The Charity: Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP)

The benefitting charity: KPAP

KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) is a charitable organisation, the Tanzania branch of The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC). IMEC is registered in Boulder/Colorado (USA) and was founded in 1996, KPAP in 2003 with an office in Moshi.

IMEC is a US 501(c)3 non-profit organization, FIN: 84-1348903. Donations are tax deductible according to U.S. law for U.S. donors. IMEC’s mission is to support an ethical mountain trekking culture by promoting social, economic and environmental responsibility.  IMEC has been focusing its efforts to help transform the impact of tourism on Mount Kilimanjaro through:

• Porter Assistance Programs
• Providing the climbing public with fundamental information concerning proper porter treatment
• Advocating for climbers to make an informed decision in choosing a socially responsible climbing company
• Empowering communities to improve responsible mountain trekking and environmental conservation skills

Equally important is the creation of competencies that as well benefit the communities the porters are living in. This encompasses, but not exclusively, money management, community based first aid, leave-no-trace training and certification. Porters can as well lend proper equipment, such as protective clothing, from KPAP. We will get further information when we visit the Moshi KPAP office.

Companies that operate Kilimanjaro climbs in Tanzania and their non-Tanzanian distribution partners can be certified by KPAP by agreeing to KPAP standards and being monitored by KPAP staff for example through spontaneous porter interviews at the exit gates of Kilimanjaro national park.

KPAP has received travel industry accolades for the hands-on help for porters and their families during the COVID crisis which endangered the food security for their communities. Tourism is the largest employer in the world with over 270 Mio people making their living directly or indirectly from it. For porters whose income and tips often feeds three generations in the same household, this was nothing less than a disaster.

KPAP is officially supporting and promoting this expedition through their Moshi office and their board of directors.

 KPAP website