“A new century has dawned and with it the realisation that we now stand at a cross-roads – the planet’s survival is in our hands, and each of us must contribute to the process of renewal and restoration.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
We are at a cross-roads in human history. The evidence is now beyond scientific doubt that we are exceeding our planet’s capacity to provide resources and process pollution.
The impacts are already being experienced, especially by those living in poverty. They will impact everyone alive today, including you and me. They will drastically impact future generations, including those currently in their youth. Immediate action must be taken.
Hillary Outdoors will continue Ed’s legacy by committing whole-heartedly to the challenges of ecological sustainability. Through outdoor adventures and transformative experiences of nature, Hillary Outdoors will inspire and support people to take action toward an ecologically sustainable future.
Obligations
Hillary Outdoors’ sustainability obligations are to,
- lead by example to inspire and empower people;
- act in a restorative and regenerative manner in our local and wider environment;
- respect and learn from mana whenua about whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga;
- run programmes aligned with the values of the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoors Education Trust;
- care for our people, clients and stakeholders, and to;
- make transparent decisions which balance financial, social, and ecological considerations.
Commitments
TEACHING
Embed role-modelling and teaching of sustainability into Hillary Outdoors’ programmes by,
- using outdoor adventure activities to help people realise they are part of nature;
- inspiring people to care for the natural world through outdoor experiences;
- educating people about whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, and by;
- providing learning that enables people to contribute to personal and social change for sustainability.
MANAGEMENT
Embed sustainable practices into Hillary Outdoors’ management and operations by,
- developing and maintaining its sites using sustainable practices;
- role-modelling sustainability best-practice;
- collaborating with local iwi to embrace whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga;
- instilling sustainability principles in procurement decisions, across products lifecycles and supply chains, and by;
- supporting staff, students, and alumni to stimulate progress in outdoor learning for sustainability across the wider outdoor learning industry – in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
GOVERNANCE
Embed sustainability principles into Hillary Outdoors’ governance by,
- working strategically with partners and stakeholders to create innovative solutions to sustainability challenges;
- developing strategic plans that ensure the organisation’s goals align with whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga;
- ensuring that the whole organisation is involved in implementing this Charter through transparent decision-making and reporting;
- building and maintaining the planning, decision-making and governance frameworks necessary to enact this Charter;
- implementing investment strategies consistent with this Char, and by;
- engaging in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders on Hillary Outdoors’ ecological impact and performance.