Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts Principles and Case Studies for Biodiversity Conservation The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN. This publication has been made possible in part by the generous funding from the French Ministry for Sustainable Development and the French Overseas Territories Ministry. Published by: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland Copyright: © 2012 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Citation: Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts: Principles and Case Studies for Biodiversity Conservation Cover photos (each row from left to right, top to bottom) Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 56 pp. © Fairmont Mayakoba ISBN: 978-2-8317-1471-4 © Boutique Immagine © Sunset World Design/Layout: Thad Mermer © Dana Allen & Wilderness Safaris Produced by: IUCN Business and Biodiversity Programme © Jimmy Livefjord © Monolo Yllera Available from: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) © G. Lynas, NYC Publications Services © Fairmont Mayakoba Rue Mauverney 28 © Bay of Fires 1196 Gland Switzerland Tel +41 22 999 0000 Back cover photos (each row from left to right, top to bottom) Fax +41 22 999 0020 © Oskar Henriksson [email protected] © Russel Friedman & Wilderness Safaris www.iucn.org/publications © Bay of Fires This guide is printed on FSC paper made from wood fibre from © Isla Palenque well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the © Mike Myers & Wilderness Safaris Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). © Eleanor Carter Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts Principles and Case Studies for Biodiversity Conservation Acknowledgments

Biodiversity is the variability among Project coordinators living organisms from all sources Giulia Carbone including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine (IUCN, Global Business and Biodiversity Programme) Téa García-Huidobro and Deirdre Shurland and other aquatic ecosystems and (UICN, Mesoamérica e Iniciativa Caribe) the ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity Authors within species, between species and The Biodiversity Principles for siting and design of hotels and resorts of ecosystems. Gillian Cooper and Yves Renard, Green Park Consultants - Convention on Biological Diversity The case studies illustrating the Biodiversity Principles Jackie and Richard Denman, The Tourism Company

English editor Amy Sweeting

Design and layout Thad Mermer

Funding French Ministry for Sustainable Development French Overseas Territories Ministry

IUCN would particularly like to thank all the individuals who have provided valuable inputs commenting, reviewing and advising on the various elements of this project. Fairmont Mayakoba

3 © Contents

Part I 6 Part III 16 Hotel and Resort Development and Biodiversity: Implementing the Biodiversity Principles for Siting Risks and Opportunities and Design of Hotels and Resorts: Case Studies About the case studies 16 Principle 1 Part II 10 Q-Station, Australia 18 Biodiversity Principles for Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts Tres Rios, Mexico 22 Chumbe Island, Tanzania 25 Principle 1 11 Adopt an ecosystem-based approach in tourism Principle 2 development planning North Island, Seychelles 28

Principle 2 12 Isla Palenque, Panama 31 Manage impacts on biodiversity from hotel development Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico 33 and attempt to achieve an overall positive contribution Principle 3 Principle 3 13 Bay of Fires, Australia 35 Design with nature and adopt nature-based solutions Soneva Fushi, Maldives 38

Principle 4 14 Maho Bay and Concordia, US Virgin Islands 40 Respect, involve and support local communities Principle 4

Principle 5 15 Misool Ecoresort, Indonesia 42 Build collaboration among stakeholders Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya 45 Principle 5 El Nido and Taytay, Philippines 47 Northeast Brazil, Brazil 50

Conclusions 54 Glossary 56

4 5

© El Nido Resorts Concclusions and Glossary Part III: Case Studies Part II: Biodiversity Principles Part I: Risks and Opportunities Part I Hotel and Resort Development and Biodiversity: Risks and Opportunities & Wilderness Safaris Mike Myers ©

Integrating biodiversity considerations into siting and It is therefore not surprising that biodiversity plays an design decisions for hotel and resort developments important role in the day-to-day life of a hotel: from is important not only for the continued viability and the food in the restaurant and wood in furniture and conservation of the ecosystems, but also for the fittings, to the amenities in the spa, the products of long-term financial success of the hotels and resorts. biodiversity are everywhere inside hotels. Outside, The tourism industry, including the hospitality sector, plants and animals make a hotel’s public areas and depends strongly on healthy ecosystems, because gardens attractive for guests, while beyond the hotel those ecosystems – and the wildlife, habitats, gate, national parks, green spaces, coasts and natural landscapes and natural attractions that comprise them habitats provide guests with opportunities for recreation – are often the very thing that draws tourists to the and enjoyment. destination in the first place. The biodiversity footprint of hotels and resorts Biodiversity is essential for human life. It provides Despite their dependence on and interconnectedness human society with many important benefits and with biodiversity, hotels and resorts can have significant services: for instance, insects pollinate our crops, birds negative impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. disperse seeds, and fungi, worms and micro-organisms A hotel impacts biodiversity at each stage of its life produce nutrients and fertile soils. Interactions between cycle, from planning through to closure: organisms and the physical environment influence • At the planning stage, the most important issue our climate, water supplies and air quality, and help in determining the level of impact that a hotel will protect us from extreme weather, including mitigation of have relates to choices about its siting and design. natural disasters. These benefits are collectively known Choices about the materials that will be used to as ecosystem services (The Millennium Ecosystem construct the hotel, where those materials will come Assessment, http://www.millenniumassessment.org).

6 • • • and from the workinvolvedintheseactivities. Itmay refurbish it,convertitforotheruses,ordemolish the disposalofmaterialsremoved from thehotelto At the themselves. use ofenvironmental resources bycommunities sustainable operationsofthehotelbutalso with hostcommunitiesnotonlyaffects the on biodiversity. Similarly, ahotel’s relationship can allhelpahoteltoreduce itsadverseimpacts managing gardens withnatural-styleplantings making sustainablepurchasing decisionsand treating anddisposingofwasteappropriately; and sustainablyproduced food;reducing, energy andwatermore efficiently; usingorganic choices andincreased wastegeneration.Using facilities cancauseimpactsthrough purchasing and replacement offurniture,appliancesand impacts ofitsguests.Inaddition,regular renovation way itsgrounds are managedandbythedirect by thesolidandliquidwastesitproduces; bythe resources thatare consumedinrunningthehotel; mainly from theenergy, water, foodand other In the patterns. or disruptionofnaturalwaterflowsanddrainage or compactioncausedbyconstructionactivities types ofdamage,suchassurfacesoilerosion waste thathastobedisposedof;andother construction materials;theamountof workers; inadequatestoragefacilitiesfor location oftemporarycampsforconstruction water andenergyusedtobuildthehotel; the sources andamount typeofmaterials, taking place;thechoiceofconstructionmethods; development andwhere construction activitiesare by thesizeandlocationofarea cleared for At the the operationalstage. also influencehowsignificantitsimpactswillbein from andthetotalphysical footprintofthehotelwill be possibleto reuse andrecycle some materials, operational stage construction stage, closure stage , ahotel’s impactscome from , ahotel’s impactcomes impactisdetermined 7 decisions alsoinfluencetheimpactahotelwillhave stages, planningandconstruction,sitingdesign While thisdocumentfocusesmainlyonthefirsttwo to theendofclosure. from theverybeginningof anyplanningphasethrough Biodiversity issuesshouldbeapartofdecision-making population in a previously undeveloped area canput to previously inaccessibleareas. Anincrease inhuman can catalyzefurtherdamage byfacilitatingmigration a developmentsite(withroads orotherrightsofway) In relatively undevelopedareas, openingupaccessto endemic tothearea (i.e.foundnowhere elseonEarth). plant andanimalspecies,someofwhichmaybe habitats asaresult oflandclearingcanseverely impact rivers, lakesandotherwaterbodies.Thelossofcritical fertility, lowering ofthewatertableandsiltation flooding, increased erosion, landslides,lossofsoil accommodations andaccessroads canleadto Removal ofvegetationtomakewayfor managed. have significantimpactsonbiodiversity, unlessproperly occurring duringtheconstructionphasecanpotentially Thus, theland-clearingandlandscapemodifications ecosystems toprovide ecosystemgoodsandservices. main driversaffecting biodiversityandtheabilityof the MillenniumEcosystemAssessment,oneof Changes inlocallanduseandcoveris,according to design andconstructionofhotelsresorts Biodiversity impactsassociatedwiththesiting, will beeasiertorestore atclosure. will bemuchmore sustainabletooperate,andthesite resources efficiently andblendinwithitssurroundings during itsoperation:ahotelthatisdesignedtouse Impacts oflandclearingandlandscapemodification activities ofecologicalrestoration asrequired. hotel operatorshouldalsoforesee supporting careful handlingandmanagement. Aresponsible particularly from olderbuildings, whichwillrequire but there mayalsobesome toxicmaterials,

Part I: Risks and Opportunities significant pressure on natural resources and threaten create marina channels and jetties. Dredging causes biodiversity. disruption to the nearshore and marine habitat, because of the removal of substratum, the creation of anoxic In coastal areas, the removal of dunes, wetlands and sediment, changes to the biological community and other natural habitats to provide land for development significant increases in water turbidity. This can harm or to allow for better views or better access to beaches, nearshore marine environments such as seagrass can threaten nesting, breeding and feeding grounds beds and coral reefs. In addition, when hotels are built of birds, fish, and mammals. Filling of wetlands and close to the shore, developers often include shoreline salt ponds reduces water circulation and the flow of protection features, such as seawalls, groynes, moles nutrients to coastal areas. The removal of coastal and bulkheads. Yet, while these structures may protect vegetation from land and beach areas for construction the hotel, they can also prevent natural erosion and also causes the runoff of mud and sediment, leading coastline changes. In the long run, they can alter to siltation of beaches and nearshore habitats, such coastal processes such as sediment flow, and lead to as seagrass beds and coral reefs, which do not thrive accelerated erosion, siltation and flooding. in turbid water conditions. Runoff is worst during construction, but will almost inevitably continue after the Impacts of materials choices and architectural and construction phase. landscape decisions In addition to making responsible decisions in terms When hotel and resort developments include marinas of where they site their hotels and resorts, developers and the installation of jetties, excavation activities, should also take biodiversity issues into consideration such as dredging, are required to create the necessary when making choices on the materials they use and depth for boats to bring in construction materials and the architectural and landscape design styles they will Oskar Henriksson ©

8 kind ofimpactitwillhaveon biodiversity. sustainable thedevelopment isinthelongrunandwhat management andpurchasing willallinfluencehow wastewater processing systems,chemicaluse,waste regarding sources ofenergy, watermanagement, impact onbiodiversity. Decisionsmadeduringplanning attention tooperationalissuesthatcanhaveanegative resort development,itisalsocriticalthatdeveloperspay At thetimeofplanningsitinganddesignahotel or nesting sites. by competitionforkeyresources suchasfood,wateror populations ofindigenousspeciesthrough predation or cause majordamagetoecosystemfunctionsand exotic speciesforgardening) intoanecosystemcan accidentally ordeliberately(forexamplebyusing invasive alienspecies.Non-nativespeciesintroduced also importanttoavoidtheintroduction ofpotentially of nativespeciesingardens andonhotelgrounds is herbicides, posingathreat tobiodiversity. Theuse use ofwaterandchemicalfertilizers,pesticides landscape willrequire more maintenanceandmore of non-nativeplantsandincreased modificationofthe When designinggardens andhotelgrounds, theuse grounds ofseaturtles. impact onlocalwildlifeareas, suchasthenesting hotel, forexampletypesoflighting,mayhaveanegative architectural styles.Choicesaboutthefixtures inthe energy forcoolingandlightingthanmore traditional For instance,concrete highrisesmayrequire more influence ahotel’s levelofimpactonbiodiversity. Architectural andlandscape designchoicescanalso seriously degrademarinehabitats. of beaches,whiletheusecoralorrock can can leadtotheerosion and sometimesdisappearance loss. Incoastalareas, using sandtomakeconcrete leads tolandclearing,habitatdegradationandspecies use. Forexample,usingtimberfrom primaryrainforests 9 tourism destinationsworldwide(page16) illustrated by of hotelsandresorts. ThePrinciplesare supportedand into decision-makingontheplanning,sitinganddesign promoting theintegrationof biodiversityconsiderations of hotelsandresorts(page10) developed the with thedevelopmentofhotelsandresorts, IUCNhas To specificallyaddress thebiodiversityrisksassociated impacts From riskstoopportunities: managingbiodiversity case studiescollectedfromavarietyof Biodiversity Principlesforsitinganddesign . ThesePrinciplesaimat .

© Cat Vinton

Part I: Risks and Opportunities Part II Biodiversity Principles for Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts El Nido Resorts ©

The Biodiversity Principles for siting and design of hotels in print). The study generated evidence of biodiversity and resorts focus on how biodiversity and associated impacts resulting from the siting and design of hotels and social impacts can be better addressed in hotel and identified examples of positive relationships. resort development. The Five Principles The Principles seek to provide guidance in the planning and construction stages of the hotel life cycle. They are targeted The IUCN Biodiversity Principles for Siting at all relevant stakeholders, including planning authorities, and Design of Hotels and Resorts are as tourism development agencies, developers, investors, hotel follows: managers and management companies, project managers and consultants, architects and construction firms. It is 1 Adopt an ecosystem-based approach also expected that these Principles will be integrated in tourism development planning into relevant policy and planning processes, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, 2 Manage impacts on biodiversity from National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans hotel development and attempt to (NBSAP), national and local management plans, tourism achieve an overall positive contribution development plans, and the environmental management strategies of hotel corporations and developers. 3 Design with nature and adopt nature-

The Principles have been developed based on the based solutions findings of an analysis conducted by IUCN of the current 4 Respect, involve and support local threats to biodiversity in the Caribbean linked to the siting communities and design of hotels and other vacation accommodation (Impacts of hotel siting and design on biodiversity in the 5 Build collaboration among stakeholders insular Caribbean: A situation analysis, IUCN, 2011, not

10 beforehand to ensure thatcriticalnatural habitatsor not exist,astudyofspecies andhabitatsiscarriedout made topermitconstruction. Where baselinedatado exhaustive baselineandbefore anyagreements are independent individualsand companies,usingan developments are carriedoutbyqualifiedand Environmental impactassessments(EIAs)ofhotel inventories, amongothers. biodiversity inventories,andwatercourse mapsand and, where available,managementandrecovery plans, endangered specieslistingsanddistributionmaps Action Plans(NBSAP),protected area systemplans, knowledge, suchasNationalBiodiversityStrategyand approach. Theseplansintegrateexistingdataand implementation issupportedbyanecosystem-based development decisions.Theirformulationand Land-use plansalwaysguidehotelplanningand departments andagenciesindecisionmaking. institutions, andnaturalresource management between tourism,finance,land-useplanning,academic approach alsocallsforinter-sectoral cooperation impacts ofhotelsandresorts. Anecosystem-based helps identifyandaddress cumulativeandmulti-source services ofecosystems.Anecosystem-basedapproach in order tomaintaintheintegrityandessentialvalues Tourism planningadoptsecosystem-basedapproaches ecosystems concerned. development(s) couldhaveonallcomponentsofthe resorts, andtakeintoaccounttheimpactsthat and interconnectivitywhendevelopingnewhotels consider thedynamicsofecosystems,theirservices Hotel andresortplannersgovernmentalagencies development planning based approach intourism Adopt anecosystem- Principle areas thatprovide locallivelihoodsare conserved.To 1

