Embracing the Environment - Sustainability
On 24 March, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts came together in a worldwide effort to celebrate Earth Hour 2018. The international campaign saw the participation of 35 out of 40 properties; even including our senior management who were at Banyan Tree Bangkok for the annual Group Management Operations Review. They partook in the switching off of lights for 60 minutes, along with a candle-lighting ceremony.
Many hotels expanded on the idea of environmental awareness and energy efficiency by creating interesting events for the guests. Banyan Tree Phuket, for example, organised a Dine In The Dark dinner where a three-course Wellness Menu was presented. At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a full-day Earth Hour itinerary was created, starting with a meditation session for the planet at 8am and ending with a sunset ceremony guided by Mayan priest Don Crescencio. Congratulations on all the effort!
In commemoration of the third international year of the coral reef, our Maldives properties have been focusing their efforts on reef restoration. Coral planting activities take place every week where guests and associates learn about the importance of coral reefs, their greatest threats and our conservation efforts. Since the start of 2018, 594 coral fragments have already been planted. In addition, on 15 February, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maldivian authorities in support of Maldives’ climate change adaptation project. We are one of ten hotels in Maldives contributing to this project in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Marine Research Centre, Ministry of Tourism and the Environment Protection Agency.
Last Christmas, Banyan Tree Bangkok helped raise funds for the elephants through a Elephant-themed Christmas project where soft toys of the animal were sold. On 15 February, Ms Soraida Salwala, Founder and Secretary-General of Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation, officially received the donation of 100,000 baht.
On 28 February, the Angsana Laguna Phuket Recreation Players along with Khun Witcha, Director of Recreation and Khun Rungtawan, Area CSR Manager, led 59 conference delegates from Bayer Group for a mangrove planting session. Altogether, 300 mangroves were planted at the Paklok Plantation area. Bravo!
Banyan Tree Mayakoba has recently acquired a solar cooker as part of the CSR5 (Guest Sustainability Activities) component. A solar cooker requires no fuel or electricity, relying solely on the energy of direct sunlight to heat or cook food. The device will be available for use twice a month and will be placed alongside a small gastronomic display of free Mexican snacks for the guests.
On November 25, a team of volunteers from Banyan Tree Mayakoba participated in the 2nd Rally to Eradicate Violence against Women, organised by the Solidarity Women's Service Center. The team had to demonstrate technical knowledge, language skills and physical dexterity to face another 8 teams: the armed forces, the youth pentathlon group and university teams. Banyan Tree was the only group composed of hoteliers and demonstrated excellent teamwork and clinched an honourable 4th place!
November saw another harvest for Banyan Tree Huangshan’s organic farm. They grew a variety of vegetables such as radish, spinach and coriander. Kudos to them for promoting sustainable farming! All associates will get to enjoy fresh, healthy and organic produce in their staff canteen!
On 10 November, Peng Shi Jie, an aspiring pilot and Seedlings student of Banyan Tree Lijiang, had his first taste of being a pilot. Accompanied by his father and Banyan Tree Lijiang’s Assistant Learning Manager, Azure Dong, he was placed in business class to Beijing and Shanghai on a Hainan Airlines Boeing Dreamliner. He then had the chance to meet the Captain, visit the training centre of Hainan Airlines as well as the Air Traffic control centre in Beijing Capital Airport. It was an exciting experience for him and he thought it was a fantastic opportunity. He also let on that what he learnt during his trip was very exciting. The adventure was made possible by Canadian freelance documentary maker Ellen Douglas, Banyan Tree Lijiang and sponsored by China Global TV network and Hainan Airlines. What a marvellous experience!
Banyan Tree Marine Lab’s internship program and collaborations with young scientists empowers youths from around the world to progress in their careers in marine research and conservation. Danielle Robinson (Marine Lab Manager), Mohamed Arzan and Zim Athif (Marine Environment Officers) all interned at the Marine Lab in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru before progressing into their current positions. A new batch of interns and research students who joined are currently involved with lab operations as well as conducting research projects at local coral reefs.
On 28 November, Mr. Charles Wang, General Manager of Angsana Xi’an Lintong and associates from various departments participated in a cleaning the environment activity with local communities. 40 participants covered four public areas to ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
Great effort by the team to promote commitment to community cleaning by engaging the locals to be socially responsible and to take ownership of the environment.
