ECO FRIENDLY - BES SUPPORTS ECO-FRIENDLY TOURISM AND WALKS THE TALK!

SUPPORTING ECO-FRIENDLY TOURISM AND WALKING THE TALK!

Owner of the lodge, Andreas Liebenberg, has just been awarded the 2011 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve conservation award for being the most eco-sensitive and conservation-oriented landowner in the reserve. This the second time he has received this award.

Footprint

The actual ecological footprint of the structures at the lodge is kept to a minimum. The tented accommodation is erected on a 100mm concrete slab on sand bases to ensure water drainage and soil aeration. Permanent structures are used only where necessary. No trees were removed in the development of the camp.

Energy Use

Solar power and gas are used. Natural fuel such as wood is purchased from community driven projects where bush-encroached areas are cleared in land restoration projects or due to the clearing of road reserves. There is no electricity.

Sewerage

The sewerage from the flushing toilets flows into a sealed off chamber for solids. Here micro-organisms are cultivated to assist with the breakdown. Fluids drain into a separate chamber for further decomposition. Grey water drains into a French drain further down. Both chambers can be accessed for inspection or for waste removal. A geo-hydrologist was consulted to assist with the design and sighting of the sewerage treatment plant.

Grey Water

Grey water (e.g. from showers and basins) runs off into a separate French drains where microbes break down any potentially harmful chemicals before it seeps into the surrounding soil. Environmentally friendly soap, shampoo and hand cream are provided for guest use.

Waste Disposal

The Timbavati Control Gate features a waste disposal unit (for glass & plastic). The lodge’s waste is separated and deposited into the specified units at the control gate for re-use.

Water

A borehole supplies the lodge with water. The water was tested for quality (i.e. safe for human consumption) and sustainability (draw down test) and registered with the appropriate body (dept. of water affairs) governing boreholes used for commercial purposes. The lodge now supplies water in non-disposable bottles for guests, thus eliminating the build-up of plastic through the use of store-bought bottled water.

Amenities

The lodge features a splash pool free of chemicals or harmful additives (both to humans and the environment). When emptied, this water is used to irrigate the surrounding plants & trees.

Trees

Over 200 indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted.

Waterholes

There are no artificially pumped waterholes on the property.

Roads and off road driving

The roads network is kept to a bare minimum. Roads that cross sensitive soils have been re-routed or closed. Roads are well maintained to minimize erosion damage to the landscape. Driving off-road is not permitted on seep lines, sodic sites, clayey soils or in dry riverbeds. Off road driving is only permitted on sandy soils and kept to an absolute minimum. Tracks created due to off road driving are rehabilitated afterwards.

Field Restoration Projects

Ongoing erosion site (loss of soil due to bad management practices in the past) rehabilitation work is carried out. Local communities are employed on a temporary basis to carry out this work. Seep line (natural wetland systems) restoration forms part of the annual field-work. Selective bush clearing work is also carried out in areas that have been encroached by invasive species. Student and veterinary groups are involved in these projects.

Activities

Walking is promoted to reduce the impact that vehicles have on the environment.

Supporting staff & local community:

The lodge employs 4 permanent staff members from Acornhoek (local community).
Training and healthcare is provided for the staff.
One staff member has been sponsored by the lodge to become a FGASA qualified, tracker and field guide.
As and when casual labour is required, temporary staff will be hired from surrounding communities for field and camp upgrade or maintenance work.
The lodge supports research projects taking place in the Timbavati and involves guests where applicable in these.
The local cultural dancing and story telling initiative is supported.