11 on biodiversity, suchasthetemporarysettlement or encourageotheractivitieswithpotentialimpacts In addition,hotelconstructionislikelytogenerate to conditionsofthedevelopmentpermitprocess. monitor hotelconstructionpracticesandadherence Planning authoritiesemployadequatemeasures to closure) are integraltoanecosystem-basedapproach. hotel lifecycle(planning,construction,operationand Monitoring andimpactindicatorsatallstagesofthe academic andprofessional institutions. use scientificadviceandexpertise,especiallyfrom local the maximumextentpossible,plannersanddevelopers • • • the nextsection: The followingthreecasestudiesillustratePrinciple1 in implementation stages. expertise mustbesoughttoassistattheplanningand controls mustbeapplied,andcompetentspecialized standards, duediligence,monitoringandenforcement or vulnerability, thehighestlevelofdesignandoperational already plannednearsitesofknownhighirreplaceability and irreplaceable biodiversity. Where developmentsare to prevent developmentinareas ofhighlyvulnerable land-use plansandincluderelevant planningcontrols Areas ofcriticalnaturalhabitatshouldbehighlightedin to monitorandmanagethem. it istheshared responsibility ofdevelopersandplanners process takesthesepotentialimpactsintoaccount,and new hoteldevelopmentduringitsoperation.TheEIA potential increase invisitationareas surrounding the transportation ofconstructionmaterials,aswellthe of workersatthevicinityanisolatedsiteor Chumbe Island,Tanzania Tres Rios,Mexico Q-Station, Australia

Part II: Biodiversity Principles Gabriel Carvalho/SETUR ©

Developers and relevant government agencies should

Principle 2 employ a clear sequencing of mitigation actions at the earliest planning stages to manage biodiversity risk from Manage impacts on hotel and resort developments. biodiversity from hotel The first step is to avoid any harmful impacts to habitats and ecosystems. In critical habitats in particular, development and attempt to where highly vulnerable and irreplaceable biodiversity components are present, development takes places achieve an overall positive only if there are no negative impacts that would affect contribution the populations or functioning of ecosystems. Impacts on highly irreplaceable and vulnerable biodiversity Hotel and resort developers make all efforts to avoid cannot be restored nor compensated; sites of high negative impacts on biodiversity and associated irreplaceability and high vulnerability have the highest livelihoods from siting, design and construction. When conservation urgency. impacts are unavoidable, efforts are made to avoid the Where negative impacts are unavoidable, developers, in areas of greatest biodiversity value, minimise the extent order of priority, minimise harmful impacts, rehabilitate of development impacts, restore affected ecosystems and restore areas of disturbance caused by the hotel and biodiversity to the greatest extent possible, and and its infrastructure and, if possible, invest in additional invest in additional conservation actions within the conservation actions that contribute to the long-term vicinity of the development. Hotel and resort developers integrity and conservation of the ecosystem within which should aim to achieve a demonstrable, overall positive the development is located. As a result, developers contribution to the conservation of local biodiversity. must plan for mitigation and other similar investments

12 © Gabriel Carvalho/SETUR governments andtourismmanagementbodiesto governments for goodpractice,are formulatedandintroduced by to provide incentives,includingfinancialincentives is akeyresponsibility ofthedeveloper. Strategies Rehabilitation ofareas where impactshaveoccurred running off intothesea. the sitescreened toavoidunwanteddebrisblowingor kept cleanand,attheveryleast,leeward sideof season tominimiseharmfulrunoff. Buildingsitesare must beemployed.Constructionisrestricted tothedry control techniques,suchassiltcurtainsandfiltercloth in constructionisasshortpossible,anderosion To minimiseerosion and runoff, theperiodoftime spent materials are notusedinconstruction. negatively affect waterquality. Knownhazardous damage tocoralreefs andothermarinelife chemicals washedintotheseacancauseserious bags, wastewater, fertilizersandotherhazardous contamination isavoided.Debris,sand,cement,plastic carefully monitored toensure thatpollutionandland mechanisms. On-siteconstructionpracticesare Developers employcomprehensive wastedisposal sandy beaches. characteristics, are definedandenforced alongall and thattakeintoconsiderationbeachbackshore and backshore environment duringamajorstorm, reflect thedamagelikelytobecausedbeach ecosystem services.Conservativesetbacklimitsthat to minimisehabitatdisturbanceanddisruption will belaidpriortotheapproval ofanyconstruction, site, land-useplansidentifywhere suchinfrastructure negative impacts.Ifroads andutilitiesare notalready on and guidelinesare applied andenforced tominimise development ispermittedinsensitiveareas, strictrules with supportfrom scientists andotherexperts.Where supervision ofappropriateagencies,and governmental given theutmostattentionbydevelopers,under Consideration ofsuitablemitigationmeasures is construction schedules,andanyoffset activities. designs,changesto to accommodatealternative encourage net positiveimpactstobiodiversity from the 13 • • the nextsection: The followingthreecasestudiesillustratePrinciple2in the hotelorresort. residual impactonbiodiversity from thedevelopmentof biodiversity offsets are designedtocompensateforany In order toachieveapositive impactonbiodiversity, biodiversity from theirdevelopments. a goodtrackrecord ofachievingapositiveimpactto give preference todevelopersandinvestorswhohave design ofhotelsandresorts. Inaddition,governments wastewater treatment systems,hoteland beachfront be avoided.Operationalfacilities suchastertiary-level impacts thatcouldoccurat theoperationalstagecan Furthermore, itisatthedesignstagethatmanyof in constructionandfurnishings. durability andtherecyclable nature ofallmaterialsused maximized inconstruction,andconsiderationisgivento natural, sustainablysourced andharvestedmaterialsis sensitive sites.Theuseofnon-threatened speciesand cultural integrationandidentity, especiallyatmore while maximizingnaturalsolutionsandoptimizing style, inorder toreduce visualimpactandintrusion guided bythenaturalsettingandlocalarchitectural Building design,height,orientationanddensityis landscape andbecomeintegratedintotheecosystem. Hotel andresort developmentsaimtoblendintothe source ofinspirationindesignandoperations. natural landscape,enhanceit,andusenatureasa Where possible,hotelsandresortsblendintotheir adopt nature-based solutions Design withnature and Principle • Isla Palenque,Panama North Island,Seychelles Fairmont Mayakoba,Mexico 3

Part II: Biodiversity Principles lighting, renewable energy systems and other measures to limit energy and water consumption are considered Principle 4 to avoid biodiversity and ecosystem impacts during the operational phases. In addition, consideration is given Respect, involve and to the potential impacts of increased visitation to the surrounding area during the operation of the hotel. support local communities

To the maximum extent possible, native or naturalized Hotel and resort developments contribute positively to plant and animal species are used in landscaping and local community development, respect land rights and gardening. One of the major threats to biodiversity is the land-use rights of local stakeholders and involve them in use of non-native species: when introduced to a site, decision making. they can propagate quickly and overwhelm, and in some cases even eliminate, native wild species. The net effect There are many examples of local communities being is the destabilization of ecosystems and direct threats to marginalized from their traditional uses, occupations local species, with resulting environmental and economic and enjoyment of land and resources as a result of consequences. Indigenous (native) vegetation is the hotel and resort development. Beginning at the earliest most cost-effective landscaping approach, because it is planning stages, and continuing through all phases of adapted to the climatic conditions, uses local knowledge the development, developers assess social impacts on and is culturally appropriate. neighbouring communities; this is not only a matter of good corporate citizenship but also vital to ensure a The following three case studies illustrate Principle 3 in social license to operate. the next section: • Bay of Fires, Australia The principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) • Soneva Fushi, Maldives recognizes a community’s inherent and prior right to the • Maho Bay and Concordia, US Virgin Islands land and resources and respects its legitimate authority, requiring that any third party enter into an equal and respectful relationship with the community. Therefore, communities are informed about and consulted on any proposed hotel or resort, provided with information on its likely impacts and involved in meaningful participatory planning processes from the earliest planning stages and during the development process.

Governments are transparent in their decision-making process and establish clear procedures and sufficient time for stakeholder participation. Local stakeholders are involved in assessing and identifying alternatives and in natural resource management decisions, such as through multi-stakeholder bodies that include local stakeholder representation.

The following two case studies illustrate Principle 4 in the next section: • Misool Ecoresort, Indonesia Boutique Immagine

© • Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya

14 © Adrian Reuter arrangements facilitatesuchparticipation, withkey approached asaparticipatoryprocess, andinstitutional enhance, biodiversity. Development planningistherefore resort developmentthatdonotthreaten, butinstead have arole toplayinthesearch forformsofhoteland organizations, communities andacademicinstitutionsall hotel associations,architect associations,civilsociety and contractors,financialinstitutions,tourism private developers,investors at alllevels.Governments, Collaborative approaches are encouragedandfacilitated the knowledgeandcapacitiesofallstakeholders. – tosupportcollaborativeeffortsthatmobilizeandfoster authorities developmechanisms–adhocandlong-term development practitionersandnationalgovernment the participationofallpartiesconcerned.Tourism canonlybeachievedwith biodiversity conservation Reconciling hotelandresortdevelopment stakeholders Build collaborationamong Principle 5 15 • • the nextsection: The followingtwocasestudiesillustratePrinciple5in hotel andtourismplanningdevelopment. cooperation towards theintegrationofbiodiversityinto are someofthemechanismsthatare usedtosupport links withacademicinstitutionsandconservationbodies private sectorplanners;andthedevelopmentofstronger impacts; trainingofEIApractitionersandpublic and skills;theestablishmentofstandards forbiodiversity sharing ofinformation,positiveexamples,data,methods ecosystem-based tourismdevelopmentplanning.The development are strengthened andencouragedtosupport Existing bodiesdedicatedtothepromotion oftourism relevant structures. conservation organizationseffectively represented in stakeholders suchastourismprofessional bodiesand Northeast Brazil,Brazil El NidoandTaytay,Philippines

Part II: Biodiversity Principles Part III Implementing the Biodiversity Principles for Siting and Design of Hotels and Resorts: Case Studies Russel Friedman & Wilderness Safaris ©

About the case studies

The case studies presented here have been carefully locations, which was then narrowed down to 32, based selected and researched to illustrate the principles on the amount and nature of information that was on sustainable siting and design of hotels and resorts available. The final selection of case studies reflected presented in this publication. the need to cover all the principles, as well as a desire to provide a good geographic spread and a wide range The challenge in gathering these stories was that of hotel and resort sizes. information about the development history and approach of hotels and resorts tends to be less well- These case studies are nearly all about hotels and documented and publicised than information about resorts in coastal locations. Coastal ecosystems tend their operations. Most good practice examples or to be very varied and sensitive, and it is often in such awards relating to sustainability concentrate on what a locations that issues relating to tourism development company or enterprise is doing at the current moment, and biodiversity are most evident. Nevertheless, the rather than on its past development history. principles and the approaches illustrated in the case studies are not dependent on the type of ecosystem In order to find good examples for these case studies, and location, but rather are universally relevant to hotel many organisations, companies and experts with and resort development around the world. experience in sustainable tourism development were asked to suggest ideas that might illustrate the The case studies are arranged according to the principles. This initial request resulted in a long list of 76 principles that they illustrate. They are not intended to

16 subsequently reviewedbythembeforepublication. has beensuppliedbyeachoftheprojectsand been externallyverified,itisbasedonmaterialthat While theinformationineachcasestudyhasnot these hotelandresort developments. approaches thathavebeenandare beingtakenby more thatcouldhavebeenwrittenaboutallthepositive be fullycomprehensive and,inallcases,there ismuch

17 Principle • • • tourism developmentplanning Adopt anecosystem-basedapproach in Principle THE CASESTUDIES • • Build collaborationamong stakeholders Principle • • communities Respect, involveandsupportlocal Principle • • • based solutions Design withnature andadoptnature- Principle • • • overall positivecontribution development andattempttoachievean Manage impactsonbiodiversityfrom hotel Chumbe Island,Tanzania Tres Rios,Mexico Q-Station, Australia Northeast Brazil,Brazil El NidoandTaytay, Philippines Campi yaKanzi,Kenya Misool Ecoresort, Indonesia Islands Maho BayandConcordia, USVirgin Soneva Fushi,Maldives Bay ofFires, Australia Fairmont Mayakoba,Mexico Isla Palenque,Panama North Island,Seychelles

2 1 4 3 5 p. 47 p. 42 p. 35 p. 28 p. 18

Part III: Case Studies Principle 11 Case Study Q-Station, Australia

Incorporating ecosystem considerations into development approval and control

Application of an ecosystems approach in Name of hotel/resort Q-Station assessing proposals for a hotel project in a Scale 73 guestrooms and six cottages sensitive area, leading to a detailed plan with Date of development 2006-2008 conditions on the development and require- Location North Head, Sydney, Australia ments for extensive monitoring and reporting. The area context The North Head promentary, which forms part of Sydney Harbour Situated at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the North National Park Head promontory is an area of some 200 ha, containing natural scrubland surrounded by rugged sandstone cliffs occupation in Sydney. In more recent times, North and secluded sandy beaches. It is home to many plants Head was home to a quarantine station, which was and animals that are specially adapted to live in the established in 1827 and operated as an isolation facility Sydney coastal environment. for immigrants and residents until 1984. There is a large collection of historic buildings from the quarantine North Head is one of several fragmented areas that make station on a 36 ha site in one corner of the promontory, up the Sydney Harbour National Park, an IUCN Category within the protected area. V protected area. Part of the marine environment adjacent to North Head is within the North (Sydney) Harbour In 2001, the Mawland Group, a private developer, Aquatic Reserve, which includes sheltered bays and inlets proposed to lease the quarantine station site from the providing seagrass and algal habitats. New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The developer wanted to convert North Head is known for its significant cultural and the buildings into a high-end hotel, thereby helping historic heritage. Originally occupied by the Guringai to secure and conserve the structures, which are an people, the area has a strong spiritual significance, important part of Australia’s heritage. as well as some of the best remnants of Aboriginal

