CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1.1. Overview of Bu Country Tours

Bu Country Turismo, SU, LDA [mostly known as Bu Country Tours] is a Tour Operator and a local destination management company (DMC), specialized in sustainable travel and tours in Cape Verde. Our company offers unique and unforgettable experiences, based on excellence and professionalism, while prioritizing social and environmental responsibility. We are committed to providing high quality travel services that respect both environmental and social principles. Through sustainable tourism, we promote rural tourism, creating business opportunities for the local population and generating income that contributes to the stable well-being of the communities where we operate, while protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage.

1.1.1. Mission Statement

We intend to "promote sustainable tourism practices that protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of Cape Verde, while providing our customers with unique and unforgettable travel experiences".

1.1.2. Vision

We aim to be "the leading sustainable travel agency in Cape Verde, recognized for our commitment to environmentally responsible tourism and our ability to create unforgettable experiences that leave a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems".

1.1.3. Values

We are dedicated to fostering a strong identity and maintaining our commitment to our customers, partners, suppliers and employees. We believe in the following core values:

a)   Integrity: A non-negotiable commitment to act with complete honesty and responsibility in all business relationships.

b)   Safety and Health: To work in a safe, pleasant environment and in compliance with all safety standards, always with the well-being of the customer in mind.

c)   Quality and Excellence: Provide products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations.

d)   Partnership: Value and appreciate partners, employees, and suppliers.

e)   Respect and Courtesy: Consider the feelings of others and act in a cordial and friendly manner.

f)   Humility: Acknowledge mistakes and strive for continuous improvement.

g)   Empathy: Maintain good human relations to understand the thoughts, attitudes, and emotions of others.

1.2. Objective

The purpose of this Sustainability Policy is to establish and promote sustainable practices in all aspects of our business, ensuring that our activities have a positive social, environmental and economic impact while minimizing any negative impacts. We are committed to continuously improving our sustainability performance by setting clear goals, monitoring progress and implementing actions that drive measurable change. This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and alignment with the evolving needs of the company.

CHAPTER 2: Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

2.1 Sustainability Commitment:

Bu Country Tours' leadership is dedicated to improving the company's sustainability performance and fully supports our sustainability mission statement and policy. We are committed to reporting our sustainability efforts transparently on our website every two years, detailing our environmental and social performance (including our progress towards our sustainability goals) so that not only we, but also our customers, partners and stakeholders can effectively monitor and evaluate our performance and ensure ongoing accountability and continuous improvement, as well as involvement in our journey towards a more sustainable future.

2.2. Adherence to Legal Requirements

Bu Country Tours' management has allocated dedicated personnel and resources to achieve our ambitious sustainability goals, and to ensure strict compliance with local and international regulations regarding human rights, environmental management, business administration and industry best practices. We believe that our strict policies (including zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, forced labor and discrimination) can help foster a responsible and ethical business environment that supports the well-being of all people and the planet.

CHAPTER 3: Internal Social Management

3.1. Human Resource Policy

We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset in delivering meaningful travel experiences to our customers. Therefore, we uphold a clear and comprehensive human resource policy to ensure:

• Legal compliance in all regards;
• A safe, healthy, and welcoming workplace;
• Fair contract conditions including fair compensation;
• Training opportunities including trainings on topics of sustainability, sexual harassment and exploitation in the workplace and in the industry;
• Participation in the sustainability planning activities;
• Inclusion and equal opportunity for all employees, particularly with regard to compensation, promotion, distribution of benefits, and professional development opportunities.

3.2. Health and Safety Policy

The safety and well-being of our employees and customers is of utmost importance. Accordingly, we ensure a safe working environment for all employees, partners, and customers through regular health and safety training, emergency preparedness, workplace risk assessments, and the provision of necessary protective equipment. We also promote a culture of safety awareness and encourage employees to report potential hazards and participate in creating a safer workplace. Our goal is to minimize health and safety risks in all operations while complying with industry standards and regulations.

3.3. Work Commute Policy

To minimize our environmental footprint, we actively promote sustainable and low-impact commuting practices among our employees. We encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, bicycling and walking as the primary means of commuting to and from work. In addition, we support flexible work schedules and remote work options to further reduce commuting emissions. Our goal is to lead by example in minimizing the carbon impact of our operations while enhancing employee well-being through healthier and more sustainable commuting choices.

CHAPTER 4: Internal Environmental Management

We are committed to managing environmental impacts as an integral part of our operations. Our policy is to ensure the environmental integrity of our processes and services at all times by continually seeking opportunities to improve our environmental performance by setting goals and targets, measuring progress and reporting our results.

