ECO TOURISM & ECO PRACTISES GUIDELINES
For Certification Of
ECO LODGE / ECO CAMP / ECO RESORT
By
ECOMANTRA NATURE AWARENESS & TRAVELEL

1. Key Principles of Ecotourism and Eco Practises
a. Local Culture and Sensibilities
b. Interactive Nature Adventures
c. Interactive Nature Activities, Workshops & Nature Games
d. Ecotourism Staff Training
2. Air, Water and Soil Conservation and Management
3. Ecotecture Management: Design, Construction & Maintenance
4. Energy Management: Design, Conservation & Creation
5. Water Management: Collection, Conservation & Creation
6. Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
a. Liquid Waste Management
b. Solid Waste Management
7. Eco tourism Rating and Quality standards














1] KEY PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM & ECO PRACTISES

a) Local Culture and Sensibilities
1) Quality Interpretation - Ecotourism practices must involve the introduction of local culture among visitors beginning with accurate quality interpretation & information dissemination services at the time of the booking. This interpretation includes information on the natural and cultural heritage of the region covered, with its conservation practises and issues highlighted.
2) No Urban Entertainment and Engagement - No practices that are alien to the culture and sensibilities of locals should be encouraged. For instance: loud urban music disturbing wildlife or creating a jarring sense of discomfort among locals. Instead local folk songs, dances need to be encouraged and should be part of the visitor’s experience wherever possible
3) 100% local Experience - Customers must be oriented and encouraged to look forward to experience Local and ethnic tribes way of living. Home stays, traditional way of transport like bullock cart rides, house boats, living in tribal huts, sampling local dishes, rural-type barbecues, dressing style, festivals celebrated, etc. are some of the ways this can be easily and successfully executed.
4) No Alcohol or Smoking - Avoid serving alcohol to discourage its use among local staff as well. Smoking must be discouraged for the same reason beside avoiding the possibility of fire in the dry leaves that have fallen on the ground on the property and during nature trails.
5) Local Employment – Ecolodges / Camps / Resorts / Hotels hires only local people from the immediate community for its full time staff, even in management positions. Local guides - Locals are employed on full time and/or part time basis to inform guests of local customs, local flora and fauna, local architecture and cross-cultural issues.
6) Local Cuisine – Village cooks cook local cuisine and minimum 2 local dishes are served at all meals along with other more typical dishes cooked by non local chefs. The Eco-lodge purchases atleast 70% of its food supplies locally for its operations.
7) Sponsoring Ecotourism for Underprivileged – All Ecotourism Operators and stake holders should organize environmental education excursions for underprivileged children and senior citizens
8) Minimum Impact – All Ecotourism Operators and stake holders should ensure that there is zero or minimum negative impact on the local environment / communities in which they operate
9) Smaller Groups - There is a limit on the maximum number of clients that is compatible with the environmental sensitivity of the area visited. Ideally 10 to 25 person per square kilometre depending upon the sensitivity and density of the eco system in which the eco lodge / resort / hotel operates and functions.



b.) Interactive Nature Adventures
10) Nature Activities on Land, Mountain, Water and in Camp / Resort / Hotel compromises of 80% of an eco traveller’s memorable experience along with Nature Activities, Workshops and Nature Games. These must be selected based on the individual preferences of the eco travellers.
11) On Land Trekking, Nature Trails and Hikes, Jungle Camping, Jungle Safaris, Forest Walks, Night Trails, Bicycling, Rope Courses etc. are some of the activities that must be a part of the experience.
12) On Water Sports and activities are human powered Kayaking, Canoeing, Boating, Rafting, Wind Surfing, River Crossing, Kayak Voyages etc.
13) On Mountain activities are Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Jumaaring, Valley Crossing, Trekking, etc.
14) On site activities are Camping, Nature Games and Activities, Bullock Cart Rides, Camp Fires, Camp Fire Cooking, Natural Treasure Hunts, Yoga, Meditation etc.