18 Q Station © development mightpositively oradverselyimpact Statement (EIS)documented howtheproposed by legislation.Theresulting Environmental Impact an Environmental ImpactAssessment,asrequired development proposal. Thisprocess beganwith address thepossibleenvironmental impactsofthe public process wasundertakentoassessandthen Guided bythePlan,anextensiveandtransparent scrutiny Detailed assessmentofimpacts,subjecttopublic complexity. historic heritageofthesiteaddedfurtherlayers neighbouring landsonNorthHead.Theculturaland an extendedarea ofwaterandsea-bed,aswell of thebiodiversitysituationandpressures across ecosystem-based approach, withfullconsideration the flora,faunaandvegetationofNorthHead,tookan a significantbodyofpublishedscientificstudieson National Parkin2000.ThisPlan,whichwasbasedon quarantine stationsiteonbehalfofSydneyHarbour Management Plan,whichhadbeenprepared forthe development wasguidedbyathorough Conservation From thebeginning,proposal forthehotel large enoughtosustainthemselvesinthearea. Bandicoot, are underthreat, withpopulationsbarely including theLittlePenguinandLong-nosed and maintenanceofgeneticdiversity. Somespecies, to habitatforspecialistpurposessuchasnesting, the widerarea, forterritory, feedingrange,access the sitedependonbeingabletomovefreely across ecosystem, andparticularspeciesthatare present on The quarantinestationsiteispartofawider context ofthewholeNorthHeadprotected area. development andmanagementofthesitewithin an ecosystem-basedapproach totheplanning, very detailedandsystematicprocess, reflecting The developmentofthisproject hasfolloweda management plan Guidance from anecosystem-based conservation 19 placed inthepublicdomain. wide planswere prepared, signedoff onbyDECand As partoftheconditionsfor approval, additionalsite- control impact Additional managementplansandprocesses to Environment andConservation(DEC). Authorities, whichincludedtheNSWDepartmentof subject toabout230conditions,bytheDetermining The revised proposal wasgrantedfinalapproval, the EISApproval period. outdoor eatingarea backfrom thebeachandreducing three carparks,movingtherestaurant, shiftingthe amendments totheproposal, includingeliminating EIS andCommissionofInquiryresulted insignificant EIS covered allaspectsofpotentialimpacts.The Commission ofInquirywasheldtoensure thatthe was showninthedevelopment,anindependent Next, inresponse tothehugepublicinterest that publicly available. to cumulativeimpactsinthearea. TheEISwasmade discussed thedevelopment’s potentialcontribution supply andsewage;landuseintheregion. Italso environment, particularlyseagrass;stormwater;water (such asbandicootsandpenguins);themarine upon arangeofelements,including:floraandfauna

Part III: Case Studies © Richard Denman Q Station ©

One of these plans was a Visitor Management Plan, promptly re-establishing ground cover and placing which dealt with arrangements for visitor access, fences so as not to limit the general movement of fauna site capacity and control of vehicle and pedestrian around the site. movements, in order to minimise impacts on sensitive areas and key species. Components of this plan include: Implementing an Integrated Monitoring and • Designing infrastructure to encourage access Adaptive Management System by water and public transport, with car parking A key feature of the Q-Station project has been a restricted and supported by a shuttle bus. requirement that the developers prepare and follow Restriction of vehicle movement was deemed an agreed Integrated Monitoring and Adaptive especially important to minimize the threat to Management System (IMAMS) for the conservation bandicoots. and adaptive re-use of the site. This system, which • Restricting access to certain areas. For example, was published by Mawland as a final draft shortly after the main beach is fenced at either end, so that signing the lease and submitted for approval by the visitors cannot access penguin habitat, while boat DEC, includes all of the issues and concerns identified access routes are clearly marked to avoid the main in the EIA. Three elements of the process include: seagrass area. • A programme of formal and systematic monitoring, • Avoiding other intrusion, for example by fencing the featuring approximately 150 specific indicators, outdoor eating area to screen sound and light from each with a pre-set benchmark, acceptable range, the surrounding area. monitoring method and potential responses should the result be outside the acceptable Another of these additional plans, the Erosion and range. An example of a biodiversity indicator is Sedimentation Control Plan, covered management of the number of deaths of Long-nosed Bandicoots threats arising from site construction and operation, attributable to vehicles, which requires prescribed including arrangements for stormwater drainage. management measures to be taken should the Special requirements for the construction phase number be exceeded. The indicators are not only included installing silt fences, keeping surface environmental but also cover social and economic disturbance to a minimum, avoiding excavation issues, such as employment and visitor spending. beneath tree crowns, staging vegetation removal, Responsibility for monitoring is shared between

20 works were thecreation of twocarparksinformerly natural andculturallandscape. Thelargestoutdoor communications upgradeand enhancementstothe roads andpathways,aswellanelectrical was carriedouton65existingbuildings,awharf, an extensiveprogramme ofconservationworks AUS$18 million.Nonewbuildingswere built,but and adaptationofthesite,withabudgetabout and workstartedonthedevelopment,conservation The MawlandGroup’s lease onthesitebeganin2006, The resulting development plans, includingIMAMS,are currently underreview. In accordance withthePlanningApproval, allsite-wide • • May 2012. is currently underwayandisdueforcompletionin for Planningin2008.AsecondEnvironmental Audit Approval; theauditwasapproved bytheMinister Audit toassesscompliancewiththeConditionsof consultants toprepare thefirstEnvironmental Mawland andtheDECengagedindependent A five-yearlyindependentEnvironmental Audit. the site,whichismadepubliclyavailable. An annualEnvironment Reportontheconditionof each indicator. Environment andHeritage,clearlyspecifiedfor Mawland andtheDEC,nowknownasOffice of 21 100,000 peryear. Q-Station in2008,visitornumbershavegrown to and, sincethefirstguestswere finallywelcomedto the firstenvironmental auditwasextremely favourable in Australia.Despitethesechallenges,feedbackon operating environments foranytourismdevelopment development establishedoneofthemostchallenging The extensiveconditionsattachedtoapproval ofthe conference facilitiesandthematictours. a harboursiderestaurant, visitorinterpretation centre, accommodation,thesiteincludes addition toovernight funicular railwayconnectingthewharftosite.In cleared areas andastairwaytoreplace anexisting http://www.qstation.com.au/ Email: [email protected] Suzanne Stanton,CorporateCounsel Q-Station Contacts

Part III: Case Studies Principle 11 Case Study Tres Rios, Mexico

Master planning for an integrated resort area

Systematic planning of a sizeable site, treated Name of hotel/resort Hacienda Tres Rios as a single ecosystem and following a staged Scale First hotel with 273 rooms process, from detailed scientific assessment Eventually will be five hotels on the to area zoning and the establishment of site with more than 1,700 rooms criteria to guide the development and and suites construction process. Date of development 2006-2008 and ongoing Location Riviera Maya, Mexico Tres Rios is a privately owned single estate, located The area context A site of 132 hectares with three in a spot where three natural rivers converge on the main habitats: jungle, mangrove coast in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. As rapid forest and coastal dune tourism growth in the area has been accompanied by associated pressure on natural resources, the At the outset, Tres Rios established a Sustainable Mexican family that owned the estate wished to Development Mission, channeling all its actions pursue a careful approach to the development of their towards the rational use of resources, the land for tourism. conservation of biodiversity, the implementation of good environmental practices, the creation of high- quality experiences for visitors, and the strengthening of its social responsibility. Sunset World

© This approach has involved viewing the whole site, including the rivers that flow through it and their egress to the sea, as a single ecosystem; and pursuing a staged process in understanding the site and preparing a master plan that indicates zoning and guides the construction process.

Tres Rios is a large-scale, long-term project that includes plans to eventually establish five hotels, with their associated infrastructure and services, while maintaining half of the site as a reserve.

Scientific investigation and creation of a master plan The first step in the development process involved a series of studies to identify the environmental characteristics of the site, looking at a number of components and including a biodiversity assessment. A team of scientists was assembled, including specialists in the ecology and management of coastal zones and reefs, fauna, mangroves, and other types of vegetation. The team initially identified 90 different

22 natural flowofwater, nutrientsand faunabetween drain pipesplaceddeepunder theroads toallowthe to avoidaffecting theflowofsurfacewater, with marine ecosystem.Roads andpathwayswere routed avoid contaminatingtheaquifer, thelandand the reverse-osmosis plant–shouldbeinjected,to treated waters–from thewatertreatment plantand be extractedandthedepthstowhichresidual and precise depthsfrom whichdrinkingwatershould Detailed geo-hydrological studiesdeterminedthe forests. issue forvariousecosystems,includingmangrove waterplanningand management,acriticalconcerned and strengthen theMasterPlan.Onesuchstudy studies andplanswere alsocarriedouttorefine developed, anumberofspecificandthematic At thesametimethatzoningsystemwasbeing Water planningforhealthyecosystems designated asconservationareas. development, withareas ofhighenvironmental value of theTres allfuture RiosMasterPlanandwillgovern This zoningsystemformedthebasisfordrafting that, asfarpossible,maintainsecosystemintegrity. coastal sections,anddevelopedazoningsystem and distinctivelydifferent landareas and11natural this process, thescientificteamidentified12natural restrictions onthelandandmaritimezone.Through ecosystem impacts,andlegalenvironmental land, typesandconditionofvegetation,current which enabledidentificationofnaturalunits studies intoaGeographicalInformationSystem, topographical data,aerialphotographyandfield This informationwasbrought togetherwith supply ofwatertothemangroves. of digitalmodelswascreated inorder tomanagethe of waterflow, aboveandbelowground, andaseries Detailed geo-hydrological studiesdeterminedpatterns species ofterrestrial animals and120plantspecies. 23 destruction of localecosystems.Design solutions minimise impactontheenvironment andprevent placed inanarea oflowerenvironmental valueto hotel –HaciendaTres Rios.Theentire structure was have beenfollowedinthe development ofthefirst The zoningsystemandthesemore specificcriteria circumstances. as constructiontechniquestobeusedincertain the broad zonesallocatedfordevelopment,aswell criteria forset-backsfrom naturalfeatures within of thehotelsandotherinfrastructure. Theseincluded criteria toguidethefuture designandconstruction A furtherstageoftheprocess includedestablishing infrastructure Construction anddesigncriteriaforhotels habitats. create newunderwaterandshoreline mangrove healthy plantandwaterlife.Thissystemwilleventually ensure theproper balanceofnutrientsandoxygenfor with lowsalinityandahighrateofwaterexchangeto be designedandconstructedforself-maintenance, represents thefirststageofacanalsystemthatwill advantage ofthenaturalflowunderground rivers, ecosystems. Acentralcanal,designedtotake

Part III: Case Studies © Sunset World Sunset World ©

were developed and the best available technologies Additional conservation work, monitoring and identified in order to meet the criteria. reporting Other work to restore and improve natural habitat All permanent infrastructure has been placed at on the site included reforesting over 10,000m2 of least 50m from the shoreline to minimise impacts on mangrove, planting more than 50,000 mangrove coastal and dune ecosystems. Permanent facilities trees and rehabilitating over 20,000m2 of mangrove are at least 20m from the natural freshwater springs damaged by Hurricane Wilma. In one year alone, (known locally as cenotes), which are an important the site nursery produced 50,000 red, white and feature of the site, and 10m from the three rivers. buttonwood mangrove trees. To maintain the natural surface water flow in the mangrove zones, buildings have been constructed on Based on an Environmental Management System, more than 780 stilts, measuring from 5m to 30m and ongoing monitoring is carried out by the resident erected on a permeable rock base. The ground floor biologist and environmental supervision team. of all buildings is 3m above the water level, ensuring Through quarterly and annual reports, Tres Rios the natural flow of water under the structures. informs SEMARNAT (the Mexican Environmental Ministry) and PROFEPA (Mexico’s Federal Before construction was allowed to begin, the Environmental Enforcement Agency) about Environmental Management and Supervision Team progress on the project. Strict compliance with all marked out the areas where infrastructure was environmental regulations is overseen by periodic to be sited and implemented Flora and Fauna PROFEPA inspections. Management Plans, designed to relocate protected and endangered species. During this process, 1,200 plants were temporarily moved to the plant nursery, to await replanting in the Hacienda’s gardens and natural Tres Rios Contacts conservation areas. The developers significantly reduced the potential impacts of construction waste, Gabriel Santoyo, Chief Environmental Officer dust and the presence of large teams of workers by Email: [email protected] using parts that were prefabricated outside the area http://www.tres-rios.com and assembled on site using efficient cranes.

24 regulatory and managementcapacityto develop ecosystems. Intheabsence atthattimeofgovernment for thewholeofsurrounding terrestrial andmaritime plan, notonlyforthesmall development site,butalso a comprehensive biodiversityconservationpolicyand From thebeginning,CHICOPrecognised theneedfor regulatory andmanagementframework Underpinning anecosystemsapproach witha period of33years. previously cleared landontheislandtoCHICOPfora year, agreed the government tolease2.44haof formed andregistered inZanzibar, andthefollowing Coral ParkLtd.(CHICOP)managementcompanywas foreign direct investment.In1992,theChumbeIsland autonomy overitsnaturalresource managementand presented ofZanzibar, totheGovernment whichhas (MPA), financedthrough ecotourism.Theplanwas Island asaprivatelymanagedMarineProtected Area and soughtaleasetoestablishshowcaseChumbe In 1991,aprivateindividualprepared abusinessplan present. species offish.Intertidalseagrassmeadowsare also 90 percent ofEastAfrica’s hard coralspeciesand424 2007 ontheisland.Chumbe’s reef isbelievedtohost Roseate Tern ( which isabundantonChumbeIsland,andthemigrant ( rare andendangered speciesare theAders’Duiker pristine ‘coralrag’forests inZanzibar. Amongstits is denselycovered withoneofthelastremaining a substrateoffossilizedcoral,andmostitsland reef andforest habitats.Thebedrock oftheislandis of just25hectares, withhigh biodiversityinbothits Chumbe Islandisasmall,formerlyuninhabitedisland ecosystem Developer-led planningandmanagementforawhole Chumbe Island,Tanzania Principle 1CaseStudy Cephalophus adersi establishment ofmanagementagreements. island andmarinehabitats,throughthe facility andtheconservationofsurrounding to theplanninganddevelopmentofatourism A comprehensiveecosystem-basedapproach Sterna dougallii ), thecoconutcrab( 1 ), whichbred in1994and Birgus latro ), ), 25 necessary regulatory frameworkandagreements. toestablishthe in discussionswiththegovernment such apolicyandplan,CHICOPitselftookthelead as theChumbeReefSanctuary andgivingCHICOP (MALE) declaringthereef tothewestofisland the nowMinistryofAgriculture, LandandEnvironment areas. In1994,CHICOPsignedanagreement with and establishmanagement arrangementsforthese todesignatetwo newprotectedgovernment areas In thenexttwoyears,CHICOPworkedwith problems encountered andstepstakentoresolve them. and terrestrial environment, includingreference to report annuallyonthestateofwidermarine condition oftheleasewasthatCHICOPshould otherwise, wastobedischargedthesea.Afurther a specificrequirement thatnosewage,treated or particular tidalpoolinitsnaturalform.There wasalso introduction ofexoticplantspecies;andleavinga for thepurposeoflayingfoundations;banning Chumbe, withtheexceptionofrocks excavated work; sourcing buildingmaterialfrom outside vegetation tothespacerequired forconstruction of mature trees; restricting thecuttingofother base oftheoverhangingcliff; prohibiting thecutting of anystructures atleast2minlandfrom thecurrent interference withindigenousfloraandfauna;siting terrestrial andmarineecosystems;minimising of theenvironment ofthesiteanditsassociated site. Theseincludedclausesrelating totheprotection for inclusionintheleasesmalldevelopment As afirststep,numberofconditionswere agreed The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort and marinebiodiversity Zanzibar, withrichforest, coastal Small island12kmsouthwestof Chumbe Island,Zanzibar, Tanzania 1993-1998 associated facilities Seven guestbungalowsand Chumbe Ecolodge

