Beyond Greenwashing.
"Eco-friendly" is a marketing term. Verified is a promise. We developed the 12-Point Yovu Standard to separate genuine impact from good intentions.
Planet
- 1. Climate Action Operator measures emissions OR actively reduces carbon (EVs, human-powered).
- 2. Plastic Reduction No single-use plastics provided where safe alternatives exist.
- 3. Responsible Resource Use Documented efforts to minimize water/energy waste and recycle.
- 4. Animal Welfare & Nature Strict ban on wild animal rides (e.g. elephants). Ethical standards required for working animals (camels, horses).
People
- 5. Locally Owned Business is >51% locally owned to keep revenue in the community.
- 6. Fair Employment Commitment to safe working conditions and legal fair wages for all staff.
- 7. Local Supply Chain Prioritizing domestic products. Food and equipment sourced nationally to support the country's economy.
- 8. Cultural Respect Authentic storytelling. Guides are local or long-term residents.
Place
- 9. Heritage Support Operations contribute to the preservation of cultural or historical sites.
- 10. Small Group Standard Caps on group sizes to minimize disruption to residents.
- 11. Conservation Contribution Portion of proceeds supports biodiversity or environmental restoration.
- 12. Community Feedback Mechanism to receive and act on feedback from local residents.
How We Verify
01
Application
Operator submits evidence (receipts, policies, certifications).
02
The Audit
Yovu experts verify data points and conduct random spot-checks.
03
Transparency
Approved operators get the badge and their impact data is published.
