Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
At WOW Borneo, sustainability isn’t a marketing term—it’s how we operate. Every decision, from route planning to partnership selection, prioritises long-term environmental protection, community wellbeing, and authentic cultural preservation.
We believe tourism should leave destinations better than it found them. Central Kalimantan’s rivers, forests, and communities have entrusted us with access to their extraordinary world. We honour that trust through concrete, measurable, sustainable practices.
Environmental Sustainability
Wildlife Protection
- Strict no-feeding, no-touching policies for all wildlife encounters
- Maintain respectful observation distances as mandated by national park authorities
- Support orangutan rehabilitation through partnerships with BOS Foundation
- Contribute to anti-poaching and habitat protection initiatives
- Limit group sizes to minimise disturbance to wildlife and ecosystems
Ecosystem Preservation
- Support reforestation efforts—guests can participate in tree planting at restoration sites
- Follow designated routes and trails to prevent habitat degradation
- Zero waste dumping in rivers or forests—all waste properly managed
- Use biodegradable, reef-safe products exclusively
Carbon & Resource Management
- Efficient fuel management on all klotok vessels
- Solar power supplementation, where feasible
- Minimise single-use plastics—reusable water bottles provided to guests
- Locally sourced food reduces transportation emissions and supports regional agriculture
- Continuous evaluation of our environmental footprint with annual improvement targets
Social & Cultural Sustainability
Community Partnership
- All of our operational staff are local Central Kalimantan residents
- Direct employment for village guides, boat crews, and cultural hosts
- Purchase supplies from local markets and cooperatives
- Fair wages exceeding regional standards for all positions
- Revenue sharing agreements with village communities we visit
Cultural Respect & Preservation
- Work closely with village elders to ensure respectful cultural protocols
- Support traditional craft cooperatives—rattan weaving, grey sedge work, traditional arts
- Educate guests on appropriate behaviour, dress, and interaction in villages
- Never stage or commodify sacred ceremonies—participate only when genuinely invited
- Document and share traditional knowledge with permission, helping preserve cultural heritage
Education & Awareness
- Briefings on Dayak culture, Kaharingan spirituality, and local customs
- Expert guides explain conservation challenges and community-based solutions
- Promote understanding of indigenous land rights and traditional ecological knowledge
- Guests leave as informed advocates for Central Kalimantan’s protection
Economic Sustainability
Local Economic Impact
- Majority of cruise spending stays within local economy
- Direct payments to villages for access and cultural activities
- Employment opportunities reduce pressure on forest resources
- Support for village development projects—schools, medical facilities, infrastructure
- Demonstrate that standing forests adjacent to rivers have greater economic value than cleared land
Conservation Funding
- Wow Borneo contributes $20 on behalf of each guest on visiting the Kaja Island site directly to BOS Foundation for orangutan rehabilitation
- Support for BNF’s Sebangau conservation programs
- Payment of Park entry fees directly to the National Park Authority
- Support for community-based conservation initiatives
Long-term Viability
- Sustainable guest capacity limits prevent overtourism
- Continuous reinvestment in vessel maintenance and safety
- Fair pricing ensures quality experiences and adequate conservation contributions
- Building partnerships that will endure for generations
Partnerships for Impact
We don’t work alone. Sustainability requires collaboration with organisations that have dedicated decades to conservation and community development:
Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation Supporting orangutan rehabilitation, release programs, and habitat protection since 1991.
Local Village Councils Co-creating tourism guidelines that respect community needs and cultural protocols.
National Park Authorities Following best practices for wildlife observation and habitat protection.
Continuous Improvement
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We commit to:
- Annual environmental impact assessments
- Regular community feedback sessions to ensure tourism benefits are equitably distributed
- Adopting new technologies and practices that reduce our footprint
- Transparent reporting on our conservation contributions and community investments
- Learning from mistakes and adjusting practices accordingly
We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to doing better every year.
Your Role in Sustainability
As our guest, you’re part of this sustainability commitment:
- Your cruise fees directly fund conservation and community programs
- Your respectful engagement with communities and wildlife sets positive examples
- Your advocacy after returning home amplifies protection efforts
- Your feedback helps us improve our practices
Together, we’re proving that tourism can be a force for good—protecting forests, supporting communities, and ensuring future generations inherit the same extraordinary wilderness we’re privileged to experience today.
Measure Our Impact
We believe in accountability. Annual sustainability reports detail:
- Conservation funds contributed
- Local employment numbers
- Community development projects supported
- Environmental initiatives undertaken
- Lessons learned and improvements planned
Transparency matters. Ask us about our impact.