Part III: Case Studies CHICOP © S

responsibility for its conservation and for controlling Monitoring of the designated reef sanctuary and forest and managing it as a no-take zone (the original lease habitat is undertaken by the park rangers employed specifically protected the activity of local fisherman on by CHICOP, with the help of volunteers and visiting the eastern side of the island). The following year, a researchers. With some external funding, work has similar agreement was signed which declared the 22 been conducted since 1993 on baseline surveys and hectares of Chumbe Island that had not been included species lists of the island’s flora and fauna. In 2006, a in the original lease to CHICOP as a Closed Forest new monitoring manual was produced that focused the Habitat, with management entrusted to CHICOP for a process on a restricted number of indicators that were period of 33 years. capable of being monitored to predetermined accuracy by the CHICOP rangers. Monitoring is considered to be Chumbe Island became the first Marine Protected Area important to assess whether management objectives (MPA) in Tanzania; in subsequent years, the government are being achieved, to highlight issues where the established several more MPAs in other locations. reserve needs support, and to provide early warnings of stress to the reef. It is also designed to support A management plan and monitoring arrangements reporting, with results analysed and compiled annually covering the whole area and sent to the Department of Fisheries and Marine The project provides an excellent example of Resources (DFMR). A comprehensive Conservation ongoing public-private collaboration on biodiversity Status Report was compiled in 2010 and made conservation. In 1995, CHICOP prepared a ten- available on the CHICOP website. year management plan, covering the MPA and the whole island; this plan was updated together with Relating the design and investment to the a thorough evaluation in 2006. On both occasions, conservation ethos and goals approval was granted by an Advisory Committee While the Chumbe Island development story is a of stakeholders, including representatives from the good example of an ecosystem-based approach government, a university, local communities and to development of a tourism facility within the CHICOP. High-priority actions included establishment conservation needs and management of an entire area, of a species conservation strategy and monitoring the project also demonstrates other good practices. protocol for all notable species found in the Chumbe MPA. Appropriate research and response measures are Designs for accommodation took full account of the triggered by a significant fall in the population of any requirements of the lease for close-to-zero impact notable species. on the sensitive marine and terrestrial environment. The developers very effectively used innovative In addition to biodiversity management, CHICOP construction and environmental technology, with is required to stay up-to-date with new innovations siting limited to the area previously cleared for the and technologies in its tourism operations, ensuring, lighthouse and keeper’s house, and each unit placed for example, that rainwater collection systems are carefully into natural clearings in the coral rag forest. A adequate to meet demands on water resources and simple, distinctive geometric form was chosen for the that greywater facilities and composting toilet systems accommodation units, making full use of traditional are monitored to ensure no leakage of pollutants into construction methods, available materials and the the environment. capabilities of local labour. Materials were sourced

26 given solar-powered torches. walkways, nature trailsandbeaches,guestsare light pollution,there isnoartificialilluminationofthe kitchen isdirected. To protectwildlifefrom nocturnal filtered greywater from showers andtherestaurant nutrients were plantedinsmallgarden plotstowhich non-invasive plantsthatare heavyconsumersof were coconuttrees toreplace oldtrees. Inaddition, removed duringconstructionandtheonlytrees planted and recycle humanandorganicwaste.Notrees were toilets, whichavoidflushwater, andthussewage, sewage runoff andpollutionwithdrycomposting Sensitive coralcommunitieshavebeenprotected from optimizes viewsandalsohousestherainwatercisterns. forest, facingthesea,witharaisedground floorthat electricity. Each and filtration,solarwaterheatingphotovoltaic own waterandenergythrough rainwaterharvesting using state-of-the-arteco-technologytogenerateits rain, soeachbuildingfunctionsasaself-sufficient unit, Chumbe Islandhasnosource offresh waterotherthan thatch ( facilitate rainwatercollectionandcovered withpalm components, formedintoshell-likeroof shapesto Casuarina poleswere usedforthemainstructural dhow onahightidetoavoiddamagethecoralreef. from ZanzibarIslandandbrought across bysailing makuti ). ). banda wasplacedneartheedgeof 27 re-invested. taxed likeanyothertourismoperationandprofits are no capitalrepayments havebeenmade;CHICOPis and conservationeducationprogrammes. Asyet, it waspossibletofullyfundmanagementoftheMPA and revenue generatedhasrisensteadily. By2000, education. Commercial operationsbeganin1998, are directly involvedinconservationmanagementand and othergroups. One-third ofthe43staff members environmental educationprograms forlocalschools building forconservation,parkmanagementand remainder spentonpreparatory research andcapacity was directed totourisminfrastructure, withthe Of thetotalinvestmentofUS$1.2million,39percent staff, withvisitoraccessbyinvitationonly. centre. Thetraditionalmosqueismaintainedforuseby incorporated withinthestrikingstructure ofthevisitor The formerlighthousekeeper’s househasbeen http://www.chumbeisland.com Email: [email protected] Sibylle Riedmiller,ProjectDirector,CHICOP Chumbe IslandContacts

Part III: Case Studies © Monolo Yllera Principle 2 Case Study North Island, Seychelles

Minimum impact and positive restoration of biodiversity

An initiative not only to minimise the Name of hotel/resort North Island environmental footprint of a hotel, but also Scale 11 villas to restore the island’s habitat and endemic Date of development 2002 species, led by an investor and backed up by Location North Island, Seychelles relevant government standards and checking The area context A small island of 201 ha, lying in processes. the northern part of the Seychelles archipelago For nearly 200 years, North Island, a small granitic island in the Seychelles, was farmed for coconuts, experiences. The hotel and the island share a name and which required the clearance of native vegetation. occupy the same area, with integrated management of Following the collapse of the copra industry in the the hotel and the island itself. 1970s, the island was abandoned. The black rat, which had reached the island before the farmers, increased Initial assessment and planning uncontrollably in numbers, whilst feral farm animals and Before development could start, a number of alien weeds also thrived, resulting in the disappearance international specialists and representatives of local over time of most of the remaining native animals and conservation NGOs were brought in to carry out studies plant species. of flora and fauna, concentrating on birds, Chelonia (tortoises and turtles), and the overall vegetation. These In 1997, the whole island was purchased by Wilderness experts had considerable knowledge of biodiversity in Safaris, an international company operating 70 lodges the Seychelles, including familiarity with historical records and camps in seven African countries. The company’s and comparable sites. sustainability strategy is encapsulated in its concept of the ‘4Cs’ – conservation, community, culture and This initial study was followed by a series of thorough commerce. Wilderness Safaris focuses on two elements environmental impact studies, which included: of conservation: • plans for the eradication of invasive alien species, • Environmental management systems (building and with the least negative impact on non-target species operating in the most eco-friendly way possible to and the soil and water; ensure the lowest possible carbon footprint); and • a vegetation management plan, which covered • Biodiversity conservation (understanding, managing control of exotic and invasive plants, multiplication and protecting the wildlife and ecosystems with and planting of indigenous species, experimentation which they are involved). around rehabilitation techniques and ongoing monitoring of vegetation; Wilderness Safaris’ vision for North Island was to create a sanctuary for the reintroduction of some of the • a hydrological study to calculate the daily quantities Seychelles’ (and indeed the world’s) most endangered of fresh water that could be withdrawn without animals and plants. This vision would be facilitated by negative impact on the freshwater aquifer; the development of an exclusive hotel on the island. • an investigation of potential impacts of infrastructure location and design on turtle populations (sites to North Island Resort is one of an elite group of be avoided, setback from beaches, turtle-friendly Wilderness Safaris products included in the Wilderness lighting etc.); and Collection, a carefully selected portfolio of properties • an assessment of sources of construction materials, dedicated to sustainable luxury and exceptional guest including identification of species of island trees that

28 is handledby a Sewpacsystem,three-stage modular technologies andmanagement practices.Wastewater of impacthasbeenpursued through bestavailable the island’s abilitytosupport biodiversity. Avoidance Careful managementofwastewaterisessentialto building. species ontheisland.Felledalientrees were usedinthe Many materialswere recycled from theremoval of alien were wood,localstone,glassandthatchedroofs. with spectacularviews.Themainconstructionmaterials eleventh tuckedintothehillsideinTakamaka forest, the tree-line, facingAnseCimetière Beach,withthe environmental impact.Ten ofthevillaswere placed in private luxuryvillas,toensure thattheyhadminimal Great care wastakeninsitinganddesigningthe11 provision ofaccesstotheisland. the treatment ofwastewater, andintheplanning construction, intechnologyforprocesses suchas that mightstilloccur–intheirapproach tobuilding impacts where possible–andtominimisethose The developersconsidered measures toavoidnegative Avoiding andminimizingimpactsonbiodiversity to beimported. could andnotbeused,whatwouldneed 29 was granted. Subsequent permissionwas grantedto coral andotherbenthicorganisms, sopermission reef, withanextremely low percentage oflivinghard found thatthefringingreef consistedmainlyofold dredging onthemarineenvironment. Thisassessment the coralreef inthearea andtheprobable impactof conducted anon-siteassessmentofthestatus to widenandextendanexistingchannel.TheMinistry sought permissionfrom theMinistryofEnvironment capable ofhandlingsizeablevessels,thedevelopers a jetty. As beachaccessrequired anapproach channel introduction ofrodents from incomingboatstyingupat by theneedtominimiseriskofinadvertentre- around theisland.Thisdecisionwasalsosupported influencing thenaturalseasonalmovementofsand that ajettyshouldnotbebuilt,inorder toavoid to minimiseenvironmental risk.Earlyon,itwasdecided Access totheislandbyboathasbeencarefully planned requirement renewal forgovernment ofthehotellicence. regular testingofwaterqualityandeffluent, whichisa of theseavoidancemeasures ismonitored through discharge tothemarineenvironment. Theeffectiveness storage tanksandthenusedforirrigation.There isno filters toachlorinedosingtank,before beingpumpedto standard. Theresulting effluent ispassedviatwosand sewage plantthattreats wasteanaerobically toahigh

Part III: Case Studies © Dana Allen & Wilderness Safaris Russel Friedman & Wilderness Safaris ©

remove calcareous rock that had been posing a danger introduction of any Critically Endangered endemic to incoming container barges, with recommended species, and requires extensive expert research to measures to avoid future impacts on the beach. confirm food availability and sufficient restoration of suitable habitat on the island, as well as research by Eradication, rehabilitation and restoration programme NGOs and the Ministry of Environment on the mother In addition to the above avoidance and minimization population. The Seychelles White-eye (Zosterops measures, Wilderness Safaris has implemented an modestus), a small passerine bird, was successfully extensive programme of positive conservation and introduced in 2007, assisting its down-listing to restoration of the island’s biodiversity. This programme Endangered status on the IUCN Red List; and the black has proceeded systematically, carefully and rigorously, mud turtle, a species of terrapin, was introduced in 2008 with funding provided by both the income from the and 2009. lodges and the Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust, an Working with government on future protection NGO founded by Wilderness Safaris to support its community and conservation projects. About 21 percent The measures outlined in this case study to protect of the island’s surface has already received some level of and enhance the biodiversity of the island have been vegetation rehabilitation. instigated and pursued by Wilderness Safaris. However, in order to provide further security for biodiversity on With the support of Island Conservation Society (ICS), a the island, Wilderness Safaris is supporting current local NGO, and as part of a national project funded by efforts to seek legal protection for North Island’s marine Fond Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM), and terrestrial areas through participation in a national North Island successfully completed a programme project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), of black rat eradication in 2005, making it the largest that is reviewing the incorporation of private islands into tropical island in the world to successfully do so. A set the national protected area system. of stringent avoidance procedures was set in place to ensure that no re-invasion would occur via cargo landings from the rodent-infested main island, Mahé. These procedures were implemented in 2005 and were North Island Contacts reviewed by an independent expert in 2010. Linda van Herck, Environment Officer/Resident The state and condition of much of the native vegetation Biologist

has been restored to a point where it could support Email: [email protected] the introduction or re-introduction of endemic species, especially birds, from elsewhere in the Seychelles. http://www.north-island.com Government approval must be sought prior to each

30 facility islocated onaflatarea where the forest flooris cleared areas alongcoastlines, whileacentralservice value. Developmentisconcentrated inpreviously locating newbuildingsonland withlimitedbiodiversity disturbance tobiodiversity during constructionby The developershavehelpedminimisedamageand building construction Avoidance andminimisationofdisturbancein hotel rooms. ultimately includeabout200vacationhomesand50 development, whichwillbephasedovertenyears, be designatedforparkandopenspaces.Thefull Panamanian lawthat15percent ofallzonedland This issignificantlymore thantherequirement in consisting offragileforests, lagoonsandmangroves. percent of the island is protected as a nature sanctuary, and conservation.Underthisplan,more than50 access, transport,development,energy, openspace cultural inspiration,setsoutaframeworkforcoastal number ofsources forenvironmental informationand travel experience.Amasterplan,whichdrawsona and drivenbyadesire tocreate aparticulartypeof Amble Resorts’approach toconservationisvoluntary suites andsixvillasuites,isscheduledtoopenin2012. the firstfacility, a16-room hotelconsistingoftenjungle authentic resorts. Constructionworkhasbegun,and their portfolioofecologicallysensitiveandculturally by tourismdeveloperAmbleResortsforinclusionin scale cattlefarming.In2008,theislandwaspurchased by previous ownersoverseveralgenerationsforsmall- beaches. About20percent oftheislandwascleared mangrove andmarshes, isedgedbytwelvesandy has arangeofhabitats,includingprimaryforest, Isla Palenque,asmallislandoff thecoastofPanama, Using landwiselytominimisethedevelopmentfootprint Isla Palenque,Panama Principle 1CaseStudy use oflandtosupplyitsneeds. other habitatsandtomakeefficientcreative disturbance toindigenousforestvegetationand considerable caretoavoidandminimise A tourismdevelopmentprojectthatistaking 2 31 slopes andvegetation. raised boardwalks, offer ocean viewswhilepreserving Elevated canopyhomes,connected byaseriesof naturally existingboulders and old-growth trees. kit formoflargervillascan be arrangedtopreserve casitas final adjustmentsontheground. clustersof Village-like by physicallystakingoutselectedsitesandmaking breezes andnaturalshade.Thishasbeenachieved trees inplace,andtogainadvantagefrom prevailing clear aslittlelandpossible,keepingalloldgrowth Buildings havebeensitedandangledinorder to and foundationwalls. beam structuralsystem,ratherthantraditionalfootings provide supportforthebuildingsthrough apost-and- or caissonsgoingdowntobedrock havebeenusedto particularly closetotree root systems,concrete piers To minimisedisturbanceduringtheactualconstruction, the work. carefully sitedtomeetspecificneedsforeachphaseof Accommodation forconstructionworkershasbeen and minimisingthespread ofactivitytonewsites. over time,enablingsitestobeusedsequentially Development ofinfrastructure hasbeenstaged visual impact. structures willbenestledintothelandscapetoreduce relatively bare. Ridgelineshavebeenpreserved, and The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort willbebuiltintothehillside,andmodular Nacional MarinoGolfodeChiriqui outside theboundaryofParque the PacificcoastofPanama,just An islandof176hectares lyingoff Panama Isla Palenque,GulfofChiriqui, 2009 –ongoing rooms in10years 200 vacationhomesand50hotel 16-room hotel,phasedtogrow to Isla Palenqueresort

