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From Mangroves to medals: How Sri Lanka’s children became environmental pioneers

When the DERTOUR Foundation began supporting mangrove conservation in Sri Lanka (read about it here), our vision went beyond protecting coastal ecosystems. We knew that true change comes when communities are given the tools to care for their environment.

That’s why awareness and education programs became just as central as conservation work. And this year, we witnessed the extraordinary impact of that approach.
Across Sri Lanka, thousands of students take part in the Environmental Pioneer Programme, an initiative of the Central Environmental Authority launched in 1984.

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#MachtOffline: Social media campaign for digital time-out brings DERTOUR fourfold award success

No posts. No stories. No explanation. This is exactly what led to one of DERTOUR’s most native social media campaigns – a clear statement in favour of digital time-outs, real relaxation and a message that captures the spirit of the times.

What caused a stir in the community in May 2024 is a multi-award-winning beacon of the industry in summer 2025. #MachtOffline was honoured with four of the most important communication awards in the German-speaking world – the 916 Award, the DPOK and the German Brand Award (double honour) – for creative excellence, strategic impact and emotional brand management.

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Taucher reinigt Korallen im Korallen-Nursery auf den Malediven mit einer BĂĽrste

Tourism with purpose: The DERTOUR Foundation’s new projects at a glance

In 2025, we are proud to announce four new projects that embody this purpose. Whether in coastal Egypt, island communities in the Indian and Caribbean oceans, or rural towns in southern Europe and Southeast Asia, these projects demonstrate how the tourism sector can support local resilience, promote inclusive economic participation, and help restore fragile ecosystems.

Each initiative is shaped by strong local partnerships and backed by DERTOUR Group’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every step of the travel experience—from the hotels we offer, to the excursions we promote, to the way we engage with destination communities.

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From Vision to Community Transformation: Smiling Gecko and DERTOUR Foundation’s Journey

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Smiling Gecko, a Swiss aid organisation which aims to support rural development in Cambodia.
The Smiling Gecko project has positively impacted the lives of socially disadvantaged Cambodians. A Swiss social entrepreneur, artist, and photographer, Hannes Schmid founded this aid project to help those living in impoverished conditions near Phnom Penh. Over a 150-hectare site, the project employs a holistic approach to uplift the community and provide opportunities and resources.

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Ensuring Ecosystem Balance: WORC and DERTOUR Foundation’s Mangrove Conservation

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to the Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation (WORC), an organization that has been at the forefront of ecosystem conservation in Sri Lanka. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, offering protection against erosion, filtering pollutants, and serving as carbon sinks. WORC’s innovative approach involves planting mangrove trees strategically to create natural barriers, fostering growth and mitigating the impact of motorized boats that often threaten these delicate ecosystems.

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Hundetraining WildspĂĽrhund

Protecting Wildlife: Endangered Wildlife Trust and DERTOUR Foundation’s Joint Conservation Efforts

As the DERTOUR Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we celebrate the remarkable work of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), one of the largest and most respected biodiversity conservation NGOs in southern Africa.
Since its inception in 1973, the EWT has continually expanded its efforts to protect ecosystems and species across Southern and East Africa. Their mission is to safeguard wildlife for the benefit of animals, people, and nature alike.

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