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Sustainability

For a continued valuable world

Real sustainability work

Without beautiful nature or vibrant local communities, there would be no hiking or cycling. That's why sustainability is a natural part of everything we do at Epic Trails. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. We take responsibility for the impact our business has on climate, environment, and people. Thanks to being part of Intoit Travel Group, we can collectively afford a solid sustainability effort that you can read more about below.

  • We always climate compensate 110% (to be safe) of the amount of CO2 that our customers' trips generate. It's always included and cannot be opted out.
  • We collaborate with experts and invest in certified projects that are reviewed by independent parties and contribute to several of the UN's global sustainability goals. You can review the projects and certificates yourself on this page.
  • We support organizations like WWF and WaterAid and engage in social projects in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Madagascar where our investments make a difference for both people and the environment.
  • We are certified by Travelife, as a travel company that meets internationally recognized sustainability requirements for environment, social responsibility, and business ethics, and works systematically with continuous improvement.
  • We clarify climate impact in our proposals to customers and provide more sustainable alternatives when possible.
  • We educate ourselves and our customers and strive to always suggest sustainable alternatives.

A sustainable form of travel

No human activity will ever have zero impact on the environment and society, this also applies to travel. However, one can choose to arrange and take trips that are both inherently more environmentally friendly and actively promote our relationship with each other and with nature. Hiking trips and cycling trips are a sustainable form of travel that relies on unspoiled nature and vibrant local communities.

  • We move through the destination on foot or by bicycle
  • The slow journey invites contact with local populations, for increased understanding between the world's peoples
  • Hiking and cycling restore contact with nature and inspire us to take care of it

Our environmental and climate work

We don't leave the responsibility to our customers but every trip already includes 110% climate compensation. The only thing you need to do is choose a tour operator with a proper sustainability policy.

It's not about buying a clear conscience but about taking concrete responsibility for the emissions our business causes. By compensating for our own and our guests' trips, we eliminate at least the same amount of CO2 that we give rise to. We see this as a self-imposed climate tax where we ourselves control the efforts and can ensure real climate benefit.

It works by us measuring and reporting our and our customers' climate footprint to an external third party (South Pole) that helps us calculate our entire footprint - from flights and hotels to ground transportation, meals, and activities. We add 10% and then invest in certified climate projects, all controlled according to Gold Standard. This ensures that the amount of CO2 compensated is actually prevented from being released, and that this would not have happened without our investment.

Many of the projects also have a positive impact on several of the UN's global goals in Agenda 2030, making climate compensation a broader effort for sustainable development.

Our projects

Musi Hydro Power Plant

Renewable energy that creates local benefits: The Musi Hydro Power Plant hydroelectric project in Sumatra, Indonesia uses the natural flow of the Musi River to produce clean electricity for the local power grid without building large dams or negatively affecting the ecosystem. Through carbon offsetting, we help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while the project creates jobs, new income opportunities and finances important improvements in local infrastructure. Additionally, it includes a reforestation program that strengthens both the environment and communities in the area.

Nakhon Biogas

Carbon offsetting that transforms emissions into energy: The CYY WWT project in Thailand reduces greenhouse gases and air pollution by capturing methane gas from a starch factory and converting it into sustainable energy. This reduces the need for fossil fuels and prevents methane from being released into the atmosphere, a gas that is up to 25 times more climate-impacting than carbon dioxide. The carbon offsetting contributes directly to cleaner air, reduced emissions and local development. The project has also created permanent jobs and improved the economic situation in the area.

Serra do Amolar Pantanal Protection

Stops deforestation and strengthens local communities: By investing in the Serra do Amolar REDD+ project, we help protect the Pantanal in Brazil, which is the world's largest tropical wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project stops deforestation driven by land speculation, strengthens local communities and prevents forest fires. The carbon offsetting goes directly to preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species and securing important ecosystems that bind large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Our certificates

South Pole
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Musi Hydro Power Plant
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Read more about the project

Nakhon Biogas
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Read more about the project

Serra do Amolar Pantanal Protection
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Read more about the project

Travelife Partner Award
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Epic Trails has qualified for The Travelife Partner Award through its environmental and sustainability work. This means we meet more than 100 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, supplier collaboration, and customer communication. The qualification began in 2023 and follows a program with action points in both social and environmental sustainability. To qualify as a Travelife Partner, an independent audit is conducted continuously. The work is ongoing where continued improvements are required to maintain Travelife Partner status.

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