Part III: Case Studies Isla Palenque ©

Minimising the impact of transport infrastructure Careful design benefiting resource management In order to have transport infrastructure with minimal The Isla Palenque development also illustrates other environmental impact, Amble Resorts sought special aspects of good design and management to benefit approval from the Panamanian government for a the environment and biodiversity. The terraces of 50-percent reduction in its normal requirement for suites are planted rather than paved, to reduce ground road width. This is the first known project to gain such temperatures, and bodies of water placed immediately approval. These narrower roads, which will result in a outside openings help pre-cool air as it enters the significant decrease in site disturbance and clearance houses. Rainwater harvesting techniques reduce of vegetation, are feasible because motorised dependence on extracted water by collecting rainwater transportation on the island will be limited to a fleet during the wet summer season; inverted roofs, of small electric cars. Such vehicles also require less collection cisterns and towers are incorporated into the grading and levelling of the route. Utilities will be laid architecture for this purpose. A significant portion of under the roadways, again to minimise disturbance the energy needs of the planned development will be to vegetation. A process of roughly staking out the generated by on-site solar and wind power. Public and routes has also been adopted here, enabling them to residential buildings are being designed to a standard be reworked in detail on the ground to retain significant that is intended to achieve the U.S. Green Building tree specimens that are rare, mature or important to Council’s LEED® Platinum certification. the ecosystem. Panama’s beaches are home to five different types Gaining positive benefit from a local supply of sea turtle, and it is not uncommon for them to programme come ashore at Isla Palenque. To encourage such occurrences and, if possible, to increase their Amble has also designed an agriculture and forestry frequency, the use of bright lights is being limited programme, managed with biodiversity in mind, to in areas near the island’s beaches, and no artificial reduce the need to import food and building materials. barriers have been built along the shoreline. Water Plans have been drawn up for an organic orchard, quality is also being protected, with all wastewater an edible forest garden and the scattered planting of treated through sequencing batch reactors, which fruit trees. Sections of the previously deforested areas convert the water to a state that is suitable for irrigation will be restored through the practice of permaculture, around the hotel and the organic farm. maximising productive use of the various layers of a multi-storeyed forest, from understory to canopy. Use of native plants will reduce dependence on irrigation, while on-site wastewater treatment and cisterns Isla Palenque Contacts provide water for irrigation during the dry season. Emily Kinskey, Marketing Manager, Amble Resorts Deforested lands are also being used to grow building materials, including palm leaves for thatch and bamboo Email: [email protected] for furnishings. http://www.amble.com/IslaPalenque

32 © Isla Palenque

© Fairmont Mayakoba minmising impactswhere possible. its ownhotel,avoidingidentifiedsensitivesitesand guiding frameworkforFairmonttodesignandconstruct geology, hydrology andecologyofthearea, provided a thorough andcareful environmental assessmentofthe An earliermasterplanfortheestate,whichinvolved containing twootherhotelsoperatedbycompanies. the MexicanRivieraMayathatispartofalargerestate hotel wasdevelopedbyFairmontona19-hectare sitein The FairmontMayakobaisonesuchresort. Thissizeable resorts locatedinmore pristine,naturalenvironments. of heritageandcitycentre properties withhotelsand the companyhassoughttodiversifyitshistoricportfolio around theworld.Aspart of amore recent expansion, has builtaglobalcollectionofmore than60properties Over thelastcentury, FairmontHotelsandResorts Minimising impactsfrom amajordevelopment Fairmont Mayakoba,Mexico Principle 1CaseStudy mangroves andwaterchannels. development oncoastalecosystems,including impact ofasizeableresortandgolfcourse range ofmeasurestoavoidandminimisethe An internationalhotelcompanyadoptinga 2 33 of mangrove forest thatcoverspartsofthesite. was theavoidanceofimpactonextensivearea inthesitinganddesignofhotel The firstconcern Avoiding impactsonthe mangroves drought-tolerant plantshavebeenusedaround the To minimisestress onwatersystems,onlyindigenous, crustaceans andmolluscs. rest andfeedingareas for manyspeciesofbirds, fish, created around themangroves toserveasshelter, powered, covered boats.Newaquatichabitatswere from theirwaterfront network ofcorridorsforgueststotravelaround thesite and lagoonsincorporatenaturalriverstoprovide a and support,themangrove forest. Man-madecanals A systemofwaterwayswasdesignedtointegratewith, in theunderground riversystemthatfeedsthemangroves. property insuchawaythatitallowsnaturalflowofwater distributes theweightofdevelopmentaround the rooms are situatedneartothebeach.Thisarrangement services, are locatedbehindthemangrove line.Just34 Fairmont Mayakoba,andthemajorityofcentral ecosystem, more than90percent oftherooms at In order toprotect thissensitiveandendangered reef hemisphere. inthewestern Mesoamerican Reefsystem,thelargeststretch ofcoral to protecting thehealthofnortherlyparts Maya, mangroves alsomakeanimportantcontribution community offishandotheranimals.AlongtheRiviera water qualityandproviding nurseryhabitatforadiverse protecting theshoreline, maintainingandimproving Mangroves playasignificantrole instabilisingsoils, The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort casitas resort area coastal habitatsclosetoasignificant A sitewithmangrove andother Quintana Roo,Mexico Opened in2006 401 rooms andsuites Fairmont Mayakoba , using lanchas , electric-

Part III: Case Studies Fairmont Mayakoba ©

site. Such plants conserve water, as they are highly completely enclosing the site of Fairmont Mayakoba. adapted to local weather conditions and do not require Rather than removing natural features, many were extensive irrigation. incorporated along the way. For example, a cenote (a particular type of spring characteristic of the area) was The potential impact of access routes to the beach kept within the fairway of one hole, and the course through the mangrove systems and dunes has been includes many rocky areas inhabited by native iguanas. minimised by the use of a simple short pathway. Any tree that dies is left standing, to provide a home for small animals and birds. Relocating species and restoring areas of disturbance or habitat loss The golf course is irrigated by greywater from the hotel’s During construction, protection of the natural jungle wastewater treatment plant. Although the mangroves and its native flora and fauna was governed by an are known to take up excess nutrients from water that Environmental Management System that identified has been used on the golf course, the process requires species of high environmental value and specified careful management. Measures to manage water quality actions for their rescue, handling, propagation and include the regular testing of irrigation water and limits relocation to a nursery or to areas of reforestation, set on the amount of water that is allowed to run off into including mangrove forest. the canals.

A vegetation rescue project has relocated more than Since 2006, the El Cameleón Golf Course has been certified 1,500 trees and 10,000 smaller plants. An ancient Maya as an Audubon International Co-operative Sanctuary. technique called socoleo was used to prune and replant many of these trees and plants. A specialist on-site nursery was developed to not only receive relocated plants for temporary periods but also to propagate indigenous species for planting around the site.

Special measures were taken for the relocation of more than 40 species of fauna identified as occupying, or otherwise dependent on, sites due for development. Fairmont Mayakoba This programme was designed by specialists and Contacts validated by the Ministry of Environment. Sarah Dayboll, Director, Environmental Affairs, Designing the golf course Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

The 18-hole, El Cameleón golf course was designed to Email: [email protected] thread its way for 7km through the distinct landscapes http://www.fairmont.com/mayakoba of mangrove forest, limestone canals and shoreline,

34 © Bay of Fires virtually surrounded byprotected lands. that fallsoutsidetheprotected area, whilestillbeing Lodge islocatedonasmallarea ofprivateland(34ha) heathlands andspecialiseddrysclerophyll plants.The area fortheconservationofTasmania’s coastal Conservation Area. TheNationalParkisanimportant sectionis a NationalParkandthesouthern William sectionlieswithinMountheadlands: thenorthern area, knownforitswhitesandybeachesandgranite responsibility formostofthismuchlargercoastal Service(TPWS)hasmanagement and Wildlife its locationintheBayofFires. TheTasmania Parks ofTasmania,northeast corner takesitsnamefrom inthein 20kmofoutstandingcoastalwilderness The BayofFires Lodge,the onlybuildinglocated A completenature-based experience Bay ofFires, Australia Principle 3CaseStudy neighbouring protectedarea. an inclusivepackageofferingaccesstothe creatively designedaccommodation,butalso visitor product,involvingnotonlycarefullyand Development andoperationofaholistic 3 35 Based ontheirexperiencedevelopingasuccessful A conceptthatmeetsthesensitivityofarea authorities concludedthatthe product wouldoffer a Land Council.Approval wasgrantedinallcases,asthe the developersalsosought approval from theAboriginal are foundthroughout the area andmuchofTasmania, Out ofrespect forlocalsacred Aboriginalsites,which the standingcampwere required from thedeveloper. plan fortheNationalPark,verydetailedsiteplans the park’s coastline.Intheabsenceofamanagement on beachesorexistingtracksalonga25kmstretch of sought approval from TPWStoconductguidedwalks NationalParkand standing campwithinMountWilliam they submittedanapplicationtoestablishandoperate a up-market lodgeaccommodation.Atthesametime, responsibility fordevelopmentcontrol, forasimplebut to Break O’DayCouncil,thelocalauthoritywith In 1999,thedeveloperssubmittedanapplication resonate environment. withthewilderness and constructionofthelodge,wasdesignedto access arrangements,thecampandarchitecture have beenallowed.Thewholeconcept,including permanent developmentwithintheparkwouldnot newly constructedlodgeonthedevelopmentsite.A within theparkitselfandendwithtwonightsata walk wouldincludeanightspentinremote camp up totenpeopleledbyknowledgeableguides.The walking experiencethrough thepark,forgroups of the siteownersputforward aproposal tocreate a nature-based tourismoperationelsewhere inTasmania, The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort surrounded byaNationalPark of Tasmania, withacoastallodge areaA wilderness inthenortheast Ansons Bay, Tasmania, Australia 2000 people Accommodation capacityfor20 camp Bay ofFires Lodgeandwalkers’

Part III: Case Studies unique, environmentally sustainable way of experiencing the building. Rather than scattering individual cabins the dramatic landscape of Mount William National Park. across the site, all the facilities were centralized into one complex, consisting of two parallel linear pavilions A design that combines simplicity with creativity of timber and glass to create an extraordinarily The Bay of Fires Lodge is located on a small knoll simple space, involving an 18m-long core and offset overlooking the Bay of Fires with its beaches of pale extensions at either end to provide, respectively, an sand flanked by granite boulders and steep slopes of entrance and a deck. This design and positioning also dry sclerophyll scrub, rich with Aboriginal middens. takes advantage of cross ventilation and penetration of The beaches are backed by densely vegetated dunes. the winter sun. Access is primarily on foot, with guests walking in as The building is not orientated parallel to the beach but part of the programme. Vehicle access is available is rather sited end-on to the sea, below the summit of where necessary for some groups and services, but Bay of Fires a small but prominent knoll. This positioning provides © the private vehicle track stops about 200m away from shelter from coastal winds and limits the visual impact the property. on the surroundings. At one end, the gables and deck The building was built into the site with great care, to project out of the trees above the small beach, splaying create minimal disturbance while maximizing the visual out to reveal a view across the bay. The slope of the connection with the surrounding vegetation and the two steeply pitched, single-surface roofs (skillion roofs, ocean beyond. Siting took full advantage of the natural known in Australia as shed roofs) has been designed clearing; only three trees were removed to construct to maximize exposure to the winter sun and mirrors Bay of Fires ©

36 © Bay of Fires structure. ThedevelopmentconformedtoTPWSpolicy the standingcampwasdeveloped asademountable permitted inthislocationwithin theNationalPark, As nopermanentaccommodation structure was requirements oftheNationalPark The camp–designedtosuitthesiteand on onesideofthebuilding. rainwater collectiontankshavebeengrouped together before itjoinsthedigester. Allservice equipmentand wastewater istakenthrough athree-stage grease trap a transpirationtrench where itevaporates;kitchen through adigester, andfiltered before direction to Wastewater isremoved from thesystem,passed is treated onsiteusingadrycompostingsystem. header tank.Allsewageandorganickitchenwaste hand-pumping waterforshowersandbasinstoa measures includingwaterflowrestrictors, withguests’ litre storagetanks,complementedbywater-saving Rainwater iscollectedfrom theroofs intofive22,000- combustion stoveinthelivingarea. from direct summersunbyroof eaves.There isawood for sunlightpenetrationandcross ventilation,shielded Extensive usehasbeenmadeofglasslouvres toallow north-facing solarcollectors,projecting from theroof. provided onsite.Lightandpowerare provided by or sewageconnection,soallbasicserviceswere but simple.There isnomainspower, mainswater by helicopter. Therooms andfacilitiesare striking where theywere dividedinto500kgloadsfordelivery materials were brought bytrucktoapoint6kmaway, minimal disturbancetovegetation.Construction materials tobedelivered by airorwalkedin,causing components, simpleandlightweight,whichenabledall The designofthebuildingisbasedonminimal natural processes Light materialsandlow-impacttechnologyusing prevailing wind. the formoftrees, which havebeenshapedbythe 37 greywater treatment, andremoval ofsolidwastefrom including useofacompostingtoilet,blackwaterand management procedures were carefully planned, not visiblefrom thebeachorsurrounding area. Waste onthefloorofswale.Thecampis of brackenfern continuous plantingsofboobyalla,andashortcovering a closedswale,withsurrounding dunesstabilizedby in NationalParks.Thechosensitewaslocatedwithin to locatestandingcampsatleast3kmfrom road heads land managedbytheTPWS. for theapproval andoperationofstandingcampson Standing CampPolicythathasformalizedguidelines Tasmania Serviceintroduced a ParksandWildlife development ofremote areas withinreserved land, In 2006,inorder toavoiduncheckedgradual washing footwear. facilities were required atthebeginningofwalkfor were provided. To prevent thespread ofphytopthera, the effect oftramplinganderosion, sandladders pedestrian accessoverthedunesystemswhilelimiting to theplanningapproval. Forexample,tofacilitate Assessment. Additionalconditionswere attached supported byaTPWSEnvironmental Impact The proposal fordevelopmentofthecampwas the site.

http://www.bayoffireslodge.com.au/ Email: [email protected] Huts &theBayofFiresWalk Heath Garrett,GeneralManager,CradleMountain Bay ofFires Contacts © Bay of Fires

Part III: Case Studies Principle 13 Case Study Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Blending with nature to reduce impact