4.1 Carbon Emissions Reduction Policy

As part of our engagement to addressing climate change, we have taken steps to regularly measure our carbon footprint and implement strategies to reduce emissions in all areas of our business. We are committed to:

• Monitor and measure our carbon footprint with the aim of reducing as much as possible and offset remaining amounts;
• Encourage remote working and, where this is not possible, make it easier for employees to limit their carbon footprint by using sustainable transportation options;
• Ensure proper maintenance of the vehicle fleet and provide incentives such as bike rental stipends;
• Install energy-efficient equipment and appliances, wherever it is possible.
• Explore carbon offsetting initiatives to neutralize any unavoidable emissions.

4.2. Energy Saving Policy

We are committed to significantly minimizing our overall energy consumption, reducing our environmental footprint, and transitioning to more sustainable energy practices over the long term. Our goal is to implement energy-efficient measures, invest in sustainable equipment, and encourage employees to adopt energy-saving practices. To achieve this, we are focusing on the following actions:

• We prioritize the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment in all office operations. This includes purchasing energy-rated devices and upgrading existing equipment to reduce overall power consumption.
• We encourage employees to adopt the following energy-saving habits:
• Turn off lights, computers, and electronic equipment when not in use;
• Make the most of natural daylight to minimize the need for artificial lighting during work hours;
• Turn off lights in meeting rooms, break rooms, toilets, storage areas, and other common areas when not in use or during extended breaks;
• Report any issues related to energy consumption or equipment faults to management immediately;
• Regular energy audits should be conducted to identify inefficiencies and corrective actions should be taken to ensure continuous improvement.

4.3. Pollution Control Policy

We are dedicated to operating in a manner that minimizes harmful emissions and environmental pollutants. We are strongly committed to preventing air, water, and soil pollution in our office operations, by responsibly disposing of hazardous materials, reducing emissions from company vehicles, and adopting best practices in waste management and energy use. Our goal is to protect the environment from unnecessary harm while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

4.4. Procurement Policy

We are committed to responsible sourcing and procurement practices that align with our sustainability goals by outlining criteria for selecting suppliers that prioritize green production, use sustainable materials, and adhere to ethical labor standards. We seek to procure goods and services that have minimal environmental impact and are produced under fair labor conditions. By partnering with responsible suppliers, we extend our commitment to sustainability throughout our supply chain and ensure that our purchasing decisions support sustainable development.

4.5. Waste Management Policy

We have implemented targets that emphasize waste minimization, recycling and responsible disposal in our office. Our broader mission is to become a zero-waste operator through effective waste management strategies such as:

• Use recyclable and reusable products;
• Reduce the amount of general waste generated annually;
• Use high quality, durable and easily repairable products;
• Use food materials that have an environmentally friendly packaging;
• Reduce the use of plastic bags and paper;
• Avoid harmful or hazardous products and prefer eco-friendly alternatives;
• Avoid beverages packaged in paper cups, bottles and cans;
• Avoid single-use plastic water bottles by allowing and encouraging everyone to use refillable bottles;

4.6. Water Conservation Policy

Water is a precious resource, and we are committed to conserving it wherever possible through the use of water-saving devices, efficient plumbing systems and educating employees on responsible water use. Water usage should be monitored regularly to identify areas for improvement and efforts should be made to reduce water waste in both office operations and tours. We want to ensure that our water use is sustainable and that we contribute to global water conservation efforts.

4.7. Paper Use

To minimize our environmental impact, we promote a paperless work environment by encouraging the use of digital technologies and platforms for documentation and communications (including contracts, invoices, brochures, and customer interactions) to reduce our reliance on paper. When the use of paper is unavoidable, we prioritize the use of recycled or eco-certified paper and, where possible, partner with sustainable printing companies. Through these practices, we contribute to forest conservation, reduce waste, and lower the environmental impact of our office operations.

4.8. Training and Sustainability Awareness

Achieving sustainability requires the active participation and cooperation of everyone. Our employee training program is designed to educate and empower employees to integrate sustainability into their daily work practices. Through regular training sessions, workshops and awareness campaigns, employees are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly behaviors, participate in sustainability initiatives and contribute to our overall sustainability goals. This program ensures that sustainability remains a priority for all employees at every level of the company.

