A new climate action pilot programme in South Africa positions tourism as a practical tool for conservation, helping accommodation providers measure impact and strengthen environmental sustainability practices.
The Kimkim Climate Action Pilot Programme, currently engaging 25 tourism properties across South Africa, is reframing the climate conversation by positioning tourism as a meaningful contributor to conservation and environmental resilience.
The initiative aims to empower small to medium accommodation providers to embed practical and measurable sustainability practices into their operations, transforming travel into a force that supports conservation, community development, and environmental awareness.
Funded by Kimkim, a United States-based travel company focused on personalised travel experiences, the programme is implemented by the Wilderness Leadership School, with technical expertise from ETC Africa and market access support from Johannesburg-based The Eco Travel Boutique.
“At a time when climate conversations often focus on restriction and guilt, this programme offers a more constructive perspective,” says Duncan Pritchard, Director of ETC Africa. “Travel can help people reconnect with nature, wildlife, and communities, strengthening the emotional connection that often drives conservation action.”
Research shows that intact African ecosystems play an important role in climate stability. Savannah and bushveld landscapes typically store between 30 and 50 tonnes of carbon per hectare, while tropical forests store more than 150 tonnes per hectare, highlighting the importance of protecting these natural environments.
The programme, funded through Kimkim’s Climate Initiative, is offered at no cost to participating tourism properties. Participants receive support to measure their carbon footprint, benchmark environmental performance, and design practical sustainability projects that reduce emissions while supporting conservation outcomes.
“Our goal is to help travellers connect more meaningfully with the destinations they visit,” says Kaelyn Harris-Vincent, Brand Marketing at Kimkim and lead of the Kimkim Climate Initiative. “When tourism is approached thoughtfully, it can support communities, strengthen conservation, and create positive impact beyond the travel experience.”
Carbon footprint measurement provides a consistent baseline that allows tourism businesses to track environmental progress and improve operational efficiency. It also allows travellers to better understand how their choices contribute to conservation outcomes.
“What matters is that carbon footprinting becomes a learning and management tool,” says Esther Ruempol from The Eco Travel Boutique. “This programme gives travellers confidence that the places they visit are actively managing their environmental impact and contributing to conservation.”
Participants in the programme receive technical guidance, benchmarking tools, and communication resources that help them demonstrate verified sustainability progress while contributing to a broader movement focused on responsible tourism.
The Kimkim Climate Action Pilot Programme invites accommodation providers across South Africa to participate in a model where tourism supports conservation, strengthens communities, and contributes to long-term environmental resilience.
For more information about participating in the programme, visit www.verifiedtourismimpact.org or email verifiedimpact@etc-africa.com.
