1. WE RESPECT ANIMALS
For us the sled dogs are not valued as a mean to benefit tourism. Our starting point is a well-being sled dog whose life and needs are respected. The well-being of the dogs is based on good care of the dogs and well planned breeding. Every dog gets an individual care, in our opinion the amount of the dogs should not be grown too big. Our way to act is transparent and we always answer truthfully to the questions concerning our dogs and farm. The Finnish Animal Protection regulation and laws are the basis for our activity (Green Activity-file). Furthermore we also respect the wildlife of our surrounding nature.
2. MEETING THE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
We are aware of the laws and regulations, which govern the everyday functions of our husky farm. We strive to follow the spirit of the time by following news networks and maintaining dialogue with our intrestgroups.
3. PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
We follow the principles of sustainable tourism by Metsähallitus (a state-owned enterprise, responsible for the management of one third of Finland’s surface area, develops these state-owned land and water areas responsibly, in a way that maximises their benefits to society as a whole) the best we can whenever we are working in our surrounding nature and in the Riisitunturi national park. We instruct our customers to make environmentally friendly choices and we also work by the same rules.
4. CULTURALLY SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
We operate so that the local culture would stay as lively as possible and the lifestyle would show itself to our guests as it is, and has been for decades. We contribute to our region’s vitality by employing local guides. Our employees have the local knowledge, experience and they know how to communicate with customers in a manner that resonates with the authenticity of our products and services. Kota-Husky’s staff has been well established along the years and knows the dogs, company and our policy very well.
5. OPENNESS OF COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPARENCY OF ACTIVITY
We express openly matters concerning environmental protection, animal welfare and action regulating principles to our customers, authorities, affiliates and workers. Questions asked by the customers will be answered honestly.
6. ACCOUNTING FOR REGIONAL POLICIES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
We involve ourselves also in the improvement of tourism towards a more sustainable direction in our region and follow the environmental policy of Posio Municipality.
7. WE FAVOR ALL THINGS LOCAL
Whether it’s a product to purchase, service, food, collaboration or anything else we use local sources whenever it’s possible. The produce we use in catering is local and holds a story and thus it supports the local history and way of life. The food we serve to customers include for example bilberries and cloudberries we’ve picked ourselves or bought locally, local reindeer meat and “kampanisu” (a local pastry) baked by our neighbour. If we can’t offer our customers local food, we aim to favor Finnish produce.
8. DIVERSITY IN ACTION
The environmental policy of Kota-Husky envelopes everything concerning the environment, animals, nature and also the attainability and accessibility of activity.
9. PROMOTING YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Also summer season activities are in development and the off-snow time activity is being built step by step. For Lapland to keep its uniqueness, the development work needs to take place slowly but surely without hurry and honoring the local customs, nature, people and animals. In Animal tourism the progress of product development should not be governed by money alone.
10. KOTA-HUSKY IS MODERN AND EVOLVING
Nowadays customers are clearly more interested in dogs’ living conditions and care than e. g. a decade ago. We answer to our customers’ need for information the best we can with the means of communication. Our goal is to develop in the consideration of aspects of sustainability; we aim to consciously recognise environmental strain caused by our actions and to minimize it by e. g. reducing the quantity of food waste and waste in general. We make sustainable choices with purchases and we inform our customers about climate- and animal-friendly food options on our safaris (vegetarian and vegan options). When possible we encourage our customers, staff and affiliates to favor carpooling and public transportation.