c.) Interactive Nature Activities, Workshops & Nature Games
15) Volunteer and Reforestation Program - Volunteer reforestation program utilizing guests to plant native trees are practised.
16) The Clean Act - The Clean Act activity conducted while trekking cleans up the nature trail
17) Guest Participation Program - This allows the guest to voluntarily participate in the environment conservation programs. We reciprocate by giving free/ discounted camps in future.
18) Photography and Wildlife interaction - We encourage wild life photography and viewing as long as it does not disturb the flora and fauna. However, personal interaction with the wild life is discouraged.

d.) Ecotourism Staff Training
19) Environmental training - All Ecomantra Eco-Camp managers and staff undergo ‘Environment training’ to understand different eco-friendly operations of the Eco-Camp and how to protect the environment.
20) The Eco-Camp managers and staff are encouraged to give their ideas to improve the eco-friendly initiatives of the Ecomantra Camps.
21) Environment Workshops - Eco-Camp managers and staff undergo regular classes and workshops to update their knowledge about the environmental practices of the Eco-Camp.






2] AIR, WATER AND SOIL CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT

A. Conservation of Air, Water and Soil
1. Clean air conservation: Principles and guidelines:
a. Toxic chemicals (paint, varnish, solvents, bleach) not used and not allowed. Instead natural paints and varnishes must be sourced and used like red oxide based natural pigment water based paints, un pigmented lime etc.
b. Enforce “No Smoking” public areas and private areas made using inflammable natural materials like grass, wood etc.
c. Enforce “No Drinking” signs strictly in all camp / resorts / hotels where adventure activities are part of the packages. If the destination is a relaxation destination only than enforce “No Drinking” in all public and community areas like Dining permitting alcohol consumption in closed bars where children and local employees are not allowed.
d. Design using cross ventilation techniques and open large window construction that aids natural lighting
e. Avoid air fresheners by locating and eliminating any bad odour, growing high water consumption plants like banana etc. for bathroom waste water, biomethanation pits for night soil and energy generation; and composting for wet kitchen waste.
f. Reduce air pollution by doing extensive plantation with minimum 3 large full grown trees and 15 small to medium size endemic plants and trees per guest in the active area of the camp / hotel / resort in tropical areas excepting deserts and high altitude mountain deserts. Use indoor plants to reduce toxicity in the accommodation and outdoor bathroom space and make all guest plant 1 endemic trees on check out.
g. Use natural materials for rugs and carpeting, curtains, bed covers
h. Do not allow vehicles in the active eco camp / resort / hotel area. Only battery power vehicles can be allowed for transportation, luggage, supplies etc.
i. Make effective use of transportation vehicles by combining check in / check out guest in the same trip to the airport / railway station / market. Create employee carpools
j. Low impact transportation like Bicycles, Kayaks, Canoes, Sailboats and rowboats etc.
k. Cleaner fuel-based vehicles: solar kitchen and lighting, LPG, bio-gas, ethanol/methane, electricity in the kitchen; and fuel cells or bio-diesel as power source
l. Higher fuel efficient and zero or very low polluting motors and engines like Four-stroke boat motors etc.

2. Water conservation: Guidelines and control principles:
a. Build a retaining wall of stone and wire support to prevent water erosion if the property is build on a slope or near a river
b. Design and build permanent drainage ditches around tents and other building structures and below roof runoff, pathways, walkways, etc.
c. Keep water ditches open and free moving; plant hillsides and banks with deep-rooted plants like vetiver (khus) to avoid soil erosion. If the property is near swamp or sea explore the possibility of planting mangroves.
d. Rain water harvesting to collect, store and conserve water with a minimum 3 month required supply as storage capacity along with a distribution system to kitchen, bathrooms, rooms and gardens.

3. Soil conservation: Guidelines and principles
a. Rid area of exotic species and high water consumption high acidity foreign fast growing plant like acacia, eucalyptus etc. by planting endemic species only; mulch freely with naturally occurring organic materials
b. Ensure safe disposal techniques for toxic products: batteries, cell phones, computers and printers etc. by sending these products at the end of their life cycle to metropolis city dumps where system exists to recycle these toxic materials
d. Seed low creeping plants flowering plants that grows quickly instead of lawn grass that needs mowing and large amount of water.
e. Use no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers and replace the same by organic high protein fertilisers like vermi compost mulch, gandul (Earth worm) and others

4. Sustainable native endemic species practices
a. Feed no birds or animals, instead plant flowering and fruiting endemic plants and trees that naturally attracts local bird population.
b. Leave dead trees standing after the eco camp / resort / hotel are up and running. Dead trees can be used during construction stages to avoid cutting of live trees.
c. Keep no caged animal, bird, reptile or insect
d. Help clean pollutants and garbage from trek routes, beaches and rivers periodically and involve your guests to sensitise them to the problems in a powerful manner.








