Our world faces unprecedented social and environmental challenges. No one actor can address these single-handed. We believe that business, especially tourism, can help reverse these trends.
The Long Run started in 2009 as an initiative of Zeitz Foundation’s international programme. It was launched by Jochen Zeitz, Founder of the ZEITZ foundation, Co-Founder of The B Team and Zeitz MOCAA.
Nine destinations were selected on the basis of their commitment and unique approach to sustainability. Their collaboration provided the basis on which The Long Run developed its approach and strategy — protecting wilderness in perpetuity via the 4Cs, a holistic balance of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Going from strength to strength, the initiative evolved into an independent UK-based non-profit organisation in March 2015, with its own board of directors. It is now a registered charity in the UK.
The organisation has now grown to become one of the world’s largest nature-based business initiatives with over 60 members worldwide.
Accommodations, lodges, and privately protected areas join The Long Run as Fellow members and work towards the prestigious Global Ecosphere Retreat Standard®. In 2015, the Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER)® Standard was granted recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The members of The Long Run are at the front line of conservation in many remote places around the world. They are pioneers in sustainability, committed to doing things differently by leveraging the power of their business for the health of the planet and the well-being of people.
Through The Long Run they are connected to a global community of exceptional destinations who support and inspire each other to expand their positive impact and to excel in following the highest standards of sustainability encompassing Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce (4Cs).
We achieve this through:
The 4Cs framework provides a concrete way for businesses to internalise sustainability in their operations and decision-making. It recognises the importance of business viability to secure biodiversity conservation and community well-being in the long term.
Reciprocally, it emphasises the importance of nature and supportive communities in sustaining nature-based businesses. Members are encouraged and supported to continuously expand their positive impacts on the health of the planet and well-being of people.
Biodiversity is life. Conservation is safeguarding this biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem services it provides which support global needs. Conservation is a core to all Long Runners. They support the sustainable use of natural resources that safeguards the integrity of the planet in their area. Activities in this dimension address issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as management of energy, water and waste, land planning and carbon impact reduction, among others.
People matter; it is the right of every person to have their basic needs met and enhancing the well-being of communities is a fundamental obligation of all. Long Runners support activities that enhance the well being of communities they belong to or interact with. Activities in this dimension address fair working conditions, community relations, social infrastructure, social accountability, capacity building and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), among others.
Our world is culturally diverse. Celebrating commonality is what nurtures understanding. Respecting difference is crucial to our future. Our ability to innovate and evolve is what makes us uniquely human. Drawing on our uniqueness we enrich each other and contribute to a greater common good. Long Runners strive to strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding, safeguarding cultural heritage while raising awareness of cultural diversity. Activites in this dimension address issues of cultural heritage site protection, cultural heritage promotion and awareness, respect, cultural exchange among others.
Uncontrolled, commerce has had negative impacts. Conducted in a holistic and sustainable way commerce can be a positive contributor for The Long Run. Trading and the accumulation of wealth have been central to the development of civilizations over thousands of years and are likely to remain so. This dimension addresses the sustainability of commercial operations recognising the intricate link between profit, natural and social assets. Viable businesses offer the capacity to provide a source of income for people that depend on it, as well as long term investment back into the initiatives in each of the 4Cs.
Safeguard over 23 million acres of land.
Improve the lives of over 750,000 people.
Celebrate 120 cultures.
Invest over $12 million in Conservation, Community & Culture.
The Long Run’s Global Ecosphere Retreats® (GER) standard is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and is a leading sustainability standard. It is considered to be ‘one of the world’s best standards for privately protected areas’ (Dr Jeff A. Langholz). The GER® standard is unparalleled by any other standard in that:
Once a property achieves GER® status, it is granted for six years with a compulsory mid-term (three year) review to ensure compliance and create a new 4C plan if needed.
Please download the GER® criteria HERE.
Global Ecosphere Retreats® represent the highest level of membership in The Long Run community. Each nature-based tourism business has met the GER® recognition requirement in all areas of the 4Cs and is a centre of excellence in sustainable business practices.
Travel Partners are tour operators, agents, travel designers and any business selling travel that actively aligns itself with The Long Run’s community and commitment to the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.
The Long Run is governed by a board of trustees, which is advised by a Members Advisory Council, composed of GERs® (Centres of Excellence in sustainable tourism and conservation), which steers the organisation on behalf of its members.
Everything we do is guided by the 4 key principles of being fair, honest, positive and creative. These 4 Keys are at the heart of The Long Run’s mission and way of business.
