EarthCheck GOLD: EarthCheck, the world's leading scientific benchmarking and certification group for sustainable tourism, awarded our resort the GOLD Certification as recognition of our continuous certification since 2016, which incorporates annual measurements of operational indicators such as energy; emissions; water, waste and paper use; chemical and pesticide use; and community involvement.
We act as Stewards, responsible and wholehearted managers of our entrusted assets so that they can be handed over in better condition to the next generation. We actively seek and favour business relationships with those who share our values and commitment, operating with integrity to support the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. For that, we create, protect and grow long-term environmental, social and local economic value for all stakeholders involved in bringing our products and services to market.
At Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, we care about the environmental impact that our activities may cause, setting in course a plan of action to reduce our ecological footprint as much as possible. We train, direct and guide our associates to carry out proper waste. Different agreements with certified, specialised and legal companies stipulate how each category of waste is handled. Organic waste is turned into food for farm animals and inorganic waste is reused or recycled where possible (e.g. plastic, scrap metal, paper, cardboard, and glass). We also collaborate with Eco-Filter, an association that collects cigarette filters and transforms them into paper, and host workshops on how to reduce or upcycle waste, such as how to make your own soap, shampoo and compost.
Seedlings is our three-stage programme designed to inspire children through their teenage years by offering the academic and practical support required to reach adulthood (age 18) in self-sufficiency. The goal is to support 3 new Seedlings (children at risk of social exclusion or high risk of dropping out school) every two years. This programme improves the long-term prosperity of communities by strengthening the capacities of young people in order to offer opportunities to develop their potential through tutorials and scholarships.
Our goal is to perform four cleaning activities each year, where we engage members of the local community, our guests and our associates to participate and learn about the need for effective waste management, responsible consumption of resources and maintaining a healthy environment.
Back to school was a very special time for us and for the 160 children who attend the Nueva Creation Homex Primary School, located in Costa Dorada Neighborhood Homex Acapulco Guerrero, as we formally handed over two classrooms and bathrooms that we had completely remodelled. As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués had the privilege and pride of improving the education, hygiene and infrastructure conditions for these children, parents and teachers. We thank all who made this project possible, especially the Banyan Tree Global Foundation and all the guests who visited our Sanctuary for the Senses.