3] ECOTECTURE: SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

A. Sustainable Architectural Practices and Standards
1. Government and Industry Associations / Organizations Resources
a. Governmental
b. Non-Governmental
c. Private Sector: Architects, Exterior and Interior Designers, Engineering and Hospitality support teams
2. Publication sources outlining basic Ecotecture construction standards and principles
a. Printed Materials: Ecotourism and related Technical Books, Magazines and Government / Industry Guidelines
b. Websites - Online Information and Guidelines Portal / Resources / Directories
3. Standardization and Certification in Ecotourism
a. Eco Certification programs - International, National & Regional
b. Ecotourism and Environmental Experts / Consultants
i. Ecotourism Consultancy and Project Executions
ii. Eco Certifying Laboratories / Bodies and
iii. Eco Practises Training facilities
4. Ecotourism Destination development and Management
a. Feasibility Study for a proposed destination by a team of selectors from cross functional areas of Eco tourism
b. Architects and engineers with understanding of local traditional natural building practises, clean energy and International Environmental ‘benchmarks’ for site planning, design/drawings and development
c. Builder, Contractors, sub-contractors with knowledge of
i. Locally available natural, traditional and renewable building materials;
ii. Minimal impact transportation mechanisms to building site especially if the selected site passes through reserve forest or other tree covered area.
iii. On site expert supervisor who understands ecotecture
iv. Clean and other Alternative Energy System
d. Financial planning
i. Investors supporting Ecotourism and Sustainable Projects
ii. Government bodies providing interest free loans / grants / subsidies preferably prior to commencement of the eco tourism projects
e. Eco Tourism Operations management
Eco tourism’s Operation Team Training for local villagers for employment in eco tourism projects.

B. Natural Terrain Maintained
1. The natural terrain and topography of the Eco-Camp must be maintained and landscaping must be minimal. Only endemic native plants can be planted.
2. The campsite does not use fresh cut flowers anywhere in the Eco-Camp and decorative potted plants have been used wherever required.

C. Organic Gardens, Nurseries and Greenhouses
1. Organic Gardens and Greenhouses Design, Support and Professional Services:
a. Supporting organic growing by providing organic local seeds and rootstocks, organic fertilisers and organic herbicide / pesticide products like neem, citronella etc.
b. Organic Farming Equipments and techniques,
c. Training and arranging Gardeners who understand and can implement sustainable organic practises
d. Certification and Testing laboratories that can certify and test the organic plantation and its produce, soil etc.
e. Educational publications, handouts and materials on organic agricultural practises like drip irrigation and other techniques etc.
f. Principle and designing of compost, bacteria and aerobic culture additives, Moisture retention principles and methods etc.
g. Earth worm Vermi composting system with technical designs and methods, tools and components, and earth worm sources provided by Government bodies / associations / colleges, local Co-op, NGO’s and private organisations.
i. Sustaining endemic plants by identifying regional endemic plants using the help of local horticulture college, forest department, farmers and naturalists etc. And than propagating endemic flowering and fruiting plants and trees most favoured by local insects, birds and animals in the camp / resort / hotel

