What is this about?
Since 2012, Villa Finder has helped over a hundred thousand guests with their villa bookings, but we wanted to do our part in helping the environment too. Together with our partners, we developed a program on behalf of our guests to achieve our goals. We call it “One booking, One tree”. Which means for every villa booking made, we plant a tree in the Sumatran forest of Indonesia.
Our forest is now over 15,000 trees big and is made up entirely by mangrove trees!
Why do we plant trees?
The Sumatran mangrove forest has been particularly affected by deforestation and is still at risk of diminishing twice the rate of the Amazon forest. While the region had 200,000 hectares of mangroves in 1987, less than half of those mangroves exist today.
Our journey and efforts in conserving the mangrove forests are ongoing and made more impactful with the help of organisations like Reforest’Action and Yagasu.
About our partners
- Reforest’Action is a social enterprise founded in 2010 and works with private partners and public bodies in its reforestation efforts across the world. The organisation also contributes to scientific research programs, as well as environmental education and awareness programs.
- Yagasu on the other hand, is an NGO based in Medan, focused on protecting the environment and developing community programs in Sumatra
Together with our partners, Villa Finder’s “One booking, one tree” establishes itself as an active contributor to Indonesia’s reforestation efforts and creates employment opportunities for locals in the agriculture industry.
Why mangroves?
Mangrove forests provide:
- Long term carbon sequestration capacity: A single square kilometre of mangrove area has a carbon sequestration capacity equivalent to fifty square kilometres of tropical forest.
- Protection from natural disasters: Mangroves protect coastal communities by reducing the height and energy of ocean waves, adapting to sea level rise and stabilising coastlines from erosion. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a study conducted by ecologist Finn Danielsen found that coastal areas containing mangrove trees were suffered significantly less damage compared to those without.
- Protection of the livelihood of local communities: The destruction of coastal ecosystems (including mangrove forests) result in rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification, leading to changes in aquatic ecosystems. The distribution and productivity of marine life are affected, resulting in adverse impacts on the aquaculture and fishing industries, as well as local communities that depend upon fishing for their livelihoods.
- A source of clean water: Mangroves help prevent water intrusion from the sea, thus protecting underground water systems. These are a source of clean water for coastal communities.
Here’s a look at other policies we have in place:
- Office recycling: We’ve set up a system for the recycling and proper disposal of waste in our offices.
- Villa green guidelines: In 2015, we started the GECO movement to promote green practices at the villas in our portfolio.. We’ve provided a set of guidelines and eco-friendly supplies, and worked with organisations like ecoBali Recycling to improve waste management, eco-friendly practices and plastic usage in our villas.
What can you do to contribute?
Respecting the natural environment in Bali is key. A little effort goes a long way, and you can help by:
- Remembering the 3R: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Disposing of any trash or waste properly
- Saying no to plastic (Bye Bye Plastic Bags is a great social initiative for this cause)
- Participating in beach cleanups
- Reporting environmental concerns or issues when you notice them
- Contribute towards environmental causes and community projects like KemBali by Kul Kul Connection and Bali ReGreen
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