csr-el nido

8/3/2019 CSR-EL NIDO

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/csr-el-nido 1/11

Sustainability Policy

El Nido Resorts is committed to providing leisurely, engaging, and educationalexperiences and services to all our guests in a manner that has the least impact on the

environment and promotes respect for El Nido¶s local people and culture. We willaccomplish this through:

Enjoining our staff and guests to uphold our five Be G.R.E.E.N. tenets

Linking with local communities through employment and purchases

Nurturing a culture of environmental stewardshipInitiating opportunities for guests to experience nature and the local culture

Discovering and molding sustainability champions among the staff Outdoing ourselves every year by building new sustainability programs on the

success of previous ones

Sustainable Operations

Waste Management

Sewage Treatment Plant El Nido Resorts operates a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (STP) combined

with native reed bed filters. This ensures that no raw sewage and grey water aredischarged into sea. Treated water is utilized in flushing toilets, watering the plants,

and supplying fire hydrants. This directly reduces consumption of water, whichotherwise have to be produced through energy-intensive desalination processes or

sourced in the region¶s water sources.

Materials Recovery Facility Solid wastes go through strict segregation before reaching the resort¶s full cycle

materials recovery facility (MRF). The MRF receives recyclable and organic wastes

from the resorts and is looked after by the Garden Department. After segregation, therecyclable waste is stored in holding bins for pick-up by a local junk shop dealer for

recycling, while the organic waste is composted onsite and later packed for use in theresort gardens or organic farms in El Nido mainland. Recognizing the negative impact

of using non-recyclable wastes, El Nido Resorts implemented a refillable drinking

water system in 2008 to try to eliminate the purchase of bottled waters duringactivities. The Kitchen Department also implemented its own refilling system,whereas instead of buying cooking oils in new containers, they just send the old

containers to the supplier for a refill.

Water Conservation

El Nido Resorts operates a rainwater catchment system to capture, filter, and store



rainwater for use in the guest rooms and staff quarters. Water saving devices such aslow-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets are also in place.

Desalination Plant

There is a very limited supply of fresh water in island resorts. El Nido Resortsoperates a desalination plant to convert salt water into fresh water suitable for human

consumption. The desalination plant enables us to avoid depleting mainland water sources and competing with local communities for water supply.

Energy Conservation

All bulbs were replaced with Compact Flourescent Light (CFL) in 2008. Guest rooms

were also fitted with energy efficient water heater, and designed in such a way to

optimize natural lighting. Solar panels are installed at the Deluxe Water Cottages of

Miniloc Island Resort, and at Entalula Beach Club and Dibuluan Beach Club in El

Nido, both operated by El Nido Resorts. El Nido Resorts observes the global initiative

Earth Hour every March by turning off all non-essential lights at the resorts for 1-hour.

As an offshoot of Earth Hour, El Nido Resorts has gone further to celebrate Eco-Hour

every full moon during the summer months of March to May. The energy savings

from the 1-hour electricity shutdown is used to purchase seedlings from IslandTransvoyager Inc.¶s Carbon Offsetting Program, to be planted in the El Nido

watershed.

Low Impact and Sustainable Guest Experiences

El Nido and Taytay are areas of undoubtedly high biodiversity. El Nido Resorts is

committed to promoting nature-based activities that showcase yet protect the richness

of this biodiversity. Only low impact activities are offered to guests. There are no jet-

skis and other motorized marine sports equipment. Marine sports guides accompany

guests to supervise the activities, provide nature interpretation, and ensure guests

don¶t disturb or damage the environment. The resorts also started using eco-friendly

boat engines in 2006 and are continuously upgrading engine maintenance systems tohelp minimize the negative effects brought about by carbon monoxide emission. El

Nido Resorts only serves sustainable menus. The resorts no longer purchase grouper,as there has been an observable decline in their local population. Locally and

organically produced vegetables comprise 60% of total kitchen purchases, whilelocally reared livestock comprise 90% of total kitchen purchases. Women from

several barangays (villages) in El Nido have also been trained in weaving to producenative bags and slippers that are purchased by the resort. These local bags and slippers

are given complimentary to guests as part of the El Nido Resorts experience.



y Desalination plants convert salt water into water suitable for humanconsumption.

