Mombasa Accommodation Pinewood Village Beach Resort Sustainability

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Pinewood Village Beach Resort is committed to practices that are socially and environmentally advantageous as well as financially assist the local community.

 

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Why not stay in a beach resort that gives back to the local community? Pinewood Village Beach Resort believes strongly in supporting the local population. While staying at Pinewood, guests can visit the local village, school and health facility and witness traditional Mombasan life. Where possible, the resort purchases items from locals, especially fishermen who come to Pinewood to sell to their fresh catches. The hotel gives preference to hiring locals and ensuring they learn necessary language and occupational skills. Pinewood also supports local beach vendors and provides free clean water to anyone belonging to the local community. Additionally, Pinewood Village Beach Resort closes its doors to the general public for three days annually to hold an event called ‘Diani Rules,' which is a charity whose earnings are given to the Kwale Eye Clinic.

Pinewood Village Beach Resort was built on a remote plot of land on a pristine beach amongst pines and palms and the owners are mindful of the natural environment. The resort is home to local birds, lizards and monkeys and the buildings were designed to conform to the surrounding environment. We inform all guests not to disturb the local animals and insects who call Pinewood home and avoid serving anything packaged in plastic. Pinewood reuses rainwater for hotel use and makes drinking sprays for local birds and animals during dry season. The resort is also actively involved in protecting the whale shark population and Aqualand, the water sports centre, has created a trust to protect these gentle giants. The hotel keeps watch over the whale sharks to ensure their safety and teach local fishermen about their importance in the ecosystem. For the last two years Pinewood has worked with Sea World, California and been the principal location to better understand whale sharks through a tagging exercise.

In order to support the local community and their trades, Pinewood Village Beach Resort aims only to employ and train locals and supports the yields of local farmers and fishermen. The resort also supports a local village and arranges tours of the local community for guests. This project has had a terrific response and guests have been helping to financially and materially support the villagers. Many guests have returned to Pinewood Village Beach Resort in order to help with additional projects in the village.