Earth Month: Healing the Planet
22 April 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In honour of this milestone, we will be turning the lens on our sustainability champions and showcasing some of our most impactful green initiatives worldwide throughout the month of April.
From reef rehabilitation to elephant conservation, Anantara’s environmental programmes are woven into every hotel’s operations and we pride ourselves on encouraging our guests to participate in sustainable travel through meaningful community involvement in the destinations we are lucky enough to call home.
Holistic Approach to Reef Protection (HARP) Programme
Launched in 2015 to reverse coral bleaching in the Maldives, the Holistic Approach to Reef Protection (HARP) programme is bearing fruit.
For years, Anantara staff and guests have been painstakingly attaching fragments of rescued coral to ropes and tables at coral nurseries of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.
A 2019 field study by marine biologist Dr. Andy Bruckner revealed that rehabilitation efforts have encouraged extraordinary growth across all the nurseries, giving hope for the future.
Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF)
The ongoing maintenance of the Cardamom Tented Camp is funded in part by Anantara guests via Anantara's Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF). Set up in 2006 to improve the plight of Thailand’s elephants, it has since diversified to include welfare projects that incorporate broader philanthropic and cultural objectives with unprecedented success. Over 30 elephants have been rescued from Thailand’s city streets, accompanied by their entire mahout family. English lessons, education for children, and a silk worm business are all part of the rehabilitation programme.
On land, Anantara's sustainability efforts are focused on protecting Cambodian forests that have been ravaged by illegal loggers, poachers and sand dredgers. Nestled in Southern Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountain range, the Cardamom Tented Camp is a non-profit eco-lodge resting within 18,000 hectares of pristine land which is funded by Anantara via the GTAEF.
All the funds generated by tourism are channelled into running the camp and into financing park ranger patrols. Since funding began, a vibrancy has returned within this corridor of land and wildlife is thriving.
Smallholder Farmer Engagement Programme
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara team works hard to ensure smallholder farmers get a share of the tourism economy. In addition to buying all the crop directly from the smallholders and forgoing the middleman, the hotel supports Maramba Women’s Mushroom Farm and trains the 3,000-plus workers at Nsongwe Women’s Farm in sustainable agriculture techniques.
Just as impactful is the Libuyu Women’s Peanut Butter Project empowering HIV-positive women by outfitting a peanut butter factory and helping run it.
Zero Waste Commitment at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort has made operational sustainability the linchpin of its green programme.
A reverse osmosis plant produces 2,000 litres of clean water per day which is bottled for drinking, critical for Tangalle, which suffers from occasional dry spells.
Degradable waste is composted and then used to fertilise a vegetable garden and rice field that supply the resort’s restaurants with fresh produce. In partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the resort also educates the public and local school children about turtle conservation and organises turtle walks.
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Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Explore the beauty of the Maldives, with unforgettable experiences both above and below the Indian Ocean surface. Surf the waves. Freedive the deep blue. Spa over water with baby reef sharks swimming peacefully below. With three sister islands to explore for dining, recreation and relaxation, and the ocean a few steps from your luxury villa or over water suite, Anantara Dhigu offers the perfect setting for adventurous family escapes.
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
Indulge in romantic island life in the midst of Indian Ocean beauty. Choose to hideaway in your overwater, ocean or beach villa for two, kissed by the sun and sea breeze, or venture out in search of authentic experiences. Dine at sea, on a deserted island, or explore the options on sister island Dhigu. Movie under the stars. Explore the teeming waters surrounding the resort, whether diving below, surfing the waves, or setting sail for the horizon.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives
Elegance enveloped in ocean hues. Naladhu is a pristine private island in the South Malé Atoll. With just 19 colonial beach houses scattered around the island, cherish quiet seclusion, idyllic views and bespoke experiences. Savour intimate dining affairs in locations yours alone. Cruise the Indian Ocean on a private yacht, sailing into the tranquillity of a hypnotic sunset. Enjoy unobtrusive yet attentive service, with your very own dedicated butler.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Perched on a jungle ridge overlooking three countries, Anantara Golden Triangle brings otherworldly experiences to life. Wake up to the sound of elephants playing in the misty valley below. Wander the jungle with them on their daily walk. Spa in the midst of 160 acres of lush rice paddies. Leave stress behind with an all-inclusive package taking care of all the details.
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
The Royal Livingstone brings plush luxury to a wild setting, with free unlimited access to the Victoria Falls, and tranquil gardens fronting the Zambezi River. Wake up to the sight of zebras roaming our grounds from your verandah. Head out on safari and then return to a traditional afternoon tea.