Responsible Travel

In addition to preparing for numerous logistical and safety concerns, RAEI strives to make our ecological footprint as small as possible. We are sensitive not only to the need to gather valuable data in the field so that we may ensure the long-term survival of ecosystems, but the immediate impact of our activities. To address this concern, we undertake the following steps:

• We have partnered with Conservation International, the premiere conservation organization in the world, to offset our carbon emissions from all of our travel. For every flight, bus, or taxi, we give something back in the form of carbon credits. Best of all, these carbon credits go directly towards reforestation in western Ecuador, meaning that we can have a direct, local impact from our contributions.
• We encourage our participants to offset their carbon footprint generated by traveling to points of departure for our expeditions. To offset your travel, click here -- the forest thanks you in more ways than one.
• Whenever possible, we utilize public transportation.
• We avoid non-sustainable harvests, such as shrimp and beef, in our group meals, Shrimp farming off the coast of South America is responsible for the wholesale destruction of sea turtle and mangrove populations. Cattle grazing is responsible for a large majority of deforestation on and around our study sites, and are also responsible for as much greenhouse gasses (in the form of methane) as all automotive transportation in the world.

We take these steps because we realize how important they are to save the very animals and ecosystems we hold dear. Indeed, the ecosystems in many of our study sites--and the unique species that live there--are expected to disappear from the Earth forever if we do not act on these vital issues now.