Ecotourism Norway
AWE is a certified ecotourist company and offers enriching nature- and cultural experiences, organised  in a responsible way with consideration for our guests, the environment and the local community that we are a part of. We refer to www.ecotourismnorway.org

AWE`s interest in deep ecology
We have always had a deep interest in ecology and wilderness philosophy. With the encouragement of the international conservationist Dr. Ian Player, who had established the Wilderness Leadership School in South Africa, Robin developed his own company on Spitsbergen, Arctic Wilderness Experience (AWE). After a few years, 50 Greenland dogs and a number of hired guides were taking small groups on 10-day tours in the arctic wilderness. Soon, the order book was full and the company up and running successfully. But modern tourism on Svalbard and the increasing use of motorised transport in the wilderness, purely for commercial and financial gain, challenged his own ideals. Tourism had no time for wilderness ethics.  The company was relocated to North Norway in 2002. Hamarøy and nearby Tysfjord have enormous areas of pristine wilderness. The region has been the home of the indigenous Sami for thousands of years, and AWE continues in the belief that a wilderness experience is essential for the well-being of modern man. If we destroy the wilderness, we destroy ourselves.  

A Norwegian ecotourism enterprise is one that:
• is based on our natural and cultural heritage and has ecotourism as the guiding philosophy for all its activities.

• contributes actively to natural and cultural conservation, is fully aware of its own environmental impact and always practises the principle of better safe than sorry.

• endeavours to achieve maximum sustainability in its operations by balancing ecological, cultural, social and financial considerations.

• makes a positive contribution to the local community, uses local labour, services and products, promotes increased collaboration and practices an overall corporate social responsibility.

• contributes to the preservation of listed buildings and generally aims to adapt to local conditions, local building traditions and distinctive features in its choice of materials and solutions.

• imposes especially stringent demands on its hosts and guides. Communication and learning are essential elements of its products.

• offers memorable experiences and creates venues that enable staff and guests to gain an insight into the local culture, community and environment. 

Climate change
The Climate and Pollution Agency wishes to encourage individuals and companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Offsetting through purchase of EUAs or CERs, is a good option for emissions that can not be avoided. For  further details, see http://co2.klif.no/en/-HOVEDMENY-/English/