D. Building Materials, Supplies and Operations

Accommodation must consist of eco cottages and wood huts made of locally available natural materials that are designed to be small, low impact and which blend with the local environment.
Cement usage in the construction of Eco-Camp must be either avoided or usage must be minimal. Lime plaster techniques if used traditionally in that area and other similar traditional techniques can be used instead. Old reclaimed from furniture wood, Baked mud bricks, stone, natural mortar, cultivated bamboo must be used instead.
There can be 2 different subcategories:
· 100% renewable natural materials used
· Minimum 90% of materials used must be renewable natural materials.
1. Structural materials:
a. Renewable sources for interior
Bamboo and cane for furniture; natural and synthetic fabric and bamboo for soft walls, trims and screens, roof support frames, windows; woven mats made from bamboo strips, banana leaf, screw pine, grass etc. for interior and exterior roofing, screens etc.
b. Certifiable Renewable Materials sources for exterior: coconut and other tree leaves, bamboo, cane, fallen tree wood, quick growing planted foreign tree like Acacia, Eucalyptus and indigenous tree like Supari, Bhendi etc.
c. Recycled plastic building materials:
i. Plumbing Pipeline in PVC instead of lead and more expensive though desirable copper
ii. Polycarbonate and Acrylic unbreakable sheets as replacement for glass, roof laminate sheets, roof tiles and trusses
d. Formaldehyde-free products as varnish, protective or decorative coating for wood, flooring etc.
2. Staying Spaces, buildings, maintenance and storage sheds:
a. Prefabricated ‘temporary’ shelters made using boards, FRP, recycled wood panels, acrylic sheet etc;
b. geodesic, dome and A line tents with reusable and recyclable UV protected water proof Polypropylene tarpaulin covers etc.
3. Atrium and Weather protection roofing on space frames for large common areas and roofing
i. Wind- and water-resistant woven sheeting (Teflon coated)
ii. Wind- and water-resistant woven sheeting of polypropylene as awning and roofing etc.
4. Door and window designs: thermal standards and products
a. Double or triple glazed glass thermal products
b. Insulated doors; self-construction building plans
c. Screen and mesh fabrics of Nylon 6,6, polyester, pp etc as protection from sun, insects etc.
d. Large Windows encouraged to not only let the cool breeze and nature in but also allow ample natural light.
5. Wall and other Surface Finishing products:
a. Lead-free and no or low VOC paint; stains; lacquer and varnish
b. Natural Oil For instance Cashew Oil etc. as varnish and protective coatings
c. Natural and Synthetic Eco Friendly Preservatives for wood, bamboo and renewable products
6. Construction using ‘Used materials or around already existing structures:
a. Salvaged Wooden beams as structure and furniture
b. Broken rubble as foundation fillings etc.
c. Existing RCC and other material structure can be integrated in the new structure that can be built around it.

7. Construction clean up, waste removal and dumping principles:
a. Carry back plastic and other recyclable waste back to city dumps where recycling system exists
b. Wet Waste made of natural cellulose like wood waste etc. can be composted

8. Ecotourism Operation Resources
a. Green Buildings, Green Innovations and Best Practices, an online forum, blogs and groups for sharing a new product information or sustainable practices ideas, ongoing maintenance suggestions supported by case studies.
b. Renewable products using local designs:
i. Indigenous local material locally preferably hand made furniture, construction and ongoing maintenance
a. Furniture in the cottages must be made of cane & cultivated bamboo and minimum wood, plastic and metal can be used. Bamboo saplings must be planted to replace the bamboo used during construction.
b. Bamboo window shades, screens, floor mats, roof and walls, place mats, tables and chairs, lamps, table accessories
ii. Woven and knitted products from locally produced natural fibers: organic cotton, organic linen, wool, etc., regenerated clean fibres: Lyocell, Ingeo, Soyabean, bamboo etc.
iii. Locally produced and recycled teased garneted old clothing fibres and other recycled fiber products:
1. Filling for mattresses
2. Mats, rugs, table mats and napkins from old torn sheeting and other fabrics / materials etc.
3. Rope that can than be used to make hammock etc.
iv. Accessories made from cane, woven grasses and bamboo
1. Towel bars, hooks, lamps, trays, glass holders, etc.
v. Baked Earthen pottery as buffet dishes (with steel inside as the holding vessel, serving utensils, pots
vi. Cleaning and washing products from local materials like reetha, ash etc.
vii. Alternative medical products and ayurveda treatment like naturopathy, massage,
viii. Locally found insect repellents plants like citronella, neem etc.
c. Alternative energy production:
i. Solar using PV cells, Scheffler reflector disc;
ii. locally made wind and water power turbines;
iii. human power gymnasium;
iv. biomethanation based power; and
v. fuel cells
d. biodegradable products especially plastics etc.
e. organic fruits and vegetables;
f. Office management: practices and products
i. Stationery products of 100% post consumer recycled paper sourced from Khadi Gram Udyog, Handmade bark and cotton waste recycled paper made across India; Sales collateral made using machine made 100% post consumer recycled paper sourced from companies like Fedrigoni etc.
ii. Communicate via email; use the internet as a brochure; and store and send information via CD-ROMS
g. Communication services in remote locations:
i. Cell phones based voice communication, internet and broad band service;
ii. Marine or VHS radio equipment on ship
ii. Hand held radios and Walkie talkies
h. Emergency preparedness
i. Doctor on Call and ICU within 2 hour transportation away
ii. First aid medical kits, Snake bite kits, CPR and Stretchers / Crutches
iii. Fire extinguishers
iii. Life Guards and Rescue Equipments if adventure activities are part of the program
9. Minimum impact signage display: Using aesthetic yet renewable products like Flex, Wood etc.
10. Television and film projectors not to be used except for showcasing nature or wildlife films at a fixed time in the day.