Nature Conservation and Protection

El Nido Resorts embraces its leadership role in nature conservation, being the largestemployer in the municipality and operating in small islands within the Protected Area.

We work closely with the community and local government in areas requiring muchsupport, such as in the prevention of illegal fishing, coral and reef fish assessments,

environmental education campaigns, and more.

Monitoring Wildlife

El Nido Resorts launched El Nido Biodiversity Online, a database of El Nido¶s flora

and fauna, in 2008. The database contains datasheets and photos of the plants and

animals found in El Nido, where they are seen, and when.

Aside from the participation of guests and staff in monitoring wildlife, the academe isalso involved. El Nido Resorts supports scientific studies on the flora and fauna of El

Nido by providing board and lodging, boats, equipment (e.g. dive gear), and personnel to visiting researchers. Examples of studies conducted are the reef fish

surveys by Dr. Gerry Allen and Dr. Mark Erdmann and carrying capacity of dive sites

by Dr. Lyndon deVantier and Mr. Emre Turak.

Marine Ecosystems Preservation and Protection

Marine Turtle Conservation Program

All marine turtles found in the waters of El Nido and Taytay are endangered. At least

five species of turtles are known to nest in some of El Nido¶s beaches.El Nido Resorts

champions the conservation of endangered sea turtles, with tag-and-release programs



in cooperation with the Protected Area Office, and hatchling releases from nestssafeguarded by resort staff.

To further educate guests, El Nido Resorts offers a Turtle Tracking Tour during the

hatching season. This tour provides guests with the opportunity to track the gentle seaturtles in their natural habitat, participate in turtle releases, and learn about turtle

biology and our hatchery program.

Coastal Cleanups

Lagen Island Resort has consistently supported and participates in eco-events such as

International Coastal Clean-up Day, World Ocean Day, and Earth Day and has chosen

to make coastal clean-up a regular activity, clearing beaches of marine debris twice

monthly.

Installation of Eco-reefs at Tres Marias

In April 2006, El Nido Resorts partnered with the local community and El NidoFoundation, Inc. (ENF) in the installation of EcoReef artificial reef modules in Tres

Marias, a former dive site devastated by illegal fishing, coral bleaching, and typhoons.

El Nido is only the 2nd in the world to receive the ceramic modules, after Bunaken National Park in Indonesia.

Installation of Mooring Bouys

To prevent anchor damage on coral reefs, El Nido Resorts¶ Dive Team installed (and

maintains) mooring buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit Bay. These are especially

important in high-traffic areas such as the Small Lagoon and South Miniloc.

Protection of Giant Clams

El Nido Resorts transplanted giant clams to the front reef of Miniloc Island Resort and

Lagen Island Resort from different parts of Bacuit Bay, where these endangered

species are harvested indiscriminately.

El Nido Marine Monitoring Task Force

The waters of El Nido are constantly under threat from various illegal activities. El

Nido Resorts patrols the waters of Bacuit Bay and coordinates with local authorities

in apprehending violators. Participation in the Marine Monitoring Task Force means

extending more assistance in terms of logistics, drafting ordinances and lobbying for

penal provisions both in the Protected Area Management Board and the Municipal

Legislative Body



y Coastal and underwater clean-ups are regular activities at El Nido Resorts.

El Nido Resorts » Building Sustainable Communities



y Resort doctors render free medical consultations to targetted localcommunities in El Nido.

y Sustainability Policy

y Sustainable Operations

y Nature Conservation and Protection

y Building Sustainable Communities

y Environmental Education

Building Sustainable Communities

Our eco-resorts on Miniloc Island and Lagen Island in El Nido and Apulit Island in

Taytay have been ³good neighbors´ by building mutually beneficial partnerships withkey stakeholders; promoting responsible tourism principles in community and

provincial tourism planning; enjoying community support and high morale of staff;and providing guests with unforgettable cultural experiences with local staff in a

beautiful setting.

