The Australia-based company has been a “climate neutral” business since 2010 and plans to take its environmental commitments even further over the next few years through backing a project designed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Initiatives to turn Intrepid into the first climate-positive travel company include The Intrepid Foundation planning to raise Aus$350,000 (£192,000) to fund an innovative seaweed solution to combat global warming.
The company’s non-profit foundation is joining forces with the Climate Foundation and the University of Tasmania to crowdfund for the new marine permaculture initiative designed to regenerate marine ecosystems in Tasmania. All donations raised through The Intrepid Foundation will be matched.
Dr Brian von Herzen, executive director of the Climate Foundation, explained: “Marine permaculture enables us to regenerate kelp forests that have been lost to climate disruption. These projects not only draw down carbon dioxide, they help to ensure marine biodiversity for generations to come.”
Intrepid is also promising to donate 40% of profits from family trips booked between Earth Day and the end of June to the marine seaweed project.
Darrell Wade, co-founder of Intrepid Travel said: “The global climate crisis is escalating, but ignoring the problem isn’t going to make it go away. We need to act now. The good news is that there are solutions.
“Climate action has to be a priority for anyone who loves travel. We believe that we have a responsibility to make a positive difference and help to preserve the planet for the next generation of travellers.”
Intrepid has remained carbon neutral for the past nine years by purchasing carbon credits associated with a range of renewable energy projects, including a wind power project in India, a rainforest restoration initiative in Borneo and forest protection in Malawi.