4] ENERGY PRODUCTION, PRODUCTS AND CONSERVATION

A. Heat and Cooling
1. Solar powered (reflected heat) Scheffler project design and professional services
a. Camp / Resort / Hotel Kitchen Solar Furnaces, food drier and Cooking System on sunny days. Else Gas powered or PV cell based systems.
b. Desalination Plant where ample fresh water is unavailable and the camp / resort / hotel has access to clean sea water.
c. Roof integrated solar heated hot water panels for running hot water supported by gas heaters running on recovered methane gas generated in the biomethanation plant (Gobar Gas etc.)
d. Pool water heating with solar pumping in cold regions like HP, Uttaranchal, Sikkim not on river or sea front.
e. Diverted hot water/heat transfer designs for cold regions using wood burning / Bagasse stoves fitted with convection looped water heaters
f. Central heating systems and heat recovery boilers systems
d. Bio-gas (composting) recovery to heat space or water
e. Geo-thermal heat recovery systems

3. Absorbent Cooling and Refrigeration
a. Ambiators as cooling system that does not use CFC or compressors saving upto 60% less power
b. Propane and photo voltaic refrigerators / Desiccant cooling systems
c. Alternatives to refrigerants:
i. Insulated cool rooms for fresh produce storage
ii. Ice boxes and insulated coolers to store or transport perishable food if ice factories in the vicinity

B. Electricity Production, Alternative Energy Products
1. Photo voltaic power generation using Solar panels
2. Wind Power using low cost (higher maintenance) or high cost (very low maintenance) Wind towers and turbines.
3. Hydro, tidal or wave powered for harnessing power from flowing river and sea tides using turbines and pumps
4. Bio-gas (bi-product of composting) steam driven turbines
5. Electrical supplies and other alternative products:
a. New Generation Light Emitting Diode (LED) based very low power consumption with high lumens and long life as ambient light producing systems
b. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) / Fluorescent Tubes which provide as much as light as ordinary bulbs but consume substantially less energy to be used as primary means of lighting
c. Inverter and fly wheels and battery banks to store power generated by alternative means like solar, wind, water and others.
d. Architectural designs using natural light; low watt and LED bulbs; tree shade and convection cooling.

































5] WATER SUPPLY, TREATMENT AND CONSERVATION

A. Water Supply and Storage
1. Water is a very slow renewable source and needs power to convert sea water into potable water using distillation or RO techniques etc. making it an expensive and rare commodity in the immediate future.
2. Conservation and traditional collection techniques supported by visual and design case studies like Bavs in Gujarat must be propagated to possible practitioners through manuals and books / pamphlets. This must be supported by information that even water rich areas like cherapunji and Andaman suffers water shortage in summer month for lack of these practises.
3. Water distribution and irrigation using gravity fed systems, solar pumps and wind mill etc.

