand that our role in protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity goes beyond just avoiding harm. We’re actively contributing to conservation efforts through:
– Partnering with local conservation organizations
– Supporting reforestation and habitat restoration projects
– Implementing strict waste management policies on all our tours
– Educating our guests about the importance of biodiversity and how they can contribute to its preservation
Join Us in Making a Difference
By choosing Wicked Adventures for your Indonesian journey, you’re not just signing up for an unforgettable experience; you’re becoming part of a movement towards more responsible and sustainable tourism. Together, we can ensure that Indonesia’s incredible biodiversity remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.
As we continue to lead the way in ethical travel practices, we invite other tour operators to join us in prioritizing animal welfare and biodiversity conservation. It’s not just good for business; it’s essential for the future of our planet.
Experience the wonders of Indonesia with Wicked Adventures – where every step of your journey contributes to the protection of this extraordinary country’s natural heritage, committed to exploring innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges in the travel industry.
