Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations has established17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); adopted by all United Nations Member States, they aim to address global challenges and achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. We are aligning our efforts with this framework of UN goals as sustainable travel protects our planet, preserves cultural heritage, and supports communities.
Our Sustainable Development Goals prioritize People by promoting social equity, enhancing quality of life, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and supporting community development for a fairer world.
Just a Drop
Country: Cambodia
Project: Sponsorship of Trapeang Svay Village
Cambodia's Trapeang Svay Village is geographically close to Siem Reap, the gateway to the antiquities of Angkor Wat – but it doesn't benefit from tourism dollars. The rural village is in an area with high rainfall; the water is contaminated, and it is not safe to drink. Combined with a lack of sanitation and hygiene resources – and facilities – preventable illnesses are rampant in the village. Tauck sponsorship helps to construct latrines for better sanitation and hygiene; provide Biosand filters to clean water, remove pathogens, and make it safe to drink; and conduct community WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) trainings.
Learn more about Just a DropSave the Rain
Country: Tanzania
Project: Women's Water Initiative
The installation of 40 residential rainwater harvesting systems in villages with inadequate services in Tanzania is our current project with Save the Rain – and has provided more than 1,000 individuals with clean, safe water. Strategically placed systems help extended family and neighbors as well direct recipients; in East Africa, naturally occurring fluoride in groundwater can be harmfully high, with devastating effects on children's development. When a family has no water, education is not a priority; 80% of children were walking for water instead of going to school. With safe, clean rainwater at home, 95% of children have attained perfect school attendance.
Before the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, the majority of the women in these communities walked 3 to 6 hours per day for water searching for enough water to meet their family's needs. Their walk was dangerous – and so was the water, if they found any. With unclean water, illness seeps into the home; poor health erodes resources, productivity, and educational opportunities. The installation of these rainwater harvesting systems had a positive impact and made a difference.
Abriendo Mentes
Country: Costa Rica
Project: Innovative educational and community development programs in the Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Tauck is supporting programs created and run by Abriendo Mentes, a Costa Rica organization that was established in 2009 to create thriving and economically stable communities. Their focus is on "empowering individuals from rural/underserved communities in Guanacaste, Costa Rica to develop the skills they need to seize educational and economic opportunities for themselves and their families." Programs are designed to "use the power of education to create brighter futures" – "Educate, Enhance and Empower" is Abriendo Mentes' catalyst for sustainable impact on the lives of local community members. Innovative educational and community development programs include computer classes, English classes and many different types of programs within the communities.
Learn more about Abriendo Mentes