A luxury development that follows corporate Name of hotel/resort Soneva Fushi sustainability policy towards design and Scale 65 villas construction, blending the resort into the natural Date of development 1995 landscape and using nature as a source of Location Kunfanadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, inspiration, as well as minimising environmental Maldives impact at the construction stage and in the The area context A tropical island in a marine future operation of the resort. environment that has recently been Even though it has an area of only 140 ha, Kunfanadhoo designated a UNESCO World is one of the biggest islands in the Maldives. It is Biosphere Reserve a densely vegetated tropical island in Baa Atoll, surrounded by a house reef teeming with marine life. In later expanding to 65. Infrastructure was designed to 1995, Soneva Fushi resort, which now comprises 65 encourage walking and cycling around the island. All of villas, was opened on the island by the Sonevas, a resort the villas were built 30-40m back from the beach and management and development company. hidden by vegetation to minimise their visibility from the sea, and their size, layout and location were planned to The Sonevas, which operates in the Maldives and integrate native vegetation into manmade structures. Thailand, is committed to sustainable development, with For example, the Jungle Reserve Villa was built around environmental responsibility a fundamental core value a coconut palm tree, which grows dramatically through for their business. The company, whose brand position two levels of the villa. Tree removal has proved necessary is ‘intelligent luxury’, has a set of core policies for resort on a very small number of occasions; in these instances, development. Among these policies are two sets of trees were transplanted into a similar habitat elsewhere principles, one for the design stage and one for the on the island. Natural materials were used wherever construction stage, that are detailed in their Social and possible, including fallen and recycled timber, as well as Environment Programme: teak, cedar, pine, acacia, eucalyptus, coconut palm and bamboo from sustainably managed and certified sources. • The design-stage principles cover legal Other building materials, such as the palm thatch for the requirements, the local environment, environmental/ roofs, were locally grown. Guest villas were designed and geographical risks, building design, energy positioned to take full advantage of natural ventilation and management, water supply and wastewater. lighting; the design of the most recent accommodation • The construction stage principles cover waste incorporates a double-level roof with louvres to provide management during construction, groundwater cross ventilation. protection, mitigation measures and the establishment of an environmental monitoring Design challenges in addressing water and energy programme prior to construction on sensitive sites. management

The development of Soneva Fushi, the company’s first Although options for water and energy supply on a small resort development, reflects this corporate approach. island were quite limited in 1995 when Soneva Fushi was first developed, with improvements in technology, Blending with nature, through siting, design and new alternatives to the original designs are becoming materials available. Maintaining a potable water supply has presented a challenge, especially as a borehole is not At the start of the project, the decision was made to permitted on Kunfanadhoo. A small rainwater harvesting develop at low density, beginning with 45 villas and

38 © Kattipong Panchee of pathwaysand around thevillas,isshredded and for irrigation.Green waste,arisingfrom maintenance tolerant plantshavebeenused toreduce theneed demands onnaturalresources. Nativesalt-anddrought- the productive capacityoftheislandwhilereducing based ontheprinciplesofpermaculture, tomaximize A resident experthasemployedanumberoftechniques, to introduceornon-nativespecies. anyornamental is lefttodecomposeandgreat care hasbeentakennot populations ofbirds andotherwildlife.Oldplantmatter shade forguestsandalush,denseforest supporting parts oftheisland,providing coolingfresh airand halophyte shrubs,hasbeenleftundisturbedoverlarge Natural vegetationcover, includingcoconuttrees and cultivation Using nativefloraandplanningforlow-impact phase isplannedfor2012. reduction Asecond goalsoftheMaldivesgovernment. requirements ontheislandandsupportcarbon can makeasignificantcontributiontoenergy will stillrequire substantialexpansionbefore renewables energy plantcurrently operatingintheMaldives,butit photovoltaic system.Thisisthelargestsolarrenewable footprint withapilotproject tointroduce a70kwsolar achieving theircommitmenttoanetzero carbon generators, in2009theytookthefirststeptowards While theresort wasoriginallydependentondiesel save onenergyandcarboncosts. villas, reduce demandsonfreshwater suppliesandalso Private saltwaterswimmingpools,afeature ofmany ensure thatdischargesare madebeyondthereef. with treated wastewater, andcare hasbeentakento are takentoreduce salinitypriortodischarge,bymixing resulting salinebrineisdischarged totheocean.Steps is produced bydesalination. Althoughnotideal,the system isinplace,butthemajorityofavailablewater 39 Over time,soilcontenthasbeenimproved. Biocharcoal, overflow ofpondsandrainwaterharvesting. moringa plantstakingupnutrientsfrom waterfrom the fresh groundwater, withbamboo,banana,papayaand reduce theamountofpollutants enteringprecious the naturalvegetation.‘Mop-cropping’ isusedto unwanted seedgerminationaround thegardens and provide nutrientsandsuppress weedgrowth and used asamulchtoretain moisture, reduce erosion, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. and resorts. InJune2011,BaaAtollwasdeclared a the commitmentsbeingmadebylocalcommunities Atoll, inrecognition ofitsoutstandingnaturalvaluesand project hasproposeddesignationofBaa international environment. TheUNDPAtollEcosystemConservation to gainofficial protection forthesurrounding marine andneighbouringresortsclosely withlocalgovernment Soneva Fushi’s marinebiologisthasbeenworking recognitionInternational harvested vegetablesandfish. system isexpectedtoprovide theislandwithsustainably cultivation ofplantsandaquaticanimals,thisaquaponic system, currently undertrial.Through thesymbiotic increased through theintroduction ofanaquaponic the island.Capacityforfoodproduction willbefurther the majorityofherbsandvegetablestobegrown on oven hasbeenusedtoenhancesoilfertility, enabling produced bytreating woodywasteinaretort biochar http://www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi Email: [email protected] Arnfinn Oines,Social&Environmental Conscience Soneva FushiContacts

Part III: Case Studies Principle 13 Case Study Maho Bay and Concordia, US Virgin Islands Pioneering use of low impact design

A longstanding example of tourism Name of hotel/resort Maho Bay and Concordia Eco- accommodation development designed to have resort minimal impact on ground vegetation, through Scale 126 units at Maho Bay and 42 at use of platforms and walkways, as well as low- Concordia impact materials and technologies. Date of development First units built in 1976 St John, with its mountains and secluded beaches, is Location St John, U.S. Virgin Islands the smallest and most pristine of the three best known The area context Two hillside sites, each with beach islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island contains one access, with one located within the of the largest wilderness areas in the Caribbean, with Virgin Islands National Park mountain peaks shelving steeply to secluded beaches the lowest possible impact on vegetation. The walkways and mangrove shoreline. About two-thirds of the island, avoid soil erosion, which could threaten the beach and 3,000 hectares, is designated as a National Park, which fragile coral reef, and prevent vegetation from being also includes a further 2,000 hectares of submerged trampled. They are often routed around trees and rocks, lands including coral gardens. St John is only accessible and space has been allowed to provide growing room by boat. for trees. Ground cover and other plant and animal life The pioneering development at Maho Bay began in continues undisturbed beneath the cabin platforms and 1976 in the national park, with 18 tent cottages on a raised walkways, while shade is provided for guests by six-hectare hillside site above its own beach. Increasing undisturbed vegetation above the walkway. At both Maho demand has seen Maho Bay Resorts grow to 114 tent Bay and Concordia, stairways provide guests with access cottages, with an additional twelve rooms added further to a sandy beach below. The network of walkways and up the hill at Harmony Studios. In 1993, a sister resort, stairs stretches a total of about 5km at Maho Bay alone. Concordia Estate, opened in a more remote corner of Car parking has been separated from the tent the island, just outside the national park. Also with a mix cabins and studios, keeping the footprint of each of tent cabins and studios, Concordia now offers 42 accommodation units with a high level of eco-efficiency.

Using hillside settings and connecting walkways to blend with nature Right from the start, tent-cabins at Maho Bay Resorts were built on raised 5m square platforms using hand construction techniques that left the natural environment virtually undisturbed. As new cabins and studios have been added, siting and design have broadly followed the same approach. Tent cabins and studios are tucked away into the hillside within the vegetation, avoiding visual intrusion and offering privacy to guests. Sites for the cabins, studios and the central service facilities have been chosen to minimise environmental damage.

The units are connected together by raised wooden Steve Simonsen walkways and stairs, which have been designed to have ©

40 © G. Lynas, NYC tech fabrics,whichprovide great strength andcome Units atConcordia were constructedwiththehigh- from wasteandfarmedtrees. manufactured from compositewoodproducts made hip raftersandfloorgirders atHarmonyStudioswere Studios andConcordia Eco-Tents. Structuralframingfor and sawdust,wasemployedinbuildingHarmony polymer compositelumber, madefrom recycled plastic and environmentally soundmaterialsforbuilding.Wood of naturallight.Extensiveusehasbeenmaderecycled translucent fabriconwoodenframestotakeadvantage to allownaturalcoolingfrom theislandtradewindsand designed withscreened windowsandopenairterraces The tentcabinsatMahoBayResortshavebeen Careful materialselection anduseofdesign this isnotpossible,runningthemalongtheground. attaching themtotheundersideofboardwalks or, where from powerlinesandwater pipeshasbeenavoidedby intrusion accommodation unittoaminimum.Visual © G. Lynas, NYC 41 incorporated into accommodation units as they have been incorporated intoaccommodationunitsastheyhavebeen Over time,newtechnologieshaveincreasingly been supply ofenergyandwater Incorporating technologiestomanagetheuseand and kitchentoallowaircirculate freely. Vents havebeenplacedinthewallsofrestaurant reflective roof fabricsare usedtoregulate temperature. in coloursthatblendintothelandscape,whilesuper- to irrigate orchards, gardens and surrounding vegetation. subsequently recycled andcarriedthrough lateralpipes anaerobic systemisusedtotreat greywater, whichis have beenintroduced inConcordia eco-resort. An and showers.Cleanodour-free waterlessurinals consumption isminimisedthrough spring-actionfaucets without theneedforenergy-consumingpumps.Water hilly environment sothatwatercanflowusinggravity, arebathhouses. Cisterns strategicallylocatedinthe which supplywaterforlaundry, housekeepingand 1,500 m harvesting onalmosteverybuildingdivertsmore than permanent surfacewatersupplyonStJohn.Rainwater The availabilityofwaterislimitedbylackaquifersand technologies, includingsolar-powered waterheaters. are self-sufficient inenergy, makingfulluseofrenewable timers andsensors.The25unitsatConcordia eco-resort constructed. Energyconsumptionislimitedthrough useof http://www.maho.org Email: [email protected] Stanley Selengut Contacts Maho BayandConcordia 3 of rainwater a year into collecting cisterns, ofrainwaterayearintocollectingcisterns,

Part III: Case Studies Principle 4 Case Study Misool Ecoresort, Indonesia

Securing community engagement in development and marine conservation

Development of a resort and No-Take Name of hotel/resort Misool Eco Resort Zone based on extensive consultation and Scale 11 villas/cottages engagement with the local community, Date of development 2006-8 respecting local rights and traditions Location Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia and benefitting local livelihoods through The area context The remote southern part of the involvement with the tourism operation. Raja Ampat islands, an area rich in reefs and dive sites Misool Eco Resort (MER) is located on the island of Batbitim, within the Raja Ampat group of islands that lie off the western coast of Papua, the Indonesian respect, and the provision of alternative livelihoods half of the island of New Guinea. Lying at the heart through the resort. of what is known as the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat has abundant coral reefs, home to more than 700 Determining ownership rights and negotiating the species of molluscs and 1,397 species of fish. lease Batbitim offers some of the best and most pristine The lease agreement between the community and diving in Raja Ampat. MER was founded on principles supported by Papuan law or Hak Adat, which is recognized and MER seeks to provide exceptional and enriching formalized under Indonesian law. Under Papuan law, diving experiences in a sustainable environment. The people can own not just islands but the beaches, first eight guest cottages were opened in 2008, and reefs and waters that surround them. This gives local three deluxe villas have since been added. community owners the opportunity to assign a lease MER started out as the vision of one man and is now that includes rights to the marine as well as terrestrial owned by its shareholders, a dedicated group of environment. divers and conservationists. In 2005, MER entered An important first step was to fully clarify the existing into a 25-year lease agreement with members of the ownership rights, in order to minimise the risk of local community for exclusive rights to Batbitim and disputes at a later date. A local Adat committee Jef Galyu Islands, including hills, forests, coconut had to confirm the rightful owners of the area. trees, water, animals and the surrounding lagoon. To gain an in-depth understanding, MER went to An integral part of the lease was the designation great lengths to meet with local administrators and of approximately 200km2 of surrounding sea as a community leaders. The ability to speak proficient Marine Protected Area (MPA) and No-Take Zone Bahasa Indonesia proved essential to getting to the (NTZ), in order to conserve the marine environment heart of their needs and concerns, as well as for and also its interest for divers. establishing mutual trust and respect. The owners The need to involve the local community was were identified as the village of Yellu, 22km to the recognised as critical to the whole project, not only northwest of Batbitim. Local administrators facilitated in securing the lease but also in ensuring their broad the first meeting with the village, and others followed. consent and support for the resort and the MPA/ Before the lease was signed, the Village Secretary NTZ, so that it could be effectively secured and recommended a final meeting with the village to make sustained. This required careful communication with certain they were very clear that they would no longer the local community, based on understanding and be able to fish in the NTZ.