B. Water Treatment - Filtration and Processing
1. Filtration Systems including Traditional Sand filters with Activated Charcoal carbon absorption
2. Combination Systems with Ultraviolet for killing viruses, fungus and bacteria, Charcoal Filter for smell and Micro Filter for colourants, sediments and sand etc. For instance Aquaguard, Kent, Bajaj, Black and Deckers etc.
3. Desalination systems

C. Water Saving Devices and Conservation
1. Water-saving devices:
a. Find and use water saving faucets (automatic cut off), showerheads and toilets and encourage the guest to save water
b. Minimize toilet tank water levels using 2 flush system or force flooding with little water
c. Eliminate leaking toilets, faucets and pipes
d. Re-use water: irrigate gardens and plants with bath/shower water, kitchen or laundry water
e. Wash towels and bed linens less frequently

2. Alternatives to water in toilets and WC’s systems:
a. Composting pit toilets in forested areas;
b. Waterless toilets in ecotels
c. Waterless soaps





6] WASTE MANAGEMENT

A. Liquid Waste Management
1. Black water (bacteria-laden human or animal waste) containment and treatment:
a. Bio Methanation Systems like Gobar Gas to manage night soil and recover methane gas for power, kitchen or heating purposes
b. Septic tanks, Sediment tanks, Reed bed systems design and maintenance guidelines
f. Oxidation ponds for odor control with biodegradable anaerobic compounds

2. Gray water discharge; containment and re-use:
a. Re use of alkaline soap water by alkaline friendly and water loving plants like banana etc.
b. Irrigation systems (for gardening) using filters and screens; biodegradable soil and clean up compounds (hydrogen peroxide, bacterial aerobic compounds, etc.)

B. Solid Waste Management
1. Reduction practises using working case studies, practical examples and data; community cooperation techniques, and viable programs promoting Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
2. Reuse options with community systems to collect/redistribute reusable products, appliances etc.
3. Recycle Techniques and systems like
a. Container bin sorting techniques using drums, cans and barrels from which recyclable solid waste is taken back to city centers where recycling system exists
b. Manure-produced bio-gas from food peelings and table scraps
c. Incineration for those waste that cannot be recycled under government systems on payment of a fee
d. Waste-to-energy plants
ECOTOURISM POLICY OF ECOMANTRA: ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTISES AT ITS ECO-CAMPS
Sustainable Architecture (Ecotecture) Management
• Accommodation must consist of rustic eco cottages, safari cottages and wood huts made of locally available natural materials that are designed to be small, low impact and which blend with the local environment.
• Cement - The cement usage in the construction of Certifiable Eco-Camp must be either avoided or usage must be minimal. Recycled wood panels, Baked mud bricks, stone, natural mortar, cultivated bamboo must be used instead. If not 100% than atleast 90% of materials used must be renewable natural materials.
• Furniture in the cottages must be made of cane & cultivated bamboo and minimum wood, plastic and metal can be used. Bamboo saplings must be planted to replace the bamboo used during construction.
• Natural Terrain Maintained - The natural terrain and topography of the Eco-Camp must be maintained and landscaping must be minimal. Only endemic native plants can be planted.
• Solvent Paints – Solvent based paints and only water based emulsions paints but preferably Red Oxide and other natural paints and natural plaster of Paris can be used for interiors and exterior walls instead of solvent paints.
• Televisions - Not to be used except for showcasing nature or wildlife films at a fixed time in the day.

Energy Management: Design, Conservation and Creation

Eco properties must be designed and constructed keeping in mind maximum energy conservation.
• Large Windows – Large windows not only let the cool breeze and nature in; they also allow ample natural light. Power must be generated using alternative means to reduce and ideally eliminate grid based or diesel generated power.
• Natural Material Construction – Eco cottages must be made of Mud, Stone, Grass, Bamboo and Social Forestry Wood that are breathable and have high thermal mass allowing the cottages to be warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Minimum Lighting - Minimum lighting must be used with each unit having separate power connection.
• Dimmers provided - Dimmers must be provided all over the camp wherever incandescent bulbs are used to enable reduction in ambient light as per requirement.
• Manual Central Control - the room lights and the ambiator based air-conditioning are started only when the guest’s actually retires to their room from central control.
• No Air-conditioning - No air-conditioning is used to save power and eliminate pollution caused by it. Fans are provided for cooling when the breeze dims.
• Traditional Cooling - In summer wet mats made of Vetiver (Khus) grass can be hung on the windows to considerable reduce the heat and at the same time a gentle pleasant scent of the khus will create a soothing environment.
• Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) / Fluorescent Tubes which provide as much as light as ordinary bulbs but consume substantially less energy are used as primary means of lighting.
• Diesel Generator – In case of load shedding, a small, efficient diesel generator is started only when the guests retire and during meal times.
• Bio Gas – Eco camp and eco resorts can use a sustainable approach to waste, sewage, recycling and water management with on-site managed waste disposal using Bio Gas plant to convert the human and animal waste into energy to heat water.
• Own Electricity - The Camp must invest plans to generate its own electricity using scheffler solar for kitchen, convectional heaters for hot water and wind power for lighting.
• PET bottles Recycling: Pet Bottles must be recycled at a recycling plant near the site to either convert into fuel or other stuff.
• Water Management: The campsite can take not more than 60 litre per person per day water from forest streams and also invest in desalination plant and rainwater harvesting with at least 10 lakh litre under ground tank for the remaining 60 to 80 litre per person per day that must be filtered twice before it reaches your tap.
• Soap water from Bathrooms –are used for plantation like banana etc. that are not affected by the alkali content of the waste feed. They must be used 100%.
Waste Management

