Cambodia’s new Song Saa Private Island accepts coveted responsible tourism award

Song Saa Private Island’s pioneering approach to sustainable tourism has been recognised at The Responsible Tourism Awards 2012 with an award for “Best Accommodation for The Environment”.

Internationally recognised as one of the highest benchmarks for Responsible Tourism, winners are rightfully regarded as international leaders in this field and key innovators of sustainability. Since 2004, these Awards have been celebrating tourism ventures, individuals and destinations from all over the world with inspiring approaches to responsible tourism. The reputation of the awards is reflected in the impressive list of sponsors and supporters who credit them with finding preeminent examples of sustainable practices every year.

Since they were founded, the awards have attracted over 10,000 nominations from members of the public. They employ one of the most rigorous judging processes around, chaired by Professor Harold Goodwin, from the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, and work with the best partners in the industry. “The Responsible Tourism Awards are one of the most important ways in which we can understand how to travel better”. Michael Palin (Actor, Writer & Television Presenter).

The Awards ceremony - sponsored by BBC World and held at London’s World Travel Market - rewarded Song Saa’s progressive conservation programmes: “Beauty isn't just skin deep at Song Saa, as its thorough and holistic approach to conservation sets it apart”. Since its launch in March 2012, Song Saa has received unequivocal praise from visiting guests from all corners of the globe. Located in the previously undeveloped Koh Rong archipelago in Cambodia, the 27 stunning villas deliver on style, intimacy and picture perfect surroundings. From the outset, owners Rory and Melita Hunter were determined their development would not have a detrimental effect on this new destination’s natural beauty and local communities. On the contrary, it would provide alternative livelihoods, education, employment, hope and motivation for these communities.

The resort is pioneering biodiversity conservation as an integral part of their operations and was instrumental in the foundation of Cambodia's first marine reserve. Doctor Wayne Mccallum, the resort's Director of Sustainability, said "Before we came people from outside the islands were using some very destructive fishing techniques in the area, such as blasting the corals with grenades. Now it's amazing how the waters are teeming with life around Song Saa.” Established, managed and reinforced in close co-operation with the local community, the marine reserve's no-take zone has boosted fish stocks, as the regenerating corals act as nurseries. Wayne is passionate about the importance of integrating conservation with communities. He said, "If you want to achieve a sustainable natural environment you have got to take into account people's livelihoods." Now the resort plans to expand the marine reserve to ten times its current size, with the support of the local community.

Not just concerned with marine conservation, the resort has built hornbill nestboxes, and founded the Sala Song Saa, a school that teaches among other things, organic farming methods and marine management. Wayne said " We started Sala Song Saa as a collaborative project, to listen to people and provide them with options for sustainable livelihoods so they don't have to overfish and can provide for their families." The resort employs a team of five environmental management professionals who are tasked with not just conservation and community engagement, but also recognising and mitigating the impacts of tourism on the island. This commitment has not been without a cost. Wayne said of his team, "What makes us different from other similar set ups is that elsewhere they have conservation people who come from the hospitality side, whereas we are conversationalists first. We have had to learn how to be hospitable.”

Sourced: etravelblackboard