Do’s

  • Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
  • Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
  • Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
  • In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
  • Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph

Don'ts

  • Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be   protected at all costs
  • Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing
  • Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
  • Do not leave cigarette butts or make open fires in the forests.
  • Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
  • Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets Respect local traditions.
  • Polythene and plastics are non bio-degradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be   used and littered.

A CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR ECOTOURISM IN SIKKIM

    1.  Conserve Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage

a)    Do not trample high altitude vegetation, do not pick any flowers or medical  plants

b)    Do not disturb wildlife or its habitats

c)    Do not allow clients to purchase endangered animal parts or antique cultural  artifacts

d)    Support local conservation efforts and income generation activities

    2.   Avoid use of fuelwood. Use alternative fuels

a)    Use kerosene, L.P.G. (or other non–wood fuel) for all cooking, heating,lighting including that by staff and porters.

b)    Discourage campfires, encourage camp fun

c)    Follow safely rules when carrying, storing and using kerosene and gas  

     3.   Leave all camps and trails clean

a)    Separate and properly dispose of litter, burn burnable, bury biodegradable, and carry out all other non-biodegradable materials for deposit at designated trash site or for recycling .

b)    Use toilet tents on all treks, set up and use toilets tents in an environmentally sound manner so as to avoid pollution of water sources (at least 100m away).

c)    Use established campsites and kitchen sites, avoid trenching around tents

    4.  Practice Conservation

a)    Avoid fuel-consumptive menu items, e.g. baked foods and large menu selections

b)    Re-package food into reusable plastic containers to reduce waste

c)    Reduce waste by de-and replacing also

    5.  Practice proper hygiene and sanitation

a)    Teach all staff about personal hygiene, sanitary, kitchen and camp routines

b)    Properly treat the drinking water and uncooked vegetables for clients

c)    Dispose of washing and bathing water well away from streams,use biodegradable soaps            

    6.   Take Responsibility for staff and porter welfare

a)    Provide adequate warm clothing, sleeping cover, shoes, snow gear, food for cooking, stoves and fuel, and take care of hired staff

b)    Periodically train staff in first aid, guide responsibilities, sanitation etc

   7.   Properly brief clients before leaving on a trek

a)    Address cultural "do’s" and "don’ts", environmentally friendly behaviour, safety  precautions, proper dress and respect for local beliefs, peoples and religious sites

b)    Plan days for proper altitude acclimatisation when ascending, know how to identify and treat high altitude illness and how to provide emergency rescue