CHAPTER 5: Suppliers Policy

We seek to do business with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical, responsible and sustainable practices that make a positive contribution to the communities and ecosystems in which we operate. Suppliers must adhere to high ethical standards, including compliance with local and international laws/regulations and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability. Specifically, suppliers are required to:

• Actively engage in responsible sourcing of materials and services to minimize negative social, cultural and environmental impacts.
• Commit to protecting children from all forms of exploitation in the tourism sector.
• Conserve natural resources and work to protect the environment.
• Develop a written sustainability policy that is integrated into their business operations.
• Ensure fair employment opportunities within local communities.
• Follow strict anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-extortion, and anti-discrimination practices.
• Give preference to local ownership or management.
• Hold internationally recognized tourism or sustainability certifications, whenever possible.
• Provide fair and equitable working conditions.
• Provide fair working conditions that reflect the company's commitment to fairness and social responsibility.
• Respect human rights, including the rights of workers, children and women.
• Use local and seasonal products and services whenever possible to support local economies and reduce environmental impact.
• Work to reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact, and strive for continuous improvement in sustainability performance.

We maintain open lines of communication with all of our suppliers and stakeholders (particularly on sustainability issues) to build stronger partnerships and drive continuous improvement in responsible business practices. We encourage our suppliers to engage in continuous learning on sustainability.

CHAPTER 6: Transportation

6.1. Sustainable Transport Strategy

Transportation plays a crucial role in the environmental impact of travel, which is why we are committed to promoting sustainable transportation solutions by prioritizing low-emission vehicles, electric transportation and public transportation options. We actively seek to minimize the environmental impact of travel by providing our customers with eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

Our objective is to reduce the carbon footprint of all travel-related activities while maintaining the comfort and convenience of our tours. We strive to measure, reduce and compensate the unavoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced from transportation, by selecting the most environmentally friendly transportation options, and implementing the following measures:

• Preferring ground over air transportation for short-haul travel destinations;
• Using public transportation options at destinations;
• Avoiding in-destination flights whenever possible;
• Using appropriate vehicle sizes for group sizes and purchasing the most efficient vehicles available;
• Training drivers in eco-driving techniques.

6.2. Development of Sustainable Travel Packages

We aim to increase the number of sustainable packages that include responsible transportation, eco-friendly accommodations and environmentally conscious activities. These packages should be designed to provide travelers with meaningful experiences that have minimal negative impact on the environment. We commit to emphasize low-impact travel options such as walking tours, cycling excursions, and sustainable wildlife viewing, and to select the most environmentally friendly transportation options available, taking into account distance, price, route and comfort. By offering these packages, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of responsible tourism and encourage travelers to make sustainable choices when traveling.

CHAPTER 7: Accommodations

When choosing accommodations, we carefully prioritize partners that meet our sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible waste management and support for local communities. We prefer accommodations that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact and are committed to promoting sustainable tourism. Our preferences extend to accommodations that respect and protect land use and respectfully highlight elements of local architecture, customs and traditions. Our goal is to provide our customers with a variety of eco-friendly accommodations that align with our sustainability values and ensure that their stay has a positive impact on the destination.

Preference is given to accommodations that work with internationally-recognised certifications such as Travelife, or those that are acknowledged by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). When no suitable certified accommodations are available, preference is given to accommodations with a positive and verifiable reputation on sustainability practices.

CHAPTER 8: Activities & Excursions

We offer a variety of excursions and activities that are designed to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible tourism. Our tours emphasize responsible behavior, including respecting cultural heritage sites and supporting conservation efforts (protecting local ecosystems and wildlife). By promoting environmentally responsible activities, we help travelers enjoy the beauty of nature while preserving it for future generations.

• All excursions and activities conducted by or on behalf of our company respect local customs, traditions, cultural integrity, and natural resources.
• We commit not to offer excursions that harm people, wildlife, the environment, or natural resources such as water and energy.
• We give preference to excursions and activities that benefit local communities, respect animal welfare, and support environmental protection.
• Excursions and attractions involving captive wildlife will not be offered, except for activities that are properly regulated and in compliance with local, national and international laws. Excursions that include interactions with wildlife will be conducted only by those authorized and properly equipped to care for them humanely. Any disturbance to natural ecosystems will be minimized.
• Wildlife species will not be harvested, consumed, displayed, sold or traded except as part of a regulated activity that ensures their use is sustainable and in compliance with local, national and international laws.
• Suppliers will not promote souvenirs or food products containing endangered species of flora and fauna. We reserve the right to terminate the contract without notice if any such criminal behavior comes to light.