42 © Eleanor Carter • • partnership. Keyelementsincluded: addressing mutualinterests andengendering example ofachievingcommunitysupportby The approach thattheytookprovides anexcellent enforce the‘no-take’provisions oftheagreement. MER wasempowered totakethestepsnecessary and livingorganismswithinthearea ofthelease, Having secured allrightstocontrol theland,water Securing theNo-Take Zone allowed tocollectcertainshellfish (withouttheuse exception totheNTZ:members ofYellu villageare respect. The in theirarea andwhichsurrounding villages fishing seasons( The region hasalongtraditionofopenandclosed take’ isunderstoodinestablishedlocalpractice. Building onlocaltraditions.Theconceptof‘no- lessor. same provisions asrequired ofthecommunityas they feltthatitwasimportanttoabidebythe corals, turtles,sharks,raysandfish.However, exercised itsownrighttotakemarineproducts, including MER.Aslessee,MERcouldhave Making theagreement applytoeveryone, sasi sasi modelwasusedtomake one ), whichlocalvillagesdeclare 43 lease feetothecommunity everyfiveyears.Under ways from thewholearrangement.TheMERpaysa The Yellu ownersare benefittinginanumberof absolutely hand-in-hand. and incomeforthevillagers.ForMER,twogo as offering theprospect oflong-termemployment of theirtraditionalfishingareas, theysawtheresort Whereas theNTZrequired thattheygiveupsome of muchgreater interest tothemthantheNTZ. bring tourismintothearea. Infact,theresort was From theoutset,localcommunitywaskeento Strengthening locallivelihoodsthrough theresort • • • practice reef-safe anchoring. Promoting goodpractice.Allboatsare required to was recognised andrespected. access totoomanyofthetraditionalfishingareas restriction. Theneedtoavoidremoving local Meeting localneedsbylimitingthearea of their destructivefishingpractices. The agreement excludedoutsidefishingfleetsand Demonstrating localbenefitfrom therestrictions. of twoweeks,onceeveryyears. of aircompressors ordiveequipment)foraperiod

Part III: Case Studies Danielle Heinrichs ©

the terms of their agreement, MER has agreed to Throughout the development, MER has been give preference to local communities in the village completely committed to design and construction of Yellu and surrounding area when recruiting non- methods with the highest ecological and skilled staff, including for construction, maintenance, environmental integrity. Careful attention was paid resort services, dive services and NTZ rangers. MER to the location of the cottages and main facilities, currently employs 75 staff, with 45 coming from avoiding negative impacts by locating them behind Yellu, and all are paid above the wage rate set by reefs that had been previously damaged by dynamite government. Three senior managers, the Community fishing and initiating an active programme of reef Liaison Officer and Ranger, the Head of Security and conservation and reef building. Ranger, and the Community Co-ordinator for the Ranger Patrol, come from Yellu. In October 2010, a second concession area was created to include the islands of Daram, increasing Building ongoing trust and understanding the total NTZ to 1,220km2. The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and Worldwide Fund for The Community Liaison Officer has been instrumental Nature have been working together with the regional in helping MER to understand the culture in which and local governments in Raja Ampat to establish a they are operating and in conveying their intentions series of Marine Protected Areas, and are eager to and ideas to the village of Yellu. place private resorts such as MER at the heart of their As a private resort, MER is in a strong position at the strategy. heart of this conservation initiative. Their local staff helped to strengthen relationships with the whole village community, and local leaders visit the resort and the NTZ and see for themselves the conservation practices in action. They trust MER to adhere to the covenants of the NTZ lease and to protect it from outside intruders. Misool Ecoresort Contacts

By fully embracing, without compromise, the Shawn Heinrichs, Founder & Executive Producer, Blue highest environmental standards in the design and Sphere Media LLC construction of their resort, MER is sending a clear Email: [email protected] and visible message to the local community that they http://www.misoolecoresort.com really do what they say they do when it comes to protecting the environment.

44 and rights. the Maasaicommunity, basedon trust,transparency depended onestablishing a genuinepartnershipwith that thelong-termsustainability oftheproposition a renewable resource. It wasclearfrom theoutset for sustainabledevelopmentbasedonwildlifeas familiar withthearea, itspeopleandtheopportunities The project originatedwithanindividual,whobecame traditions, iftheysowish. community tokeeplivinginaccordance withtheir the KukuGroup Ranch,inorder toenabletheMaasai Kiswahili as‘campofthehiddentreasure’, istoprotect The maingoalofCampiyaKanzi,whichtranslatesfrom protecting statusoftheirland. thewilderness Maasai landlords cangaineconomicbenefitfrom thriving wildlifepopulations,itistherefore crucialthat on privateMaasailandforpartoftheyear. To secure of thegamepopulationAmboseliNationalParklive Parks in East Africaare on Maasai land, and 90 percent co-existed inMaasailand.ThemostvisitedNational tracts ofland.Traditionally, humansandwildlifehave on herding cattleandgoats,requires accesstolarge lore. Theirsemi-nomadic,pastorallifestyle,based to haveretained mostoftheirtraditions,lifestyleand people. TheMaasaiare oneofveryfewKenyantribes The area isalsothetraditionalhomeofMaasai forest mosaiconhigherground, isrichinwildlife. woodland savannah,givingwaytograsslandsand landscape derivedfrom pastvolcanicactivity. The the ChyuluHillstobaseofMtKilimanjaro, ina in Kenya.Itcovers117,000haandstretches from that connectsAmboseliandTsavo NationalParks Kuku Group Ranchislocated withinawildlifecorridor A partnershipwithtraditionalcommunityowners Campi yaKanzi,Kenya Principle 1CaseStudy management onconservation. people andtheinvestorsrefocussingland with thecommunity,providingbenefitsforlocal carefully negotiatedpartnershiparrangement Development ofalodgeontriballandsas 4 45 Following apersonalintroduction andcareful discussion Reaching agreement through careful, informed • • Some importantaspectsoftheapproach included: would beprotected foryearstocome. land where thelocalMaasaihadlivedforgenerations with nohiddenconditions,thatwouldensure thatthe prepared toguaranteealongandgenuinepartnership, The investorswere keentoconveythattheywere the lodge. would bebuilt.Thecommunitylimitgrazingnear to holdamanagementcontractforthelandonwhichit were prepared tofinanceconstructionofthelodgeand be recruited from thelocalcommunity. Theinvestors withthrivingwildlife.Operationalstaffwilderness would created bychangingthemanagementoftheirlandsto that aneconomicresource forthecommunitycouldbe The objectivewastoprove totheMaasailandlords community, andbuiltwiththem,ontheirownland. lodge atCampiyaKanzithatwouldbeownedbythe Group Ranch.Theproposition wastodevelopa presented bytheinvestorstocommunityofKuku preparation, theideaforCampiyaKanziwas The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort six months. through aseriesofmeetingsheldoverperiod Taking timetobuildtrust, whichwaswonslowly were allinvolvedindiscussions. officials whoare responsible fortheGroup Ranch chiefs andeldersaswellthesetofelected Involvement ofeveryonewithinfluence.Community and withabundantwildlife traditional communityownership A verylargearea oflandunder Kenya Kuku Group Ranch,southeastern 1996 26 beds Campi yaKanzi

Part III: Case Studies boutique Immagine ©

• Understanding and communicating the balance the community to ensure that the Trust is aware of their of risks and gains. As lessees and operators, the priorities and continues to meet their needs. investors would be taking the risks and accepting the liabilities associated with development of the lodge Campi ya Kanzi is also at the forefront of a land and its operation. For their part, the Maasai had to conservancies initiative, which aims to create a network of consider the effect on their future of accepting, and conservancies, identifying land of the highest conservation hopefully welcoming, strangers and of changing their value. To date, nearly 5,000ha of land have been secured grazing policies. as conservation zones that will showcase best practice in environmental stewardship, land tenure and sustainable The discussions ultimately led to the establishment of income generation for communities. a partnership. A 20-year management contract was awarded to the investors, while ownership resides with Design and construction that minimises impact on members of the Kuku Group Ranch. local resources In addition to effective community engagement, Campi Delivering community benefits and supporting ya Kanzi provides examples of other aspects of good conservation practice. At the heart of the lodge is the thatched roof From the outset, the community has been involved and clubhouse, built of lava rocks and native timber harvested seen economic benefit from the development. All the from sustainable sources. The six tented cottages and buildings were constructed by local Maasai. two suites are constructed of stone, canvas and wood and finished to a high standard of luxury using the Campi ya Kanzi has an operational staff of 65 Kenyans, 90 best available technologies to minimise impact on the percent of whom are local Maasai, including all the guides, environment. Recently, a private villa for 10 guests was trackers, maids and waiters. In 2000, the commitment to added. Landscaping was avoided; no soil was removed the local community was extended through the creation and no trees were cut. The camp uses solar power, of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT). treats greywater and blackwater using anaerobic reaction MWCT is an advocate for the community and works with and filtration, and uses only water that is harvested from other conservation organizations to ensure sustainable rainwater. A rainwater catchment system covering an conservation of the wilderness, wildlife and cultural area of 7,000m2 is complemented by a roof harvesting heritage of the Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem. The President system that collects water in storage tanks with a capacity of the Trust is a local Maasai leader, and elected members of 1.3m litres. Campi ya Kanzi is entirely independent of of the community sit on the Advisory Board. community sources of water.

Fifteen percent of the income of the Trust comes from a conservation fee that is collected from guests for every day spent at Campi ya Kanzi. In this way, funds are available to run ‘Wildlife Pays’, a program that Campi ya Kanzi Contacts compensates the Maasai landlords for genuine livestock Luca Belpietro, Founder losses caused by wildlife. Fundraising provides the remainder of the Trust’s income. The Trust employs more Email: [email protected] than 200 local people, running conservation, education http://www.maasai.com and health programs. Quarterly meetings are held with

46 • • • improving locallivelihoods.Thesestakeholdersinclude: recognised theircommoninterest inconservationand private andvoluntarysectorsinthisarea, whichhave has beenacloseworkingrelationship amongthepublic, sustainable tourismdevelopment.Sincethe1980s,there with theaimofstrengthening conservationsupportedby and Tayay hasinvolvedmanygroups workingtogether The evolvingstoryofstakeholdercollaborationinElNido Forming astakeholderpartnership grounds inthetropics. grounds asfarawaySiberiaandwinterfeeding their majormigrationroute betweensummerbreeding important area formore than100speciesofbirds on area forthree speciesofendangered seaturtlesandan mangrove plants.ElNidomunicipalityisalsoanesting corals, 13speciesofseagrassesand31 ecosystems are hometo379speciesofreef-building remained relatively intact;theisland’s coastalandmarine the terrestrial andaquaticecosystemsofPalawanhave Philippines. Compared tootherregions ofthecountry, the northendoflongislandPalawan,in The twomunicipalitiesofElNidoandTaytay lieat Local stakeholderpartnershipfortourismandconservation El NidoandTaytay, Philippines CaseStudy Principle 5 and supportmechanisms. tourism throughtheuseofvariousengagement management oftheareaforconservationand communities, workingtogetherovertimeonthe private sectordevelopers,NGOsandlocal the destination,bringingtogethergovernment, Establishment ofacollaborativeapproachin and resource useplans; responsibilities forlocaladministrationincludingland The twomunicipalitiesofEl NidoandTaytay, with various projects; of theStrategicEnvironmental Planandsupports Development, whichoverseestheimplementation through thePalawanCouncilforSustainable The provincialofPalawan,notably government provides linkages; international Resources, whichappliesnationallegislationand The nationalDepartmentofEnvironment andNatural 5 47 • • Government oftheElNido-TaytayGovernment ManagedResource area. In1998,thisledtothedeclarationbyPhilippines together toseekanextension tothedesignatedprotected Over thenextfewyears, stakeholdersworked could usethereserve more effectively forlocalbenefit. stakeholders, whorealised thatbyworkingtogetherthey reserve. Thismovewasseenasanopportunitybythe one partofthecoast,BacuitBay, asamarine ofthe Philippinesproclaimed In 1991,theGovernment management oftheprotected area Working togetherontheextensionand natural environment ofthearea. El Nidoresidents whileatthesametimeconserving activities withtheaimofimproving thequalityoflife Foundation, tocarryoutsocialandenvironmental has beentheestablishmentofaseparateElNido that thecompanyhasusedfordeliveringsupport socially through sustainabletourism.Onemechanism of benefittingthelocalcommunityeconomicallyand the marineenvironment surrounding itsresorts and collaboration, recognising theimportanceofconserving El NidoResortswasanimportantcatalystforthis • The areacontext Location Date ofdevelopment Scale Name ofhotel/resort Ten KnotsDevelopmentCorporation,theownersof representing localcommunities; A numberof support. who haveprovided conservationexpertiseand Conservation NGOs,inparticularWWF-Philippines, the area, whichprovides tourismexpertise;and El NidoResorts,themaindeveloperandemployerin barangays shore islands Palawan, includinganumberofoff- Two adjacentmunicipalitieson Palawan, Philippines From before 1990topresent accommodation units Four resorts with192 El Nidoresorts (villagecouncils),

Part III: Case Studies El Nido Resorts ©

Protected Area (MRPA). This declaration represented a • Environmental conservation through a sustainable significant expansion of the original reserve to include financing model; and areas around Taytay, covering a total of more than • Corporate social responsibility through rural 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine employment and educational opportunities. waters. The whole area includes a range of interrelated landscapes and ecosystems, with towering limestone The ACC was designed to be a financially viable and cliffs, beaches, mangroves, clear waters, unique forests robust operation that also provides employment and and farmland. The area has been also included in the educational opportunities for local communities, thus UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. encouraging these communities to become more willing to protect natural resources in the area. Profits An important aspect of the collaborative approach from the company help provide a sustainable source of has been the composition of the Management Board finance for NGOs with expertise to oversee a long-term for the MPRA, which includes representatives of all programme of biodiversity conservation. the stakeholders identified in the previous section. The Management Board worked together in the In El Nido/Taytay, this model has enabled more funding preparation of a Management Plan that was informed to be channelled from the for-profit business to the by baseline studies prepared between 1999 and 2000 El Nido Foundation, in order to expand conservation by WWF-Philippines. The resulting plan has identified and livelihood projects with the community. It has zoning for various uses, including for restricted tourism also enabled the area to secure additional funding, as development. described below.

A new commercial structure to support A new plan and capacity building programme communities and NGOs In 2002, the El Nido Foundation worked with civil In order to facilitate action and drive projects forward, partners to prepare a Comprehensive Land and Water a new mechanism was introduced to support Use Plan (CLWUP) for the El Nido municipality; the plan sustainable development through commercial activity. was subsequently endorsed by Palawan province. By Following discussions between El Nido Resorts, WWF leveraging its private equity investment, ACC helped to and a number of other interested parties, a role was secure funding in 2004 from the Global Environment identified for a holding company specifically aimed at Facility (GEF) for a six-year, multi-stakeholder building a bridge between private sector investment collaborative approach to implement aspects of the and biodiversity conservation, with an initial focus on plan, focusing on coastal/marine resource management. responsible tourism. In 2001, the Asian Conservation ACC committed to working with the El Nido Foundation Company (ACC) was formed and became the majority on executing the GEF grant and with WWF-Philippines shareholder in Ten Knots Development Corporation, and for additional technical advice. thus owners of El Nido Resorts. Work within the local community has strengthened The constitution of ACC formally recognises three objectives: local awareness of the opportunity for tourism • Acceptable financial return for shareholders; development as well as understanding of the need

