Guiding operation awarded for its dedication to the environment
Wednesday 8 July 2009, 8:15AM
By franzjosefglacier.com
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An internationally recognized guiding operation dedicated to protecting its beautiful and unique West Coast environment has been recognised for its efforts.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides (FJGG) has received Qualmark’s Enviro-Silver Award for its commitment to the environment and for being a responsible tourism business.
Established in 1990, Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability to the Franz Josef Glacier, widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers.
Kerry Walker, Marketing Manager for FJGG, said the award acknowledged the range of sustainable practices in every area of the guiding operation.
“We want to ensure that our children and grandchildren can visit and enjoy this stunning environment as it is today so we’ve developed a comprehensive, ongoing and sustainably pro-active environment plan to protect the area and minimize our impact on it,” she said.
Initiatives include the establishment of a rubbish recycling station at Franz Josef Glacier Guides’ base building, training staff to commit to the company’s environmental practices, and supporting a DOC programme to regenerate the native forests and wildlife in the world-renowned Franz Josef Glacier Valley.
“We have a long-term commitment to protecting the region so we’re constantly looking at ways of being more sustainable,” she said. “We also encourage the community and our customers to adopt our practices that we hope will preserve this World Heritage Area for generations to come.”
Qualmark Chief Executive Officer Geoff Penrose said he was delighted with the level of commitment shown by the company.
“Franz Josef Glacier Guides’ strong commitment and innovative responsible tourism initiatives being practiced are most encouraging. Congratulations on the achievement of the Enviro-Silver award.”
Franz Josef Glacier Guides is owned and operated by Ngai Tahu Tourism and complements the company’s other West Coast attraction, The Glacier Hot Pools, the ultimate wellbeing experience.