Walking the Talk of Sustainability

Tourism is part of the problem and the solution - it brings employment, supports economic development and can help conserve natural habitats and biodiversity. But it also has costs in terms of pollution, resource consumption, cultural change and habitat destruction. We must maximize the positive benefits of tourism, while doing our best to minimize the negative impacts.

We depend on our beautiful land and its animals to serve you, our guests. And we understand how important it is to you that we operate in a responsible and sustainable way, meeting your concern and aspiration for a better world. How do we embody a holistic approach to sustainability?

Over the last year, we have worked with Dr. Andrea Ferry – a professional sustainability consultant – to develop a sustainability framework which guides our decision-making and our behaviour at every level of our business. For each of the 9 defined principles we have established clear and measurable goals, which keep us on course through consistent analysis and monthly reporting. We detail just some of the projects that form part of the MORE Sustainability programme below.

The MORE Sustainability Framework

Energy - use in buildings and transport is minimized. We are shifting towards renewable energy sources. 

We have installed solar PV energy systems at Marataba Mountain Lodge and our Johannesburg Support Office, reducing our dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators. By managing vehicle movement and monitoring driving behaviours, we are further reducing unnecessary emissions. We have implemented the Eldo App to help us to monitor and manage our use of electricity. Burning fires are part and parcel of an African Safari, be that in the boma, around the fire-pit or during a bush breakfast or dinner. Being aware of the type of wood we burn, and how much we use is important in ensuring minimum carbon emissions. Our carbon footprint is tracked monthly.

Water - use is minimized, while quality is maintained.

Every drop of water is sacrosanct, and leaks are attended to immediately. Our water consumption is monitored daily. Several of our properties have greywater systems for use in irrigating our landscapes, minimizing the use of potable water. Rainwater harvesting is installed at the Cape Cadogan and More Quarters in Cape Town. Water awareness programmes for staff are being rolled out. 

Waste - is reduced and recycled, minimising the amount of waste to landfill. 

All our lodges and hotels have implemented responsible waste management and recycling systems. We have implemented policies for the responsible removal of hazardous material, ( batteries, light bulbs and ink cartridges.) We also have on-site bottling of purified water to minimise single use plastics. We are engaging food suppliers to reduce plastic packaging and at Lion Sands Game Reserve, and our major food supplier is now delivering in reusable crates, with the minimum amount of plastic. 

Food - Guest and staff food is healthy, local, seasonal, vegetarian-forward, ethically sourced and culturally relevant. Food waste is minimized, and supply chains are transparent. 

We are moving towards a group-wide ‘farm-to-table’ menu, and have already implemented a fully functional vegetable garden at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel. Our other properties seek out local farmers for their fresh fruit and vegetables. Our Group Sustainable Food standard requires that commonly regarded unethical foods are avoided, (such as veal and fois gras), and requires sustainable seafood sourcing. Looking forward we are planning to strengthen our vegan offering across all properties.

Materials - employed in the buildings, (construction and FF&E) and operations meet sustainability criteria. Sourcing of local materials is maximized to promote the local economy and to minimize the environmental impact of transportation. 

We have set an aspiration to limit our supply chain to within a 50km radius wherever possible. Our Responsible Procurement Policy includes a focus on the ‘end of life’ of materials to assist us in following sustainable procurement practices, (for example, they must be fully recyclable in South Africa). We make use of environmentally-friendly cleaning materials and amenities. We have also eliminated plastic straws, reduced other single-use plastic and only use sustainably sourced wood.  

Conservation Projects - safeguard biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystem. Promoting and educating guests, staff and the wider public on conservation issues is our responsibility. We have direct involvement in philanthropic giving for conservation-related projects. 

Our Safari lodges make a considerable financial contribution to ongoing reserve management projects through their own funds, as well as the collection of guest conservation levies. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel has run a successful rhino breeding programme, which has yielded incredible numbers of the endangered black rhino. Nakavango Conservation Programme, with volunteers from around the world, actively contributes towards conservation initiatives on the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Our NJ MORE Field Guide College trains professional guides to be nature ambassadors, dedicated to protecting our environment, and sharing their love and knowledge of the world’s last wild places.  

Community Projects - Through More Community Foundation's Projects, we bring together tourism's direct involvement and philanthropic giving for community-related projects.  

Besides the many projects supported by the Foundation, we have a More Community Foundation representative based at Lion Sands, and offer a range of community projects to our guests who wish to make a difference to people in need. Through the ‘Pack for a Purpose’ initiative, our guests are invited to bring much needed supplies to school children in our surrounding rural communities. Community volunteer hours are part of all our staff’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

Staff - are employed locally, with a strong focus on our staff value proposition, diversity, gender equity, and wellness. 

Our staff are our internal community. Local employment is a key focus and helps to create thriving communities in the regions where we are located. It is important to us that the working environment is positive, and that staff can develop and achieve their aspirations with us. 

Culture - is respected by promoting local culture to guests, staff and the wider public, and through creating a sustainability culture within the organization. 

We are integrating sustainability into our recruiting and induction process, seeking out individuals who show an authentic awareness and concern for the environment and our communities.  We have appointed MORE Sustainability Champions at each of our properties to drive our sustainability initiatives, and to foster a spirit of care, accountability and enthusiasm internally. 

Sustainability is part of our journey, and we are committed to regenerative tourism sustainable practices to ensure that the environment and communities in our care are protected for generations to come. 

Words by: Michelle Damaskinos

Photos by: More Community Foundation; Nakavango Conservation Programme; Ingrid Nemorin; Dook Photography