Business Spotlight

Dean Rand, Discovery Voyages Discovery Voyages is one of Alaska's oldest and most respected eco-tour operators. Dean Rand, the owner of Discovery Voyages, offers week-long natural history, hiking, photography, kayaking, and outdoor education tours in the fjords and wilderness waters of Prince William Sound.

During the past 15 years, Dean and his staff have become increasingly concerned about the melting of glacial ice, the introduction of never-before-seen pathogens in shellfish, and the loss of critical wildlife habitat--all due to global warming. At the same time, they recognize that wilderness cruises, by their very nature, require the consumption of some fossil fuel and the addition of greenhouses gases into the atmosphere.

Discovery Voyages has sought to take responsibility for its actions by being as energy efficient as possible. In addition, it has partnered with NativeEnergy to offset its carbon use and to enable its customers to contribute to energy independence and clean emissions.

What is Adventure Green Alaska?

Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) is a voluntary certification program for tourism businesses operating in Alaska that meet standards of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. AGA encourages tourism businesses to evaluate their operations and determine whether they use - or could be using - best management practices. Qualifying at one of the three stepped levels of certification earns businesses the right to use the AGA label and participate in AGA promotional opportunities. AGA also assists nonqualifying tourism businesses to improve their operations so they may become eligible for the sustainable tourism label.

Guiding Principles of Adventure Green Alaska

AGA is entirely voluntary.
AGA is simple and affordable.
AGA is user-friendly and collaborative.
AGA certification provides tangible marketing benefits.
AGA increases traveler awareness of sustainable business practices.
AGA leads to measurable improvements in tourism business practices.
AGA applies statewide.
AGA accepts applications from all tourism businesses operating in Alaska.