The campsite must have its own solid waste and sewage treatment systems for collection, recycling and disposal of the waste.
• Bio- Gas - A policy of ‘zero garbage’ according to which all organic waste and night soil is utilized for the process of Gobar Gas Plant and transformed into bio gas, which is then used to heat water. Waste out of gobar gas can be used to make fertilizer feed.
• Organic Waste - The kitchen waste must be used in ‘Vermiculture’ or Rapid Organic Compound.
• Non Organic Waste: All non-organic waste must be sold to scrap merchants.
• Zero Disposable Items - No disposable items such as plastic cutlery, tissue paper or paper plates can be used in any Eco-Camps.
• Recycle- The Eco-Camp uses 80% to 100% PC (post consumer) paper for all paper work.
• Non-decomposable but combustible waste - Items like packing materials consisting of cardboard boxes and paper bags are bought back from the campsites.
• Non-decomposable and non-combustible waste - Wastes like plastic bags, aluminum foils, glass bottles are as far as possible avoided or are carried back to the city where they are either recycled, destroyed or buried in garbage dumps.
Ecotourism and Community Tourism

• Local Employment - EcoMantra hires only local people from the immediate community for its full time staff, even in management positions. Local guides - Locals are employed on full time and/or part time basis to inform guests of local customs, local flora and fauna, local architecture and cross-cultural issues.
• Local Cuisine – Our village cooks cook local cuisine and minimum 2 local dishes are served at all meals. We purchase food locally for our operations as much as possible.
• Volunteer and Reforestation Program - Volunteer reforestation program utilizing guests to plant native trees are practised.
• The Clean Act: The Clean Act activity conducted while trekking cleans up the nature trail
• Sponsoring Ecotourism for Underprivileged: We organize environmental education excursions for underprivileged children and senior citizens
• Minimum Impact - We ensure that there is zero or minimum negative impact on the local environment / communities in which we operate
• Smaller Groups - There is a limit on the maximum number of clients that is compatible with the environmental sensitivity of the area visited.
• Nature Awareness and Education - EcoMantra places great emphasis on educating guests, staff and locals on natural issues of India and the world.
• Guest Participation Program - This allows the guest to voluntarily participate in the environment conservation programs. We reciprocate by giving free/ discounted camps in future.
• Photography and Wildlife interaction - We encourage wild life photography and viewing as long as it does not disturb the flora and fauna. However, personal interaction with the wild life is discouraged.
• Potted Plants- The campsite does not use fresh cut flowers anywhere in the Eco-Camp and decorative potted plants have been used wherever required.
• Stationary - All stationary used at the Eco-Camp is made from recycled products.
• Zero Pesticide - Neither pesticides nor herbicides are used on the campsite.

Training
• Environmental training - All Ecomantra Eco-Camp managers and staff undergo ‘Environment training’ to understand different eco-friendly operations of the Eco-Camp and how to protect the environment.
• The Eco-Camp managers and staff are encouraged to give their ideas to improve the eco-friendly initiatives of the Ecomantra Camps.
• Environment Workshops - Eco-Camp managers and staff undergo regular classes and workshops to update their knowledge about the environmental practices of the Eco-Camp.