For the Environment
In this world where wild places and wild resources are rapidly becoming things of memories, Discovery Voyages feels it is imperative that there be an active voice for the protection of Alaska's wilderness and wild things.
Discovery Voyages believes in a sensitive and respectful interaction with the environment that delivers our guests a genuine and intimate encounter with Alaska, far from the crowds and clamor of conventional, high-volume tourism.
Discovery Voyages was recently awarded the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) Gold Certificate for meeting the highest standards of economic, social, and environmental sustainability by the Alaska Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association, one of only three businesses to do so in 2009. Adventure tourism companies receiving the Gold-level award have been acknowledged as leaders in the Alaska tourism industry by developing innovative sustainability practices and helping partner businesses implement sustainable practices.
We offer our guests two ways they can take positive steps to protect the environment while they are on their voyage.
Our carbon offset program gives us an opportunity to help others achieve that which is presently beyond our own business's reach: energy independence and zero emissions. By contributing to a clean and renewable energy projects' fund managed by Native Energy of Burlington, Vermont, and based on our annual fossil fuel use and associated carbon footprint, we help fund wind, solar, farm methane and other renewable energy projects, including some projects right here in Alaska. A number of Alaska's remote Native villages are converting to wind powered electricity with the help of Native Energy's renewable energy programs. Our guests and clients can also enroll in Native Energy's Carbon Offsets program for their travel to and from Alaska.
We encourage guests to participate in "4 Dollars a Day for Alaska Conservation", a volunteer donation program where guests elect to donate $4 for each day spent with Discovery Voyages. Donations for this program are given to:
- Prince William SoundKeeper, a community based, non-profit organization that works to protect and enhance water quality in Prince William Sound, Alaska through community-based stewardship, problem solving education and advocacy
- The Alaska Center for the Environment, a nonprofit environmental advocacy and educational organization dedicated to the conservation of Alaska's natural resources
- The Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association, a non-profit organization supporting the management of Alaska's wild places and the development of diverse travel businesses, communities and conservation interests.
Additionally, Discovery Voyages donates considerably to political organizations and individual candidates who demonstrate responsible long term stewardship of Alaska's wild places and resources.
