THE Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO) has strongly affirmed its commitment to improving conditions for porters, even as it faces accusations of unfair trade practices and undermining local trekking businesses.

KRTO CEO Kelvin Salla said here yesterday that the entity is a non-profit agency focused on ethical trekking and environmental stewardship on the mountain, ocean as its activities are being contested by local stakeholders.

In an exclusive interview, he objected to accusations from local tour operators that KRTO was undermining their business in the mountain tourism ecosystem. Local operators contend that KRTO’s initiatives unfairly restrict their access to the lucrative $50m trekking market.

He said that the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) set up in 2003 was designed to improve porters’ conditions, thus seeing KPAP as essential to KRTO’s responsible trekking efforts.

It was meant to tackle exploitation facing many porters relying on trekking for a living, as it ensures porters receive fair wages, suitable gear, three meals a day, proper sleeping arrangements and limits their load to 20kg, he stated.

Veteran porter Innocent Swai was pleased with KPAP’s efforts, pointing out that this has raised earnings to $10 a day after years of struggle, while the CEO said that KPAP staff closely monitor compliance.

It requires partner companies to maintain at least 85 percent adherence to the standards it has set out, monitoring over 60 local companies for responsible tourism practices, all at no cost to the companies, he said.

Pristine Trails, a KPAP partner, confirmed that participation is voluntary and free of charge, where a company commits to improving working conditions.

KPAP similarly offers award-winning life skills programmes that empower porters and their communities, promoting financial literacy, household sanitation and educational opportunities.

To address climate change, KPAP organizes "leave no trace" initiatives, linking environmental sustainability with poverty reduction, with observers saying that support for KRTO and KPAP largely comes from climbers who wish to contribute positively to the mountain.

Through the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC), KRTO channels donations into preserving Mount Kilimanjaro, illustrating that ethical trekking fosters significant ecological and social advancements.

“KRTO has been a leader in community and environmental initiatives in Tanzania, enhancing the well-being of local mountain crews and communities” the organiser noted.

The organization has also conducted numerous workshops on environmental awareness, training over 172 mountain crew members and cleaners from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA).

 Collaborating with KINAPA, KRTO has played a vital role in preparing for trekking seasons and participated in KINAPA’s 52nd anniversary environmental campaign, engaging over 825 mountain crew members.

KRTO certified 16 porters and guides as ‘leave no trace’ trainers, while in community empowerment, KRTO has assisted over 4,000 local residents in organic farming and entrepreneurship workshops.

It has facilitated the creation of five village savings and loans groups, while health and safety needs are covered with KRTO trained first aid instructors to bolster community preparedness.

Since 2003, KPAP and KRTO have provided over 37,000 pieces of gear to mountain crews at no cost, he said, elaborating that the programme advocates for the fair treatment of mountain crew members and oversees responsible trekking practices with nine additional companies.

In 2023, the programme supported over 8,000 mountain crew members, generating more than 67,000 job opportunities from monitored climbs, while hosting 41 management meetings with partner companies attracting nearly 2,900 attendees in 2023 alone.

“These efforts have garnered international recognition, including the World Responsible Tourism Award 2022 for supporting employees and communities during the pandemic, and a silver award in the Meaningful Tourism Award 2022 for the employees’ category.

The KPAP monitoring programme has also been recognized by Travelife for its commitment to ethical operations and community welfare.

A Travelife statement said that the stakeholder magazine has noticed the dedication to fostering responsible tourism. “KPAP stands out for its transparency and commitment to fair treatment of local communities," the statement intoned.