Wednesday, March 20, 2024
The DERTOUR Foundation, a non-profit organization established by the DERTOUR Group, formerly known as DER Touristik, in 2014, is proud to commemorate its 10-year anniversary this year with a decade of significant global collaborations. In celebration of this milestone, the foundation is excited to reflect on its journey and share the highlights of ten years of positive transformation.
The celebratory initiative, titled “10 Years – 10 Faces,” will spotlight stories of collaboration and positive change, running from this month until December.
A Decade of Accomplishments
With a track record of 97 projects spanning 28 countries across five continents, the DERTOUR Foundation continues to make a lasting impact globally.
Empowering People:
Over the past decade, the DERTOUR Foundation, in partnership with experienced local organizations, has constructed and furnished 71 schools worldwide, enabling 15,000 children to access education. Notable achievements include training programs at Pimali, Smiling Gecko, Africa Amini, and KOTO, offering promising prospects to young individuals. Since 2020, the Foundation has supported 15 trainees at Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Lodge and funded 15 trainees at KOTO. Pimali has also trained 21 young people since 2021 with the support of the DERTOUR Foundation.
In Tanzania, the craftsmen’s center has provided opportunities for 112 youths annually since 2018. Led by ECLAT, the Women’s Center Tanzania has empowered 75 women’s groups, with 58 receiving financial assistance in the form of microloans to grow their businesses. Additionally, as part of the Africa Amini Alama initiative, 15 secondary school students have been trained in sustainable tourism since 2022.
Conservation Efforts:
In collaboration with local partners, the DERTOUR Foundation is committed to restoring and preserving the natural balance. Since 2022, approximately 15,000 mangroves have been planted in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, through its partnership with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), the foundation has rescued 27 Aldabra giant tortoises since 2021.
Animal Welfare:
The DERTOUR Foundation strives to protect the welfare of animals worldwide, mitigate the adverse effects of tourism on animals, and promote positive wildlife interactions. Over the years, the foundation has worked with animal welfare organizations and partners to support various projects and offer travelers animal-friendly experiences. For instance, the Lipsi Marine Mammal Center now serves as a sanctuary for seven seals, 30 turtles, and 10 dolphins. Other initiatives include training 52 elephant guards since 2018 and the Bush Babies program, which educates 1,800 children on environmental conservation around Kruger National Park. Additionally, 36 Black Mambas, young women from tribal communities, have been trained in anti-poaching efforts.
Laura Steden, Director Corporate Responsibility at DERTOUR Group, stated: “This milestone is a reminder of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and the impact these projects have had on the lives of others. In celebrating the Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, we are commemorating a decade of positive change, fruitful collaborations, and an opportunity to make a real difference in communities around the world. We’re excited to share these stories and inspire others to make an impact.”
Leif Vase Larsen, Deputy Chairman at DERTOUR Foundation, added: “As DERTOUR Foundation’s international presence expands, so does its impact, allowing us to reach even more people, in more places, with even more value. For us, there is no greater motivation than continuing to put the economic power of tourism to good use to protect and preserve the diversity of our planet, promote economic development in host countries, and fight poverty.”
DERTOUR Foundation extends an open invitation to individuals who share our vision of making a significant global impact to join our mission and support our initiatives through donations. Every contribution plays a crucial part in creating enduring change that positively impacts both society and the environment.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
