Flatdogs Camp Pioneers Fair Trade Tourism Certification In Zambia!

Flatdogs Camp is the first tourism business to be awarded Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) Certification in Zambia! Reviewing the results of Flatdogs’ independent audit, FTT was in complete awe of the extent of its commitment to the people and conservation of the destination.

Positioned on the banks of the Luangwa River, Flatdogs Camp offers a gateway to exploring Zambia’s magnificent South Luangwa National Park and takes its responsibility for both conservation and community in this unique ecosystem seriously. From supporting Conservation South Luangwa and entering into an extended conservation agreement with the local Chief, through to grey water recycling, minimising waste, significant investment into a solar energy installation, and careful consideration of the most sustainable approach to building!

Its commitment doesn’t stop at the boundaries of the camp though. In addition to offering regular game drives to local school children so that they can experience the wildlife that travellers come to see, Flatdogs Camp addresses the local challenge forest clearing for firewood and charcoal by engaging local schools in tree planting for a long-term reforestation solution, as well as making 80% more efficient cookstoves to reduce the fuelwood demand.

Flatdogs Camp also helped to establish Project Luangwa in 2010, providing educational and gender support to the communities in and around Mfuwe. Project Luangwa’s programmes include support for women’s rights and independence, expansion of the infrastructure of the local school, and sponsorship of school fees for underprivileged children. Extensive financial and in-kind support is also provided to Chiyembekezo Preschool, including uniforms and teacher salaries, while local farmers are supported to protect their crops from wildlife, and regular procurement of fresh local produce is consciously managed to maximise economic benefits without distorting local market dynamics such that prices inflate to beyond the reach of local people.

FTT General Manager, Lisa Scriven, remarked that, “businesses like Flatdogs Camp just get it. They understand that the complexity of doing business in remote areas puts them in a unique position to find solutions that make sense not only for their business, but also for the long-term benefit of the people living alongside them. These aren’t always the easiest options, nor are they the quickest to implement, but they are always the ones with the greatest chance of sustained success.”

Jess Salmon, one of the owners of Flatdogs Camp, said, “We could not be happier to become part of the FTT family! We hope that this Certification will lead to more Zambian operators following our lead and to us working together to protect this beautiful country and the wonderful people who live here”.

Tourism businesses in Zambia that would like to join Flatdogs Camp and the like-minded community of businesses committed to Fair Trade and responsible tourism are invited to reach out to FTT or visit www.fairtradetourism.org for more information. Select “login” to register and start your journey now!

About FTT

Fair Trade Tourism is a not-for-profit company that provides a sustainability management framework, technical support, networking platform, and certification to enable the tourism sector to operate with FTT’s six principles embedded in day-to-day operations. The FTT logo is the mark of a good holiday and best practice in responsible and Fair Trade Tourism, defined by fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, equitable distribution of benefits, and respect for human rights, culture, and the environment. It means that the people who contribute their land, resources, labour, and knowledge to tourism are the ones who reap the benefits, and that the natural environment on which it all depends is treated with respect in pursuit of more resilient destinations.

Contact: Lisa Scriven, General Manager  |  email: [email protected]  |  website: www.fairtradetourism.org

About Flatdogs Camp

Perched on the banks of Zambia’s Luangwa River, Flatdogs Camp provides an affordable, authentic bush gateway to the South Luangwa National Park – one of the last great wildlife wonders of the world. The South Luangwa National Park is a pristine wilderness in eastern Zambia and is part of the broader Luangwa Valley. The Valley is home to an astonishing diversity of life, including around 100 species of mammals, more than 400 bird species and over 2000 types of plants. Flatdogs’ unique accommodation options blend into the beauty and tranquillity found on the riverbanks – a little piece of paradise that invites guest to marvel at the natural world again. They pride themselves on making this premier Zambian safari destination accessible to like-minded souls by offering affordable luxury accommodation, two swimming pools, Wi-Fi in the main area, a reference library as well as wildlife watching 24/7.

Contact: Jess Salmon, Owner / Director  | +260 (0) 97 7485873| email: [email protected]

Reservations:  +260 77 2374997  |  email: [email protected]  | check availability live through their website: https://flatdogscamp.com