Sustainable tourism at Constance Hotels

Reading Time: 3 minutes

At Constance Hotels we work hard to protect the environment, natural resources and local cultures of the islands where our resorts are located.

We incorporate sustainable thinking into decision-making at all levels throughout our business. Here’s an insight into the way we work:

Local producers

We support local industries and producers including buying locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and other foodstuff.

Read Bruno Le Gac’s interview with Visit Mauritius about regional and sustainable food at Constance.

Landscaping – Constance Ephélia

In October 2011, we were awarded the prestigious Gold Award at the South African Landscape Industry awards ceremony, recognising the landscape design of our resort. No small feat when you consider Ephélia is situated in 120 hectares of lush tropical vegetation, perched on a pristine beach, and adjacent to Port Launay Marine National Park.

Find out more about the Landscape Gold Award for Constance Ephélia.

Conserving water and reefscaping at Halaveli

At Halaveli, we produce our own-label still and sparkling mineral water.

Since March 2011, we have been turning tap water into mineral water using our own bottling plant. This has reduced the need for plastic bottles on the resort.

And late last year, we started our coral regrowth programme – to stimulate the growth of coral in the lagoon around the resort, and help repair the damage caused by the Tsunami in 2004.

Find out more about our reefscaping programme at Halaveli.

Design at Moofushi

Since it opened in November 2010, Moofushi has been wowing guests with its eco-design and barefoot chic approach to luxury holidaying.

The island’s butterfly design and daring architecture was developed by Jean-Michel d’Unienville (Mauritius) and Marc Hertrich (France). Careful consideration has been taken to preserve the environment through efficient and non-polluting materials.

Find out more about Architecture and Design at Constance Moofushi.

Preserving turtle habitats at Constance Lémuria

We run a turtle preservation programme at Constance Lémuria, Praslin Island,Seychelles. The beaches here are important nesting sites for endangered hawksbill and green turtles, who return to the beaches year after year.

Thanks to our turtle programme, and the work of our Turtle Manager, the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles and the local community and hotel guests, we’re seeing an increase in the number of nests each year.

Find out more about our work preserving turtle habitats at Constance Lémuria.

Environmental charter at Constance

Our environmental charter sets out how we work to minimise the impact we have on the surrounding ecosystems and cultures while improving biodiversity, cultural heritage and community development. Here are a few of the ways we are working on this:

Energy

• use eco-friendly oil and batteries
• recover energy from air-conditioning systems
• install solar panels for heating swimming pools

Water

• install water flow regulators on showers
• recycle grey water for gardening, toilets etc
• preserve scarce water supply by using a desalination plant

Waste

• recycle glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic
• recycle restaurant organic waste and garden green waste
• support urban and rural clean-up

Biodiversity

• use organic fertilizers
• use plants and trees locally adapted
• take part in local action for the environment

Social responsibility

• employ local people where possible
• support local community development projects with funding, time and human resources
• provide ways for guests to volunteer for local conservation or community development projects

Marine life and reefs

• inform guests about responsible snorkelling and dive practices towards unique coral reef life
• improve staff and guest awareness and concern towards littering beach and sea
• keep boats clean and in proper working order, including regular cleaning of propellers to reduce amount of underwater sound emitted

Want to know more?

Visit our Constance Hotels Experience website to find out more, or tell us what you think. You can post a comment below, or visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @constancehotels.