THURSDAY September 19, 2024
By The Tranquility News Correspondent, Tanzania
The Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organisation (KRTO) has issued a robust denial against allegations of unfair trade practices, which it claims are baseless.
Some local tour operators recently accused KRTO, a non-profit outfit dedicated to ethical trekking and environmental conservation on Mount Kilimanjaro, of undermining their business interests.
The operators argue that KRTO’s systematic campaign has unjustly hindered their access to Mount Kilimanjaro’s lucrative $50 million trekking market.
However, KRTO CEO, Mr Kelvin Salla, says a cornerstone of the KRTO mission is the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) founded in 2003 to enhance working conditions of porters.
“Now an integral part of KRTO’s responsible trekking initiatives, KPAP addresses the exploitation that porters face, many of whom depend solely on trekking for their livelihood, but they are marginalised,” Mr Salla noted.
KPAP ensures porters receive fair legal wages, appropriate gear, three nutritious meals a day, adequate sleeping arrangement, and mandates that their load should not exceed 20kg, he said.
“We are so grateful to KPAP for addressing our historical injustice. Now the Tour companies pay us $10 per day after many years of fighting,” said a seasoned porter, Mr Innocent Swai.
“Trained KPAP staff rigorously monitor compliance, and partner companies must achieve at least 85 per cent adherence to keep their partnership status,” Mr Salla said.
Data speaks volume about two decades of impactful work of KPAP. As it stands now, KPAP has successfully managed to monitor over 60 local companies in terms of responsible tourism practices, free of charge.
One of the KPAP partners, Pristine Trails, confirmed saying the alliance of the programme is not only voluntary, but also free of charge.
We are so grateful to KPAP for addressing our historical injustice. Now the Tour companies pay us $10 per day after many years of fighting,” Kilimanjaro Responsible Tourism Organisation CEO Kelvin Salla.
In addition to improving working conditions, KPAP, he explains, offers internationally award-winning life skills programmes and training aimed at empowering porters and their communities both on and off the mountain.
“Early outcomes demonstrate advancements in financial literacy, household sanitation, and educational opportunities, contributing to the breaking of poverty cycles and fostering greater community involvement in conservation efforts,” Mr Salla said.
KPAP organises ‘Leave No Trace’ activities to combat climate change, recognising the vital link between environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation.
Much of the support for KRTO and KPAP stems from climbers who are passionate about giving back to the mountain they hold dear.
Through the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), KRTO channels meaningful contributions towards the preservation of Mount Kilimanjaro, showcasing that ethical trekking can drive substantial ecological and social progress.
KRTO has been at the forefront of environmental and community initiatives in Tanzania, contributing significantly to the wellbeing of mountain crews and local communities.
On environmental awareness and education, for instance, KRTO has conducted numerous educational workshops, training over 172 mountain crew members and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority’s (KINAPA) cleaners on environmental stewardship.
In collaboration with stakeholders such as KINAPA, the organisation played a key role in preparing Mount Kilimanjaro for the trekking season and participated in environmental awareness campaign of the 52nd anniversary of KIANAPA, engaging over 825 mountain crew members.
“Additionally, KRTO has achieved a milestone by certifying 16 porters and guides as Leave No Trace (LNT) trainers and assistant trainers,” he says.
In terms of community empowerment and development, the organisation has empowered over 4,000 local residents through various programmes, including budgeting and money management classes, organic farming workshops, and alternative income-generating workshops all focused on entrepreneurship.
Additionally, KRTO has achieved a milestone by certifying 16 porters and guides as Leave No Trace (LNT) trainers and assistant trainers,” Kilimanjaro Responsible Tourism Organisation CEO Kelvin Salla.
KRTO has also facilitated the formation of five village savings and loans groups (VSLA) with over 100 members.
On health and safety, KRTO has provided first aid certification and trained first aid instructors to enhance community preparedness.
Since 2003, KPAP and now KRTO has lent over 37,000 pieces of gear free of charge to mountain crews.
The programme also advocates for fair treatment of mountain crewmates and manages a responsible trekking programme that includes monitoring nine additional companies.
The programme supports over 8,000 mountain crew members and has created over 67,000 job opportunities from monitored climbs in 2023 alone.
KRTO has also organised 41 management and the crew partner company meetings to discuss and tackle issues of the mountain crew, with over 2,894 attendees in 2023.
As a result, efforts of the KRTO have been recognised internationally, with several awards, including the World Responsible Tourism Award 2022 for Sustaining Employees and Communities through the Pandemic, and the Meaningful Tourism Award 2022, where they received silver in the Employees category.
Global sustainability certification scheme Travelife for Tour Operators recognises the KPAP monitoring programme for its consistent process and impact
“At Travelife for Tour Operators, we are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
“When assessing partners for ethical operations, transparency, and fair treatment of local communities, the KPAP, under the KRTO, stands out as a shining example of transparent and inclusive best practice.
Unwavering dedication of KPAP to improving the working conditions of porters on Kilimanjaro directly aligns with their standards for ethical tourism.
Their clear and consistent efforts to ensure porters receive fair legally required wages, proper equipment, and humane treatment are essential to fostering a transparent and just climbing environment.
“We are proud to endorse KPAP and KRTO as they embody the principles of fair labour and community empowerment, ensuring that the success of tourism on Kilimanjaro also benefits all the hardworking individuals behind it,” Mr Salla noted.
Through their multifaceted programmes, KRTO continue making a profound impact on environmental preservation, community development, and the welfare of mountain crews in TanzaniaΩ
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Patty Magubira is an experienced environmental and business editor whose career started at the Tanzania's state-owned newspaper - The Daily News. He is a man of perfection. Aided by his extensive training as a community forestry expert before joining Tanzania School of Journalism. Magubira had successfully held various key posts in newsrooms, giving him an unmatched connections in media fraternity. Having worked as a bureau chief in Arusha and Mwanza, he managed to build a team work, boosting sales to the highest level ever. He was then promoted to a sub-editor after completing a training in Nairobi, Kenya. His incredible experience, critical thinking and exposure are critical to the quality of any media outlet.