48 compliance withstatutoryand companypolicies,two Assessment (EIA)tohavebeen carriedout.To monitor requiredwhich inturn anEnvironmental Impact the DepartmentofEnvironment andNaturalResources, an Environmental ComplianceCertificate(ECC)from in aprotected area, eachresort wasrequired toobtain Pangulasian Island.Before proceeding withdevelopment seen theadditionoftwonewresorts on Apulit Island and A recent andsubstantialinvestmentprogramme has requirements oftheManagementPlanMRPA. managed inasustainablemanner, inlinewiththe El Nidoresorts themselveshavebeendevelopedand In parallelwiththeirengagementstakeholders, resorts Controlling planninganddevelopmentofthe manpower andprovisions. contributed totheinstallationbyproviding boats,fuel, from aU.S.non-profit organization.ElNidoResorts which were purchased withagranttotheFoundation second placeintheworldtouseceramicmodules, fishing, coralbleachingandtyphoons.Thiswasonlythe a formerdivesitethathadbeendevastatedbyillegal installation of626artificialreef modulesinTres Marias, included practicalworkonmarinehabitats,suchasthe community andtheElNidoFoundationhasalso The partnershipbetweenElNidoResorts,thelocal and guarding workintheprotected area. focused ontrainingthecommunityinlocalenforcement tourism operations.Aspecific,parallel,initiative production, andlinksbetweenlocalagriculture and and therestaurant association,supportinghandicraft ecotourism initiatives,workingwithboatoperators has includededucationalprogrammes, supportfor local environment. Thiscommunity engagement for developmenttobesustainableandrespect the 49 karst limestonecliffs. Thedesignandlayoutvaries and beachesagainstthespectacularbackdrop ofsheer and carefully positioningindividualunitsaround coves incorporating sustainableconstructionandmaterials, Environmental impactshave beenminimisedby construction sites. full timeEnvironmental Officers were deployedtothe several newspecies. Nido and403speciesinTaytay Bay, andhaveidentified years havefound855speciesofcoralreef fishinEl scientists hostedbyElNidoResortsoverthepastfour extensive andvariedmarinelifeintheMRPA. Research El NidoResortsanditspartners,there isevidenceof In partduetothelong-termcommitmentsmadeby architecture withcontemporarydesign. coconut tree line.BuildingscombinetraditionalFilipino the development,withbuildingtakingplacebehind take advantageofitswiderbeachtoallowsetback supply. PangulasianIslandResorthasbeenableto are verynarrow andspacetobuildisinveryshort cottages onstilts,builtsand,becausethebeaches the islandsofLagen,MinilocandApulithavewater with thephysicalproperties ofeachsite.Resortson http://www.elnidoenvironment.wordpress.com http://www.elnidoresorts.com Email: [email protected] Sustainability Mariglo Laririt,DirectorforEnvironmentand Contacts El NidoandTaytay

Part III: Case Studies Principle 15 Case Study Northeast Brazil, Brazil

Regional programmes for sustainable tourism development

Implementation of sizeable, sequential Name of hotel/resort PRODETUR I and II regional programmes for sustainable tourism Scale Large region with extensive development, integrating resort development development of hotels and resorts and biodiversity protection, and supporting Date of development 1994 – 2012 extensive stakeholder engagement at all levels. Location Northeast Region, Brazil Of the five regions of Brazil, the Northeast has The area context A region comprising nine states traditionally been seen by the government as a low- and containing extensive areas of Atlantic rainforest income region in need of economic diversification and growth. Although a wealth of natural resources, including the coastline, offers great potential for • promoting sustainable development, balanced tourism, access to the region has been impeded by its between the interests of the environment, urban geography. In the early 1990s, tourism was identified populations and tourism; as a key economic sector, with the ability to create • valuing natural resources and attractions, direct jobs boosted by a multiplier effect. Improvements respecting the carrying capacity of each area; and in the public infrastructure required for tourism growth • stimulating private sector investment. were also seen as contributing to the quality of life of the local population. At the same time, the Brazilian In order to achieve these goals, a ten-year programme Northeast is home to some of the most biodiverse was designed with three main components: institutional ecosystems on the planet, including the Atlantic development, basic infrastructure and public services Rainforest with up to 460 tree species per hectare and (roads, drinking water, sewage, waste management), Atlantic coral reefs. and airport improvement in the region. These actions were to be complemented by investment to protect In 1994, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) natural and historic attractions. agreed to support socioeconomic development in the region through a US$700 million tourism development program, PRODETUR I/NE, of which US$400 million was financed by the Bank. The Banco do Nordeste (BN) was appointed as executive agency, with responsibility for reviewing and evaluating project proposals and supervising their implementation.

Bringing stakeholders together around sustainable development objectives The objective of PRODETUR I was to ‘contribute to the socioeconomic development of the region generating new employment opportunities, higher per capita income, and increased state revenues’. Although driven by the need for growth, this was to be a sustainable

approach to tourism development. The aims of the Rita Barreto / SETUR approach included: ©

50 © Rita Barreto / SETUR endemism. PRODETURIpresented anopportunity an exceptionallyhighlevel of speciesdiversityand Biosphere Reserve,designatedin1993,andharbour constitute asmallpartofthe extensiveMataAtlantica remnants oftropical humid forest. Theseremnants partsofthestate thatcontainpreciousthe southern resource areas wasofparticular interest, especially in resource planning.InBahia,protection ofnatural strategy withastrong componentofenvironmental The stateofBahiaprovides agoodexampleof protection Integrating stakeholderengagementinbiodiversity identifying zoneswithstrong potentialfortourism. programme ofprioritiesforinvestment,basedaround a Tourist DevelopmentStrategytoguideitsown Each oftheninestateswasresponsible forpreparing conservation oftheregion’s naturalresources. private sectortourisminterests andNGOsinvolvedwith andpublicsectoragencies,municipalities, government and state),includingthebanks(IADBBN),arangeof of stakeholdersoperatingatalllevels(national,regional approach wouldrequire theinvolvementofawiderange set ofcomponentswhilemaintainingabalanced It wasclearfrom theoutsetthatdeliveringthiscomplex 51 • • • • Here, aspectsoftheapproach included: on Itacaré ontheCostadoCacau. the immediatevicinityofacoastalresort area focused six conservationareas across thestate,twoofthemin Itacaré. Atthesametime,investmentwasapproved for at PortoSeguro anda65kmhighwayfrom Ilheusto for growth, withaccessopenedupviaanewairport number ofresort areas alongthecoastwere identified same timeincreasing theprotection ofnaturalareas. A increased theopportunitiesfortourismwhileat to negotiateasetofprioritiesforBahiastatethat with astrong presence inthearea, toworktogether for stakeholders,includingconservationinterests specialists andwithsupport from PRODETURI, – aftersignificantmobilization from NGOsand establishing more effective categoriesofprotection Area (Itacaré-Serra Grande); in apreviously designatedEnvironmental Protection supporting thedevelopmentofaManagementPlan along thecoast; to thesea–akeymeasure insupportingtourism protecting waterqualityinriversystemsflowing associated biodiversity; conserving areas ofprimaryforest andtheir

Part III: Case Studies © Gabr iel Carvalho / SETUR Bahia’s first State Park, Parque Estudual do pole approach has brought together stakeholders Conduru, was established in a second area in concerned with development, tourism and biodiversity. 1997; and It consists of two coastal resort areas, Costa do Dênde • holding participatory tourism workshops in Itacaré- and Costa do Cacau. Led by Fundação Getulio Vargas, Serra Grande that were run by IESB, a local a national higher education institution, a full range of social and environmental NGO, and Conservation stakeholders was drawn together from the public, International. private and NGO sectors to engage in developing a PDITS. The plan was published in 2004 and adopted Private sector investment was attracted to the region, by BN and the Ministry of Tourism for the state of including new resort developments with a sustainable Bahia. A programme of action was specified for each approach to tourism, such as the low density Txai Resort, administrative level or partner, including the pole itself, which opened in 2000 along the coast from Itacaré. the two resort areas, individual municipalities and the protected areas. A new programme focusing on local stakeholders For example, one outcome has been adding focus A thorough evaluation of PRODETUR I, including an to the Itacaré-Serra Grande Management Plan by Environmental Impact Assessment of the programme, identifying six ecological zone types that offer varying led to the approval of a second loan by IADB in 2002 levels of protection to carefully selected areas, for PRODETUR II. While demonstrating the success of including beaches, headlands, river systems and PRODETUR I in stimulating investment, employment areas of primary forest. Remaining areas are zoned and tourism growth, the evaluation identified the need for economic activity, including four zones for different for PRODETUR II to improve mechanisms designed intensities of tourism development and activity. to expand stakeholder involvement and enhance the control of environmental impacts. PRODETUR II comes to a close in March 2012. The ex-post evaluation will reveal more about the legacy of While continuing the general direction of PRODETUR I, this sustained and collaborative approach to planning the new programme built on lessons learned for, and investing in, sustainable tourism development and included an increased focus on stakeholder in Northeast Brazil. engagement, capacity building (including increasing availability of environmental expertise) and integrated planning. Participating states were required to identify one or more tourism development ‘poles’ – a cluster of municipalities scheduled for tourism investment. For each of these poles, a range of stakeholders were Northeast Brazil Contacts to be engaged in a participatory process to develop a Plan for the Integrated Development of Sustainable Bruno Gabai, Manager, Banco do Nordeste Tourism (PDITS), while at the same time facilitating the Email: [email protected] creation and operation of multi-stakeholder destination http://www.iadb.org/en/projects/project,1303. management organizations. html?id=BR0323 ‘Pólo Litoral Sul’, one of four poles identified by Bahia State, provides an example of how the tourism

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Part III: Case Studies © Gabr iel Carvalho / SETUR Conclusions

The point at which a hotel or resort development is Principles presented in this report. The Principles conceived, designed and approved is absolutely critical to provide a holistic approach to integrating biodiversity its short- and long-term impact on biodiversity. Mistakes considerations into the planning and development made at this stage can be irreversible, whilst proactive stages of new hotels and resorts, whilst emphasizing investments in sustainability and biodiversity conservation the importance of stakeholder involvement. Other can lead to considerable benefits in the future. sustainability aspects will also need to be addressed during these critical initial stages of a new development. Tensions between the development of holiday accommodation and biodiversity conservation are The case studies presented in this report serve to inevitable, and careful and effective management is illustrate some of the measures that can be adopted therefore critical. In the quest for the perfect setting, to implement the Principles. The case studies hotel and resort projects are increasingly choosing provide examples where a positive investment in the remote areas away from the main tourist zone. On busy conservation and restoration of habitat, within the site hotel strips, the negative impacts on biodiversity and of the development or the surrounding area, has been ecosystems are not generated by one hotel property enabled and supported by the developer. Many of alone, but by the cumulative effects of all the properties. the investors have been taking a positive approach to The complexity of the hotel development value chain conservation, because they are personally motivated means there is usually no coherent or explicit strategy and committed to it. Equally, they and others also see for all the firms involved in the development process, the benefit to their tourism enterprises from maintaining and it can be difficult to assign responsibility for the loss an attractive environment rich in wildlife, as this is often of biodiversity when it occurs. the very thing that attracts visitors in the first place.

Several hotel corporate policies include an intention To mainstream these biodiversity-friendly approaches, to minimise habitat loss and destruction, but there is greater awareness about biodiversity impacts from poor often a gap between policy and practice, or an inability siting and design choices needs to be promoted within on the part of ‘the brand’ to control or influence the the hotel sector, among architects and designers and practices of the developer. Guidelines and certification within the wider construction sector. The implications of schemes show promise to improve practice, but the such choices for the prosperity of the sector also need voluntary nature of these tools is a limiting factor in to be made clear. Furthermore, governments need their effectiveness. Governments have a critical role to to promote a clear and explicit vision of sustainable play in ensuring that the national development planning development that informs appropriate tourism and process provides controls on developers and includes hotel development choices. Hotel management and instruments that help minimise impacts on biodiversity. development companies can then be guided by a Environmental Impact Assessments, for example, are long-term vision that incorporates ecosystem and a key tool for anticipating potential effects of hotel biodiversity impact. and resort development and for establishing a set of requirements that must then be monitored throughout Ultimately, the continued prosperity of the hotel and the development process. tourism sector depends on the conservation and health of local biodiversity and ecosystems. As such, nature Planning authorities, tourism development agencies, should be recognized as a key element of the tourism developers, investors, hotel managers and management attraction and resources conserved to benefit the companies, project managers and consultants, tourism and hotel sectors. It is thus in the interest of architects and construction firms can all contribute all players to take the necessary actions to ensure that to mitigating the biodiversity footprint of new hotels biodiversity is included in decision making at all stages and resorts, by implementing the five Biodiversity in the life cycle of a hotel or resort.

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Concclusions and Glossary © Shawn Heinrichs Glossary

Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans from all sources, including, ‘inter alia’ terrestrial, marine, obtain from ecosystems, and they are produced by and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological interactions within the ecosystem. Ecosystems like complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers, coral reefs and within species, between species and of ecosystems. mangroves provide different services to society, including Source: www.cbd.int provisioning, regulating and cultural services that directly affect people. They also include supporting services Biodiversity hotspots, developed by Norman Myers needed to maintain all other services. Some ecosystem in 1988, are characterized both by exceptional levels of services are local (presence of pollinator species), others plant endemism and by serious levels of habitat loss. are regional (flood control or water purification) and still They have been promoted by Conservation International others are global (climate regulation). Ecosystem services to identify those regions of the world where attention are crucial for human well-being and all its components, is needed to address biodiversity loss and to guide including basic material needs such as food and shelter, investments in conservation. Currently, 34 biodiversity individual health, security, good social relations, and hotspots have been identified, most of which occur in freedom of choice and action. tropical forests and on islands. Between them, they Source: www.millenniumassessment.org/en/index.html contain about 50 percent of the world’s endemic plant species and 42 percent of all terrestrial vertebrates, but Free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is the principle have collectively lost about 86 percent of their original that a community has the right to give or withhold its habitat. Source: www.biodiversityhotspots.org consent to proposed projects that may affect the lands they customarily own, occupy or otherwise use. Critical natural habitats are habitats (ecological or Source: www.forestpeoples.org/guiding-principles/free- environmental areas inhabited by particular species) prior-and-informed-consent-fpic which are legally protected, officially proposed for protection, or unprotected but of known high Key biodiversity areas (KBAs) represent the most conservation value. Source: www.worldbank.org important sites for biodiversity conservation worldwide. They are identified nationally using simple, standard An Ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plants, animals, criteria, based on their importance in maintaining species humans, microbes and physical environmental features populations or ecosystems. Their conservation helps that all interact with one another. Ecosystems can be maintain effective ecological networks and are the understood as ecological communities that vary in size starting points for conservation planning at the landscape and in the elements that constitute them, each being a level. Source: www.biodiversitya-z.org functioning unit of nature. Source: www.cbd.int

An Ecosystem-based approach aims to manage the ecosystem based on the multiple functions that the ecosystem performs and the multiple uses that are made of these functions. The ecosystem-based approach aims to optimize the use of an ecosystem without damaging it, based on the view that the ecosystem is a living landscape. Source: www.cbd.int

56 About this project: Integrating Biodiversity into the IUCN Caribbean Hotel Sector IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most As noted in IUCN’s A Situation Analysis for the Wider pressing environment and development challenges. Caribbean (IUCN, 2007), tourism development, ‘… driven by trends towards bigger, more all-inclusive resorts and IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, mega-cruise ships’, remains among the main drivers for human livelihoods and greening the world economy by environmental change, and specifically biodiversity loss. supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the To respond to this specific challenge, IUCN, with the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and generous support of the French Ministry for Sustainable best practice. Development and the French Overseas Territories Ministry, has developed a programme of activities aiming IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global at supporting tourism decision-makers in the private and environmental organization, with more than 1,200 public space to more effectively integrate biodiversity government and NGO members and almost 11,000 priorities into the planning, development and operation of volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds hotels and resorts. of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. As part of this project, IUCN developed the Biodiversity Principles for siting and design of hotels and resorts and www.iucn.org the Case Studies on the implementation of the Biodiversity Principles for siting and design of hotels and resorts. INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

WORLD HEADQUARTERS Rue Mauverney 28 1196 Gland, Switzerland [email protected] Tel +41 22 999 0000 Fax +41 22 999 0002 www.iucn.org