sustainable tourism development in harmony with the natural environment and local communities of Messinia

Transcription

1

2 Brief description Costa Navarino is the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote this region, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. It combines more than 4,500 years of history, culturally significant monuments, internationally-renowned brands, a virgin, protected environment and unique experiences, both contemporary and traditional. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury 5-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. It is also home to The Dunes Course the first signature golf course in Greece- Anazoe Spa, the conference centre House of Events, specially designed facilities for children, as well as a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities. Navarino Bay, the second area, is home to the second signature-designed course, The Bay Course. The destination has a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, aiming at a sustainable tourism development in harmony with the natural environment and local communities of Messinia.

3 An overview of our sustainable development practices Costa Navarino adheres to strict environmental protection guidelines and management principles, covering all aspects of environmental protection from construction through to operation. Construction / Architecture The building footprint at Costa Navarino will be less than 10% of the total land area. The architectural design is based on the principles of bioclimatic architecture and is fully aligned with the area s traditional architectural history Energy The owners of Costa Navarino have participated through a joint venture, in the development of a 12MWp installed capacity photovoltaic park. One of the largest of its kind in Greece, it is connected to the national grid, where it delivers on an annual basis, renewable electrical energy amounting to 19,5 GWh which is more than the current annual electricity needs of Costa Navarino. It also contributes to the national effort for greener energy production. Significant reductions in energy consumption and CO² emissions, through a state-of-the-art geothermal installation with 123 km of underground pipes, placed underneath the golf course. Solid & liquid waste management Extensive recycling program Operation of a large-scale waste water treatment facility

4 An overview of our sustainable development practices Preservation of Messinian landscape 6,500 olive, 2,000 citrus and other trees have been preserved through an extensive replanting program on the site Upon completion, at least 16,000 olive and more than 8,000 citrus and other trees will have been transplanted Participation in the Billion Tree Campaign, a worldwide tree planting initiative facilitated by the United Nations Environment Program. Approximately 6,000 new indigenous trees and 200,000 endemic shrubs were planted in Navarino Dunes Preservation of biodiversity & habitats Upgrading the river Sellas wetlands by removing the non-native reed beds and seeding native plants to enrich the local flora Extensive monitoring and protection program for the African chameleon and the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta in collaboration with NGOs Water management Two irrigation reservoirs, with a total capacity of 700,000 m 3, which utilize approximately 2% of local rivers excess winter runoff Water recycling, using highly treated wastewater for irrigation A network of monitoring stations and water level recorders

5 An overview of our sustainable development practices Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO) A cooperation between Stockholm University, the Academy of Athens and TEMES S.A., NEO is dedicated to research and education on the climate and environment in the Mediterranean region. The NEO research station is fast becoming a dynamic hub for modern research on environment and climate, where scientists from all over the world are able to conduct research, exchange knowledge and ideas, while at the same time developing new tools and methods. The educational programs are closely linked to the research carried out in the region. The research activities of NEO cover a wide range of topics of local as well as global relevance. Navarino Natura Hall Costa Navarino has launched an interactive environmental exhibition centre: the Navarino Natura Hall has been formed through the collaboration of the University of Stockholm, the Academy of Athens, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, HELMEPA, Organization Earth and Navarino Foundation. It is a center dedicated to the nature of Messinia, that not only informs visitors, students and locals about the uniqueness and beauty of the natural habitats of the region, but also offers them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with environmental issues. Here we launched an educational program for local schools together with the University of Peloponnese, in which more than 4,000 students have participated so far.

6 An overview of our sustainable development practices Social responsibility At Costa Navarino we strongly believe that the success of a tourism business is directly linked with its ability to share the benefits of its operation with local society. By creating vital infrastructure, improving accessibility, creating new jobs and business opportunities and promoting education and scientific research, we are actively contributing to the welfare of the local community. Preserving and promoting local traditions is also materialized through organized activities, in which people from local associations have the chance to share their customs and traditions with international visitors, while also earning an additional income. Through this Messinian Authenticity program guests are able to experience a number of the local traditions and customs. Valuable synergies Costa Navarino works in cooperation with all stakeholders, including local communities, employees, associates, visitors, academia and NGOs.

