Hoteliers are taking the lead in community-wide conservation efforts, taking advantage of their unique position as stewards of land, neighborhoods and guests.

Hotel News Now spoke with hoteliers in Malawi, Oman and Rwanda about efforts they're undertaking in remote, often pristine destinations to bring guests, employees and communities together for conservation programs.

Widdey Nsona, products, marketing and communications manager at Blantyre, Malawi-based Sunbird Tourism, which owns and operates Sunbird Hotels & Resorts, said the company is active in reforestation projects. Nsona noted that if the habitat around the company's resorts is not looked after, there is little that can be done to safeguard the existence of rare fauna and flora.

One project it is involved in is the seeding of more than 15,000 trees annually on nature reserve Zomba Mountain, which is home to the company's 37-room hotel Sunbird Ku Chawe.

The mountain is home to rare bird species, such as the Yellow-throated apalis, found nowhere else, and the Livingstone’s turaco.

The initiative, he said, involves students from nearby Chawe Primary School, runners in an annual fundraising event, other community members and officials from Malawi’s Department of Forestry.

“Sunbird hosts the Run for Reforestation event that takes place at Sunbird Ku Chawe every year in partnership with Zomba Forest Lodge. The event attracts about 1,000 runners with the objective of promoting and creating awareness for reforestation on Zomba Mountain,” he said.

Nsona said Zomba Mountain is home to a variety of bird species, as well as monkeys and baboons, and Sunbird staff actively work with government wildlife officials to ensure the safety of the animals.

The school children monitor the seedlings as they grow, and they become more conservation-minded as a result, Nsona said.

Guests play a role, too. The hotel runs a seedlings program guests can participate in, as a way of promoting the culture of tree planting and reforestation. The program highlights how reforestation keeps the scenic views that guests enjoy intact and increases bird life. The efforts in turn increase hotel occupancy and spend, Nsona said.

“The more successful the programs, the more lucrative the business, because it results in more customer traffic to the mountain,” Nsona said.

Laura Baker, assistant vice president of corporate communications in Europe for Shangri-La Group, said the 460-room Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, approximately 20 miles east of Omani capital Muscat’s international airport, is at the forefront of efforts to save rare turtle species.

She said the Omani hotel takes immense pride in its conservation efforts, and at the heart of that mission are two dedicated turtle rangers, Mohammed Al Hassani and Hassan Mohamed Hassan Al Qasmi.

Since 2006, Al Hassani has been a steadfast guardian in protecting sea turtles, notably the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle and the endangered Green turtle.

“He brings years of dedication and expertise," Baker said. "Joining him in 2012, Al Qasmi’s passion and commitment have been equally invaluable. Together, they work tirelessly to protect one of the seven magnificent sea turtle species that grace the shores of Oman. Their efforts ensure that our guests can witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, contributing to their preservation for future generations.”

In daily “Turtle Talks” at the resort, the rangers share their knowledge with guests of the turtles’ life cycle, habitat needs and conservation challenges.

“Each morning during the nesting period from January to May, Al Hassani and Al Qasmi comb the hotel’s beaches, and those nearby, to inspect nesting sites, track hatchlings and ensure a safe environment," she said. “To increase hatchling survival rates, they have carefully relocated vulnerable nests, moving them from potentially hazardous areas to safer zones."

There also is a scientific component. The two tag and record turtle activities to contribute data that helps scientists understand and protect turtle populations worldwide.

When guests witness firsthand these efforts, it can lead to a lifetime of inspiration and environmental self-stewardship, she added.

Hoteliers at the 77-room Mantis Epic Hotel & Suites in Rwanda’s northeastern Nyagatare province have singled out the Verreaux’s eagle-owl and other raptors, the collective noun for larger birds of prey.

Stephane Castell, country general manager of Rwanda for Mantis Collection, said the hotel’s conservation initiatives emphasize "habitat preservation and community and staff education." The programs were designed to educate the Mantis ethos of “man and nature together is sustainable."

He said there is practical reason for their efforts.

“A benefit of having these bird species around the hotel is that they naturally manage any potential pests, such as rodents,” he said.

Castell and his team also see the necessity of involving guests and hotel neighbors.

“The local community benefits through employment making local arts and crafts that are sold in the hotel’s boutique curio store, with some projects marked in the future to invite artists to talk about their artistic inspiration, to help sustain the program and create more awareness for both art and nature,” he said.

Guests are encouraged to participate in guided wildlife tours and workshops on and around the hotel that highlight endangered species,

Castell said this fosters a deeper appreciation for birds and wildlife.

Guests also can experience a local guided walk through adjacent Mirama Village where they engage with locals and visit schools.

“While specific metrics vary annually, our programs have consistently increased awareness among guests and locals. We’ve seen a rise in guest interest, which has further supported our initiatives,” Castell said.

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