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Sustainability

Sustainability & Community Impact

How we protect the valley’s environment, support its communities and respect its cultures — on every journey, from planning to the trail.

Grassy slopes above the Baliem Valley

Environmental stewardship

Moving lightly through the highlands

The valley borders Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We treat it accordingly.

01

Fewer, smarter flights

Flying is unavoidable in Papua, so we design itineraries to maximise time on the ground and cut short, non-essential flights.

02

No single-use plastic

No plastic bottles, bags or containers on our tours. Guests get reusable bottles; water is purified in camp.

03

Pack in, pack out

All non-biodegradable waste from treks and camps is collected, sorted and carried back to Jayapura for disposal and recycling.

04

Care for water

Low-impact camps, mindful water use, and only biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps to protect local water sources.

05

Low-impact trekking

Routes follow established paths and avoid sensitive habitats, leaving no trace on the landscape.

Community & culture

Who benefits when you travel

01

Local employment

Over 80% of our on-the-ground team — guides, porters, camp staff and drivers — are hired from the local Dani, Lani and Yali communities.

02

Fair pay and training

Local staff receive fair wages, professional-grade equipment and safety training, plus training in hospitality, guiding and conservation.

03

Buying local

We source provisions, produce and supplies from local markets and cooperatives in Wamena wherever possible.

Guests can buy noken bags and other crafts directly from the makers, commission-free.

04

Itineraries co-designed with elders

Cultural visits are planned with the relevant village elders (kepala suku), and timed so we never interfere with ceremonies, markets or farming.

05

Authentic, not performative

We do not ask communities to stage performances. Guests observe and take part in daily life respectfully, for a more meaningful and dignified exchange.

06

Guest education

Before arrival, every guest receives a briefing on local customs, etiquette and responsible photography.

Our presence in this sacred and fragile land is a privilege, not a right.
Baliem Valley Highlands Society

Sustainability FAQ

Travelling responsibly with us

Plastic, waste, local hiring and cultural visits.

01 Do your tours use single-use plastic?

No. Single-use bottles, bags and containers are banned on our tours; you get a reusable bottle and water is purified in camp.

02 What happens to waste on trek?

Non-biodegradable waste is packed out, sorted and transported back to Jayapura for disposal and recycling where facilities exist.

03 Who works on your trips?

Over 80% of our on-the-ground team are hired from the local Dani, Lani and Yali communities.

04 Can I buy crafts directly from local makers?

Yes. We arrange direct, commission-free purchases of noken bags and other crafts from the artisans.

05 Are village visits staged for tourists?

No. Visits are planned with village elders and we never ask communities to stage performances.