Employment and Livelihood Opportunities for the Local Community

Through creation of meaningful employment opportunities and the commitment to

hire and promote locally, the people of El Nido and Taytay have a viable option to

earn a decent living and stay in their own community. Scheduled trainings are offered

to the local community to improve the skill set for potential employees not just for the

resort, but also for other smaller tourist cottages in the area. Since 2005, resort

supervisors have been training local people for basic skills in the areas of food &

beverage, housekeeping, and kitchen. Working with professional trainers, local



women are trained to become massage therapists. Over the years, banca owners fromtown have been regularly providing the transportation needs of El Nido Resorts guests.

Patronizing Local Products

Women from several barangays (villages) in El Nido have also been trained inweaving to produce native bags and slippers that are purchased by the resorts. The

bags and slippers are given as complimentary room amenities, thereby ensuringongoing demand.

El Nido Resorts tries to keep on reducing food miles by sourcing locally. Locally and

organically produced vegetables comprise 60% of total kitchen purchases, while

locally reared livestock comprise 90% of total kitchen purchases.

Community Service

Annually, El Nido Resorts arranges Sea Scouts training for both staff and the

community. A Sea Scouts certificate assists individuals seeking employment in the

maritime industry. Increasing the local pool of Sea Scouts enhances the largely

coastal community¶s ability to respond to accidents. El Nido Resorts doctors augment

the services of the lone Municipal Health Officer in El Nido, bringing healing and

health education to the various villages at least twice a week. Resort doctors alsorender free services on the annual Mass Blood Donation Program of the Philippine

Red Cross in El Nido. Staff are willing donors, making El Nido Resorts one of the biggest contributors in Palawan. El Nido Resorts¶ 1.5-hectare organic farm in El Nido

serves as demonstration site for locals to help improve the quality of their produce for long-term sustainability. Instead of using chemicals as fertilizer, composted

biodegradable wastes of El Nido Resorts are used here. It also demonstrates therearing of ³Happy Pigs,´ leaner pigs that feed on vegetables and effective

microorganisms. Local farmers are welcome to learn about the technique so the resortcan purchase locally and organically produced vegetables and meat from them in the

future.

Environmental Education

Environmental Practices Training The Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido) training program, in place

since 2007, trains all staff on: ecological waste management; water, energy, and biodiversity conservation; and environmental laws. To encourage the staff to apply

what they¶ve learned in the seminars, ³Pa-Berdehan: The El Nido Resorts EcoChallenge,´ a company-wide competition for environmentally friendly initiatives, was

established in 2007. Since then, innovative work practices have been developed andimplemented, such as patronizing cooking oil retailers with reusable containers(initiated by the Purchasing department), and limiting the running time of air

conditioning units without sacrificing guest comfort (initiated by the Engineeringdepartment). The Environment Department conducts yearly Nature Interpretation

training seminars for the Marine Sports Guides and other staff who wish to attend.

Educating Guests Guests are reminded and encouraged to conserve our natural resources. The



company¶s Environmental Code of Conduct called ³Ten El-NiDos´ is provided ineach room to remind guests about the environmentally sensitive Protected Area and

the appropriate behavior to ensure conservation. Guests are actively discouraged fromtouching the animals, whether on land or underwater. Collecting shells, corals,

starfish, and other animals is not allowed and is specifically stated in our welcome

message. Guests are likewise informed of the Conservation Fees that the Resorts

collect and remit to the Protected Area Office. El Nido Resorts also strives to be anindustry leader by creating opportunities to be studied by numerous tourism

practitioners. By participating in various eco-events, we are able to share best

practices for others to follow.

El Nido Resorts¶ Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido) Campaign is thewinner of the prestigious PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2011

± Environmental Education Programme.

Be G.R.E.E.N. is a 5-course environmental practices training seminar that educates

ALL staff of El Nido Resorts in biodiversity conservation, environmental legislation,ecological solid waste management, water conservation, and energy conservation.

Since Be G.R.E.E.N. was launched in 2007, more than 800 full-time and part-time

staff have successfully completed the training modules to make sure they understand

their role in upholding the company¶s environmental principles.

Nature Interpretation trainings are also provided annually to the resorts¶ Marine

Sports Guides. Through this, the guides are able to share their knowledge of El Nido¶sunique biodiversity to guests. This increased awareness leads to better appreciation,

stewardship, and conservation of the environment.

