Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort Leads Sustainable Tourism Industry in Belize

(I-TravelNewswire.Com, November 21, 2013 ) HOPKINS, Belize – Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort was the first beachfront resort in Belize to receive Green Globe certification and is dedicated to being a premier provider of sustainable accommodations and eco-tourism in Central America.

Hamanasi Resort is Green Globe certified and is working to become certified with Sustainable Travel International. The resort is in the eco-certification stage of the Sustainable Tourism Education Program application. An overview of Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort’s responsible tourism efforts include:

The Organic Garden:
Food waste is a huge environmental problem worldwide. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort aims to reduce their food waste and environmental impact of their world-class dining through their 40,000 square foot organic garden. The resort grows more than 32 crops providing upwards of 10 percent of the total food consumed on site. They are increasing this percentage annually as they design their menu around the growing crops. More than 50 percent of the food grown in the garden is started from seeds from produce harvested the previous year and the resort composts more than 100 pounds of food per day. Hamanasi’s organic garden is certified by the Belize Organic Alliance which ensures the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care are maintained. The resort will be installing a system to recycle and use its gray water to irrigate the garden.

Community Economic Development, Education and Charity:
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort believes the travel industry must benefit and empower local communities and that traditional cultures should strengthen and play a part in tourism. At Hamanasi, nearly 100 percent of employees are from Belize, and 60 percent come from Hopkins and the surrounding communities. The resort leadership believes in training staff and promoting from within generating economic prosperity in the region. It supports the local community buy purchasing most kitchen supplies and produce from local businesses. Guests can also enjoy the Belizean organic soaps in rooms and shampoos and conditioners contained in hand made Belizean wooden vessels.

Hamanasi “Green Team” consists of a group of volunteer staff members who proactively work to educate folks on sustainable practices and lifestyles while providing help where it’s most needed in the local community.

Construction and Property Development:
The resort’s property is on a coastal littoral forest – one of the most threatened types of forest in the world. Usually, these forests are cleared for coastal development. But for Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, local ecology and sustainability was of upmost priority during construction. Rather than cutting down the forest when more rooms were needed they built amidst the trees, making for incredible unique treehouse accommodations. Trees are nature’s air conditioners, as well as beautifiers and homes to countless birds, bats, lizards and orchids. They are critical in minimizing erosion and nourishing the soil. Hamanasi has also set aside more than ten acres as a nature preserve.

For more information about sustainable travel at Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort contact Dana Krauskopf at Dana@hamanasi.com or call 1-571-405-7664.

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Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

Hailey McDonald

970-379-9363

hailey@adventuremedianews.com

Source: EmailWire.Com