CHAPTER 9: Local Representatives and Guides

All of our tour leaders, local representatives, and guides should receive thorough training in sustainable tourism practices. Tour leaders are responsible for educating travelers about the importance of sustainable tourism and guiding them to make responsible choices during their tour. Through ongoing training and education, our guides play a key role in promoting sustainability to our customers and enhancing their travel experience. Our company is committed to hiring qualified local guides, paying them a living wage, and providing safe and fair working conditions. We expect the same from our suppliers who hire local guides on our behalf. We want to ensure that all guides hired by us or leading tours on our behalf receive regular training and are knowledgeable about sustainability issues. By enhancing the travel experience through sustainability, we aim to lead by example and contribute to the long-term well-being of both visitors and local communities.

CHAPTER 10: Destinations & Impact on Local Communities

We carefully select travel destinations based on their commitment to sustainability as an integral part of community development. We prioritize regions that are actively working to protect their natural resources, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. By choosing sustainable destinations, we ensure that our tours contribute to the long-term well-being of the places we visit and leave a positive legacy for future travelers.

We are committed to ensuring that our activities also contribute to the local economy by supporting locally-owned businesses, employing local people, and promoting community-based tourism initiatives. Our goal is to create sustainable economic opportunities for communities in rural areas, helping them to thrive while preserving their cultural identity. We make a positive contribution to the destinations in which we operate, by:

• Purchasing locally and responsibly, as well as supporting local/traditional arts and culture;
• Encouraging tourists to shop responsibly and educating them about illegal/prohibited/forbidden souvenirs;
• Collaborating with other local tourism stakeholders to promote the sustainable tourism development of the destination;
• Respecting and advocating for all human rights;
• Ensuring that natural resources remain intact;
• Educating customers about the principles of responsible visitor behavior;
• Not supporting destinations with questionable human rights records;
• Sending tourists to secondary or lesser-known destinations to avoid overtourism.
  

CHAPTER 11: Customer Privacy & Engagement

11.1. Privacy & Security Policy

The privacy and security of our customers is our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring that any personal information shared with us is handled with the utmost care and in accordance with legal requirements. We strive to be transparent and clear about how we use our customers' information, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. Therefore, we maintain a clear privacy policy that includes:

• Legal Compliance: We strictly comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations to ensure that our customers' information is handled lawfully and responsibly.
• Data Security: We implement robust security measures to protect our customers' personal information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.
• Transparency: We clearly communicate how our customers' information is collected, why it is collected, and how it is used, ensuring that our customers have full visibility into our practices.
  

11.2. Sustainability Communication

Prior to booking, we provide customers with comprehensive information about the sustainability aspects of their tour. This includes details on how their travel choices will impact the environment and local communities, as well as guidelines for responsible travel behavior. By educating travelers in advance, we ensure that they are informed and prepared to make sustainable choices during their tour, thereby contributing to the overall success of our sustainability initiatives. Customers are informed about the social and environmental impacts of their trip, and are educated about the sustainable choices they can make, including transparent communication about:

• Eco-friendly accommodations;
• Responsible purchasing and illegal souvenirs;
• Activities and excursions that benefit the local communities and the environment.

11.3. Travel Safety Policy

The safety and well-being of our customers is our priority. We are committed to ensuring that travelers are informed of any potential risks and are provided with the necessary safety precautions throughout their journey. We work closely with local partners to maintain high standards of safety and security at all times.

CHAPTER 12: Monitoring and Evaluation

We regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our sustainability policy through audits, performance assessments and ongoing stakeholder feedback. Our sustainability team conducts regular reviews to ensure we are meeting our sustainability goals and to identify areas for improvement. We also participate in external audits and certifications to maintain accountability and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable tourism practices. These evaluations allow us to refine our strategies and improve our contribution to environmental and social sustainability.

CHAPTER 13: Policy Violations

Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of the contract. This document does not constitute a contract between the company and any user or third party. If you are asked to engage in any activity that you believe violates this policy, you should immediately report your concerns to your supervisor, management or the Human Resources Department. Prompt reporting of suspected violations is essential to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of our company.

We emphasize the importance of using multiple channels of communication to ensure that your concerns are heard and addressed appropriately. You can be assured that all reports will be treated confidentially and that the company will protect you from any retaliation for making a report in good faith. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this policy, you will contribute to a work environment that values ethics, compliance and mutual respect.

Contact Information

We appreciate your support in our journey towards a more sustainable future. At Bu Country Tours, we are committed to continuous improvement and are eager to share our efforts in promoting responsible tourism. If you have any questions about our sustainability initiatives or would like to know more about how we are making a positive impact, please don't hesitate to contact us.

• Sustainability Manager: Denilsy Afonso
• Email: sustainability@bucountry.com
• Telephone: +238 923 57 28
• Address: Avenida do Palmarejo, Praia, CV.
• Website: https://www.bucountrytours.com/