SLOW LIFE and Biodiversity Based on case study entitled : “A Study of the Social and Environmental Responsibility Programme at Six Senses and Evason Hua Hin : Business Practices on Biodiversity Conservation” Authored by : Nanthawee Kerdchuen and Srichan Monrakkharom, both from Six Senses and Evason Hua Hin, Thailand Presented by : Srichan Monrakkharom, at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 Six Senses and Evason Hua Hin is a leading ecotourism-based resort in Thailand. Biodiversity conservation plays an important role in the resort’s day-to-day operations. It is committed to improving the ecological and carbon footprint from activities associated within the resort and spa: providing accommodations, dining, excursions, spa, sports and aquatic activities. The resort’s core purpose is to create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate the guests’ love of SLOW LIFE (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wellness, Learning, Inspiring, Fun and Experience). Its operations are committed to developing a sustainable practice, continuously monitoring its performance in conserving the biodiversity in the resort and spa, and supporting the surrounding local community. Six Senses and Evason Hua Hin has Biodiversity Operational Guidelines, Resort Best Practices Audit, and SLOW Audit used as indicators to ensure that day-to-day operations meet high environmental standard. Biodiversity plays an important role in day-to-day operations: from fabrics to furniture in guest rooms, from food in the restaurants to the natural habitat concept designed for the resort’s landscaping which allows plants and animals to thrive as an ecosystem that provides guests with opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Ensuring Efficient Water Management Water is increasingly becoming a global, environmental issue. Depleted aquifers and pollution are transforming fresh water into a rare commodity that could be the cause of future conflicts. The hospitality industry is unfortunately a big consumer of water. The resort faces water shortage problem every year during the drought season. The local community finds itself in the same predicament as well, experiencing short supply due to insufficient rainwater stored in the Pranburi reservoir. The resort’s freshwater supply mainly comes from irrigation water, ground water, and collected rain water during rainy season. Six Senses and Evason Hua Hin aims to reduce its water consumption. To this end, it has implemented a water saving and recycling programme, along with the campaign for guests to conserve water. Water Saving Programme. One of the goals at the resort is to reduce water consumption through a water recycling programme. Approximately 60 per cent of water consumption is recycled for gardening, to supply the ponds and canals around the resort. Treated water from its water treatment plant is re-injected into man-made ponds and streams around the resort. Plants, vegetation, and the garden are maintained by using treated water. Water is slowly absorbed into the ground and stored in a natural aquifer. Water efficiency gadgets are installed in showers and toilets. A float adjusting technique decreases the water level of storage tank in guests’ restrooms, enabling the resort to save water from flushing. In addition, the resort encourages the hosts (staff members) and guests to reduce water consumption. Energy Saving Programme. Laundry is one service that consumes a lot of water and energy – energy to heat the water, run the machines, dry and iron the clothes. Guests can help in the conservation effort by reducing the amount of laundry to save water and detergents. An ECO Card and a Bronze Palm Tree are placed on the beds with instructions on how to save water and energy. Instructions are further explained by the resort’s guest relations officer responsible in escorting guests to their rooms. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 95
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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