Sustainable Luxury: Hamanasi Resort Makes a Difference

Friday, August 30, 2024

A Beacon of Sustainability in Hopkins Village

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, located in the picturesque village of Hopkins, Belize, has recently been recertified by Green Globe, achieving an impressive compliance score of 94%. This recognition places the resort among the top 10 Green Globe-certified properties in the Caribbean, solidifying its status as a leader in sustainable tourism. Nestled on the Caribbean Sea beachfront, surrounded by lush tropical flora, Hamanasi is an intimate boutique resort dedicated to environmental regeneration and community support.

Commitment to Green Operations

Hamanasi’s mission is to minimize environmental impact while fostering a deep appreciation for nature and diverse cultures. The resort privately owns 45 acres of land, over 55% of which is designated as a nature reserve. The coastal area surrounding the resort is also undergoing reforestation efforts to restore and protect the local environment.

The resort has implemented a solar grid system that currently supplies one-third of its energy needs, with plans to expand this capacity further. In addition, 100% energy-efficient lighting is used throughout the property. Guests are encouraged to offset their travel carbon footprint through the Sustainable Travel International (STI) carbon calculator and offset program, integrating sustainability into their travel experience.

Empowering the Community

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its staff and the local community. An employee wellness program provides monthly health clinics, including physical and mental health education, counseling, and medical check-ups, free of charge. The resort also supports various community initiatives, including public health, waste management, education, and cultural preservation.

In 2023 alone, the resort’s financial support for social initiatives exceeded $80,000 BZD. This includes funding for local NGOs focused on marine and forest conservation, as well as financial assistance for cultural events like Garifuna Settlement Day, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Garifuna people.

The resort’s Pack for a Purpose campaign invites guests to donate school supplies for disadvantaged children, with over 1,000 pounds of supplies distributed to local communities in 2023. Hamanasi also supports schools with infrastructure development and scholarship programs, and contributes to local sports clubs, fostering youth development in the community.

Promoting Regenerative Tourism

Hamanasi’s Green Team is at the forefront of promoting regenerative tourism. They conduct weekly presentations for guests on sustainability practices and regenerative tourism in Southern Belize. The team also delivers environmental education talks at the Hopkins Primary School Eco Kids Club and organizes beach clean-ups in the community. These efforts raise awareness of environmental conservation and encourage sustainable tourism practices among guests and locals alike.

The Green Team’s presentations cover topics such as marine and wildlife conservation, forest management, and the promotion of local cultures and entrepreneurship. By educating guests, children, and the public, Hamanasi fosters a deeper connection between travelers and the places they visit, encouraging responsible tourism behaviors.

A Path to Carbon Neutrality

Currently, Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is measuring its carbon footprint across all operations. By understanding their carbon footprint, the resort aims to quantify the amount of carbon to be sequestered through reforestation and preservation efforts, ultimately achieving carbon neutrality.

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Tags: Airline News, Belize, Belize tourism news, Belmopan, caribbean, central america, green globe, Hamanasi Adventure, Hopkins Village, southern belize, sustainable tourism, Tourism, Travel, Travel News