There was a small sensation when the Eco Awards were presented last Friday: The Cañon Roadhouse walked off with five desert flowers, the highest ranking within the eco seal of approval. So far, five flowers have been awarded to accommodation facilities only twice. But both of them have less than half as many rooms as the Cañon Roadhouse (24 double rooms). A decisive factor for the Cañon Roadhouse was the water recycling plant. Recycled water is used for the gardens, cutting water consumption by more than half. Waste disposal also scored high marks: waste is sorted into different materials, glass is crushed, metal is pressed and finally all of it is taken to a recycling depot in Keetmanshoop, 170 km away.
Another two Gondwana lodges were evaluated this year and did very well, too: Cañon Lodge (30 rooms) and Namib Desert Lodge (70 rooms) were awarded three desert flowers each. Both of them also have the facilities to recycle waste water for the irrigation of plants. As far as possible the lodges’ grounds have been planted with indigenous trees, shrubs and succulents which thrive on small quantities of water.
The evaluators and the panel of the Eco Awards were also impressed by Gondwana’s campaign to increase environmental awareness among guests and staff of the lodges as well as website visitors. The Grand Gondwana Eco Competition is an opportunity for guests to make an additional contribution to the lodges’ efforts to save water and electricity and cut down on waste. Online visitors are asked about the steps Gondwana is taking for the environment and what, as a guest, they would do in addition to that without feeling restrained in the enjoyment of their holiday. The prize is a two-week vacation in Namibia, including air tickets. The competition is run by all Gondwana lodges until 31 December 2012.
Participation in the Eco Awards is voluntary. Lodges which register for evaluation receive an extensive catalogue of possible measures for introducing eco-friendly ways to their operations. Participants are free to decide which steps they want to take. An independent evaluator inspects the lodges and sends his report to the panel which then decides on the evaluation. Similar to the grading with stars for accommodation establishments the eco seal of quality awards up to five desert flowers. Other lodges of the Gondwana Collection will compete for the Eco Awards next year.
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Cañon LodgeNamib Desert LodgeGrand Gondwana Eco CompetitionEco Awards NamibiaSubscribe to monthly newsletter