7 An inclusive volunteering program for associates and guests, providing shelter to the region s stray animals. The initiative was born in 2015, to take care of stray dogs and cats of the area in difficult or dangerous situations, while raising awareness and engagement among employees and guests. It is a volunteering program, providing food, shelter and medical care to the area s stray animals whilst developing a new pet-friendly mentality through its activities. Navarino Pet Community is an innovative initiative, and reflects our approach to holistic sustainable development, in alignment with the local communities and environment.

8 Conception The program was developed by TEMES S.A. under the leadership of Ms. Roberta Davanzo, Hotel Manager at the destination s properties. Ms. Davanzo and a committee comprising of 10 Associates is responsible for the initiative s development and execution. Volunteering In 2016 alone, 1,500 hours were volunteered to help the animals at the shelter. This included both veterinary care and basic training for dogs (such as leash training), as well as activities to promote adoptions. Volunteer staff members focus their efforts on providing treatment and finding a permanent home for the stray animals of the area ranging from 8 months to 4 years old. Roberta Davanzo, Hotel Manager, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort & The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

9 Employee involvement More than 50 associates are involved with different tasks according to their time and schedule (transportation, providing temporary shelter, assisting with documentation, feeding, cleaning the shelter, supporting stray animals that are in an emergency situation and cannot be moved to the shelter) Outcome The shelter has already found permanent homes for more than 30 dogs with the support of associates and hotel guests. And their new homes are both in Greece and abroad: in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the UK. Housed in a specially designed space with five kennels and a garden, the shelter can accommodate up to 10 adult dogs and four or five puppies at any given time. 10 dogs are being sponsored by friends of the shelter who cover the monthly expenses of their care whilst all the effort has contributed to the mobilization and empathy raising of the local community.

10 Follow-up The Navarino Pet Community committee is composed of 10 Associates who follow up on adopting families, potential adoptions, local community. Innovative aspects It is an inclusive program, engaging both the guests at Costa Navarino and the employees. It promotes volunteering as an active part of people s holidays. The above is combined with addressing a significant issue of the local community, by not only protecting the animals but also educating the general population about how they should be treated. General principles - Towards the local or foreign population Raising awareness, educating, creating empathy - Towards the staff Educating, volunteering - Towards the guests Raising awareness, volunteering

11 External partnerships - Local community: we support the other shelters in the area, by giving linen and equipment that can be used in the local shelters, upon hotel closing at the end of season. - Purina the Nestle brand supports the initiative by providing food and equipment, together with a beautiful agility dog area that can be used both from guests and shelter community. - Guests: in addition to the shelter activities, all guests who come to the resorts with their own dogs, receive useful information on how to travel with their dog, a dedicated welcome kit and food.

12 Communication Employees: through the internal communication channels such as flyers and internal announcements. Also all Front Office employees are trained about the initiative, so as to promote it to guests. Guests, business partners and media: Inhouse guests : digital presentations at the lobbies, banners, flyers placed in several areas of the resort. Through external communication channels: Costa Navarino magazine, website, newsletters, Press Office, press visits Social Media (for both employees and guests): Navarino Pet Community Facebook Page & targeted ad-hoc campaigns

13 #WeAreBetterWithPets An adoption weekend took place in May 2017 in collaboration with PURINA. Dozens of people joined Costa Navarino s initiative. During the #WeAreBetterWithPets weekend, 6 dogs found a permanent new home. Also it gave the opportunity to guests with their pets, to learn training and grooming tips from experts, trainers as well as meet the animals at the Navarino Pet Community. The aim of the event was to raise awareness for the importance of pet adoption and good pet care, with the overall aim of finding a permanent home for the stray animals.

14 #WeAreBetterWithPets The weekend program featured a range of activities including training by a professional Greek dog trainer, pet grooming by the Aussie Pet Mobile GR and six months of complimentary food supply from PURINA for all adopted dogs. The event was communicated both within the company, as well as through external communication channels: website, newsletter, press releases, celebrity endorsements, as well as through the Pet Community s Facebook Page.

15 Measurable & tangible results that make a difference - Receiving both money and in kind donations from guests and local schools (e.g. food, medicine, equipment) - 30 adopted animals in 5 countries - More than 100 people attended the events - Hundreds of guests have visited the shelter - 50 employees participate in the volunteering program - Returning guests that like this initiative and come back for this reason (either with dogs or without)

16 THANK YOU