Ten Knots Development Corporation, owner and operator of El Nido Resorts, upholds

responsible tourism through long-term sustainable practices. Other projects includemarine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater clean-ups, installation and

maintenance of mooring buoys. El Nido Resorts also offers nature-based guestactivities and sustainable menus, and provides employment opportunities for the local

community.

El Nido Resorts¶ luxury eco-resorts are located on Lagen Island and Miniloc Island inEl Nido, Palawan, and on Apulit Island in Taytay, Palawan. A fourth property, the

luxurious Pangulasian Island Resort, also in El Nido, will open end of this year.

The 2011 PATA Grand and Gold Awards Presentation was heldat the PATA Travel

Mart in Beijing, China on April 11. Year after year, PATA highlights exceptional



endeavors that deliver the best Tourism Practices in the region. This year, PATAreceived 223 entries from 102 organizations and individuals worldwide.

Mission vision

Mission/Vision

Asian conservation company and ten knots development corporation believes in

investing in environmentally sensitive companies to generate acceptable financial

returns to investors while providing meaningful employment and educationalopportunities for employees. The resulting economic benefits create a willingness

among the local communities to protect the natural resources in the area.

Profits from the portfolio¶s operating companies provide a sustainable financingsource for environmental projects while the Asian Conservation Foundation (ACF)

will ensure that biodiversity conservation is carried out for the long-term.

History

El Nido Resorts is operated byTen Knots Development Corporation. Ten Knots wasfounded by diving enthusiasts who explored the Philippines on the M/V Via Mare.

They believed that ten knots is the ideal speed not only in getting to their divedestination quickly, but also cruising leisurely enough to appreciate and enjoy

Nature¶s endowments. Thus, the name Ten Knots reflects the company¶s ideals tostrive for a balance between meeting human needs and caring for nature.

Since its inception, Ten Knots has advocated responsible tourism and has exercised

stewardship over its natural environment. For nearly three decades, Ten Knots hasstrived to maintain a delicate balance between achieving tourism development goals,

conserving the fragile environment where it operates, and meeting the needs of the

local community.

Our Awards



2011 El Nido Resorts wins the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award2011 ± Environmental Education Programme for the Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect,

Educate El Nido) Campaign.

2010 El Nido Resorts wins HICAP¶s Sustainable Hotel Award in the SustainableDestination category at the 21st Annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific

(HICAP).

Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort are both given the ASEAN Green

Hotel Award for the 2nd time.

2009 El Nido Resorts wins Wild Asia¶s Responsible Tourism Award under the Mid-size to Small Accommodation Operators category. Wild Asia, a non-profit

organization based in Malaysia, judged El Nido Resorts based on its practices that aimto protect and sustain the world¶s natural and cultural resources while ensuring that it

meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation.

Lagen Island Resort is named one of the Top Leisure Resorts in Asia in Smart Travel

Asia¶s Best in Travel Poll 2009.

2008 Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort are both given the ASEAN

Green Hotel Award.

Travel + Leisure magazine named El Nido Resorts as one of ³Our 15 Favorite Green

Hotels´ in its South Asia and Australia editions.

2007 El Nido Resorts is a finalist in the Investor in People category of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2007.

Lagen Island Resort is named one of the top Leisure Resorts in Asia in Smart TravelAsia¶s Best in Travel Poll 2007.

Travel + Leisure magazine named El Nido Resorts as one of ³Our 15 Favorite Green

Hotels´ in its US edition.

2006 El Nido Resorts makes it to the prestigious Conde Nast Green List 2006.

Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort are included in Smart Travel Asia¶sBest

in Travel Poll 2006, Top Leisure Resorts category.

2001 & 2003 Miniloc Island Resort gets Kalakbay Award for Resort of the Year Category ³A´ and Kalakbay Hall of Fame Award from the Philippine Department of

Tourism.

Lagen Island Resort gets Kalakbay Award for Resort of the Year Category ³AAA´

from the Philippine Department of Tourism.

2000 El Nido Resorts wins the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award

2000 for Education and Training, Educational Program Category.

csr-el nido

Documents