Nature Based Hotels Long Term Conservation Project

Recognising the huge responsibility borne of operating in the world’s pristine ecosystems, Minor Hotels requires every Nature Based Hotel to support a long-term conservation initiative.
Edition
2023
Competition
Corporate awards
Type
Winner
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Applied to:

The Hospitality Award for Sustainable Development

This award recognizes outstanding actions in the field of sustainable development that have contributed to ecological sustainability for the community, local populations, employees, and/or tourist sites as well as natural resources in the hospitality industry. The winning action will have demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative initiatives, effective management practices, and a measurable impact on reducing the industry's ecological footprint. This award recognizes programs that have made significant contributions towards a more sustainable future.

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The project:

Minor’s Nature-Based Hotels Long Term Conservation Project, launched in January 2019, recognizes the responsibility to preserve unique and fragile ecosystems. Currently, 58 properties support 47 projects globally, protecting 10 critically endangered, 27 endangered, 30 vulnerable, and 25 near-threatened species.

Key Ideas:

  • Nature-Based Definition: Hotels situated in or near protected areas or significant habitats crucial to IUCN red-listed species.
  • Collaboration: Ensuring long-term project effectiveness by partnering with governments and conservation organizations that use science and best practices, aiming for publication in scientific journals.
  • Customization: Acknowledging that each ecosystem, hotel, and surrounding community is unique, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Active Participation: Choosing partners with a strong community reputation and involving hotel teams directly in conservation efforts.

Partnerships:

  • Categories: In-House Foundations, Government Conservation Departments, Contracted Scientists, National and International NGOs, and Local Communities.
  • Approach: Involved in design and management, filling gaps between large conservation bodies and community priorities.

Innovative Aspects & Major Assets:

  • Hands-On Involvement: Designing projects based on unmet needs within ecosystems.
  • Direct Conservation: Leasing and protecting land, such as the 18,000ha Economic Land Concession in Cambodia, home to clouded leopards, sun bears, and wild elephants.

Communication Tools:

  • Toolkit: Guides hotels on project selection focusing on local relevance, impact longevity, shared value, measurable outcomes, and alignment with sustainability goals.
  • Scientific Communication: Publishing work in academic journals and presenting at symposia.

Evaluation & KPIs:

  • Goal: By 2023, 100% of nature-based hotels will have a long-term conservation initiative, with 94% achieved in 2022.
  • Future Targets: From 2024, projects will align with scientifically defined nature-based criteria, possibly including IBAT or TNFD definitions.

The project, driven by Minor Hotels Group’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation, showcases a strong commitment to global conservation and community involvement.