An Eco Lodge is sustainably integrated with the Natural, Built and Social Environments
Definition : (As defined by Sarinbuana Eco Lodge)
Natural Environment
- It is located in a natural area, or a rural area within a short distance to a natural area, and is not significantly impacted by a town site, noise, traffic, or smog.
- It employs land management strategies and systems that protect the environment from pollution and degradation.
- It employs sustainable waste management systems.
- It employs water saving measures.
- It minimizes the use of toxic or non-biodegradable chemicals.
- It has organic food available for guests.
- It annually plants native trees.
- It supports biodiversity.
- It protects native fauna and flora.
- No chemicals are used in the food production system.
Built Environment
- It uses natural cleaning materials in housekeeping.
- It uses local, sustainable building materials where possible.
- It is small, usually less than 20 rooms.
- Employs energy saving tactics and renewable energy where possible.
- Buildings are built in harmony with the natural surroundings.
- Buildings consume less than 1/3 of the overall land area.
- Buildings reflect traditional designs.
- It uses only local tradespersons where possible.
- Recycles organic, and non organic wastes were possible.
- It has a system in place to offset carbon.
Social Environment
- It employs only local staff where possible
- It trains and employs local people who are paid at fair wages.
- It informs guests, staff and visitors of the importance and value of a healthy ecosystem and describes how to best enjoy the area without causing negative impacts.
- It joins local village/government meetings and welcomes feedback from the local people.
- It places real value on, and actively supports, the local culture.
- It employs, or has access to, interpretive nature guides who are either trained in biology or have significant local knowledge of the habitat.
- It provides books, posters, maps, photographs, orientation talks to inform guests and visitors about the biology of the area.
- It contributes to the local economy and helps demonstrate that ecotourism is a more sustainable long term way to earn income than destroying or altering habitats for short term gains.
- It is involved in community social and environmental projects.
- It encourages sustainable economic community development.
- The operation strives to harmonise with and highlight the local culture.
What you can do to be an “Eco guest”
Please bring with you :
- Your love of nature
- Natural insect repellents
- Natural shampoos – we have waste water gardens that are sensitive to chemicals
- If you have any 2nd-hand English reading picture books suitable for children we can add them to our library.
Other things to consider…
- Offsetting your Carbon foot print – see carbon offsetting.
- Order eco friendly meals from our menu.
- Take a walk with our local guides and in doing so 10% of your fee will go to the Sarinbuana Trek fund.
- Join a workshop with our local community.
- Donate to one of our community projects