The Long Run is an approach to life geared at acting today for a better tomorrow. It is sustainability in action and the Zeitz Foundation's philosophy that underpins The Long Run Initiative.
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The Long Run Initiative which was started in 2009 is the flagship programme of the Zeitz Foundation built around Long Run Supporters; Long Run Alliance Members; and Long Run Destinations – Global Ecosphere Retreat® certified; who actively demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable business and by so doing provide practical examples of sustainability in action around the world.
LRDs - GER® certified are institutions that have undergone the rigorous GER® certification process, which includes an external assessment by Zeitz Foundation experts, verifying that they directly manage or significantly influence the management of a natural area of conservation value with defined geographical boundaries that have demonstrated their ability and commitment to achieve sustainablity through the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce). Find out more and view current LRDs - GER® certified
LRAMs are institutions that have completed a self assessment which has been reviewed by Zeitz Foundation experts confirming that they directly manage or significantly influence the management of a natural area of conservation value with defined geographical boundaries that are committed to achieving sustainability through the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce). Find out more and view current LRAMs
LRSs are organisations that share the Zeitz Foundation’s drive to support 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) projects around the world, and have demonstrated their commitment by signing the Long Run Charter Find out more and view current LRSs.
The 4Cs is the Zeitz Foundation's conceptual approach to sustainability through which it aims to demonstrate that sustainable ecosystem management – and ultimately steps towards a healthy planet - can be achieved through the balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce. LRSs, LRAMs and LRDs - GER® certified take the 4Cs to heart and continuously strive to achieve the highest standards across these dimensions.
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 component amongst all Long Runners. They support the sustainable use of natural resources that safeguards the integrity of the ecosphere. Activities in this dimension address issues related to 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 all relevant communities who have a socio-economic relationship with them. Activities in this dimension address fair working conditions, local and regional relations, social ventures, 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. As Long Runners, we strive to strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding, safeguarding cultural heritage while raising awareness of cultural diversity.
Trading and the accumulation of wealth have been central to the development of civilizations over thousands of years and are likely to remain so. Uncontrolled, this commerce has had negative impacts, but conducted in a more holistic and sustainable way, it can be a positive contributor to The Long Run. This dimension addresses the sustainability of a business as sustainable commercial operations offer the capacity to provide a source of income for people that depend on it, as well as for reinvesting back into the initiatives in each of the 4Cs.
GER® certification is setting a new standard in sustainability and is a driving force in promoting and developing sustainable thinking around the globe. It ensures that best practices are adhered to and innovative approaches experimented with and researched to develop sustainable solutions.
The Certification is undertaken by those LRAMs that have transitioned from a commitment to sustainability to the effective demonstration that their resources are sustainably managed. Once the certification is achieved, these become LRDs - GER® certified.
GER® certification is a rigorous process that delves deep into a businesses' operations and scrutinises its activities with relation to each of the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce). It involves the completion of a baseline assessment, the development of an E4C Plan and Annual Activity Schedule, followed by an external assessment by the Zeitz Foundation team and thereafter annual monitoring and reporting and the implementation of the E4C Plan.
The Zeitz Foundation applies the principle of collaboration in its certification. Relevant standards build on or incorporate existing systems such as through the partnership with the Tourism Sustainability Council for eco-tourism operations. The technical approach of the GER® certification is focused on identifying value-adding solutions rather than on defining problems. The certification represents a first step in a joint long-term learning process between the Zeitz Foundation and the LRDs.
The E4C plan is a strategic planning document unique to each LRD, which outlines outcomes, results and activities within the 4Cs: conservation, community, culture and commerce.
E stands for “ecosphere”; 4C stands for conservation, community, culture and commerce. The plan covers a three to five year period and is used to communicate the LRAM’s sustainability goals and clearly outline the steps toward achieving them. Progress is monitored through the development of an Annual Activity Plan.
The Long Run Charter is a declaration of intent and commitment to promoting more sustainable lifestyle choices. It is about building a sustainable future.
The Long Run Charter advocates actions in the areas of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce (the 4Cs), and supports the shared ethical foundation of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative.
All members of The Long Run Initiative sign The Long Run Charter and adhere to its principles. The Long Run Charter is the common thread running throughout the Long Run Initiative.
The Zeitz Foundation was founded in 2008 by business entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz. It is a non-profit organization working to maintain or improve the integrity of ecosystems through effective, sustainable management practices that ensure ecosystems continue to deliver services - such as clean water - for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation is registered in Germany, headquartered in Kenya and has representation in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The vision of the Zeitz Foundation is of an ecosphere – our planet and all of its life-sustaining regions – maintained in the healthiest possible state, with the major contribution to that health coming from people making sustainable choices.
The mission of the Foundation is to create and support sustainable projects around the world, at LRDs - GER® certified, to achieve long-lasting impact and sustainability through the holistic balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce (the 4Cs) in privately managed areas.
To find out more, visit the Zeitz Foundation and The Long Run.
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