British Embassy helps connect Business and NGO for the environment
Added to website: 10 November 2006
The British Embassy has facilitated the building of a green partnership between the corporate sector and the NGO community by bringing together Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines and the British environmental conservation group, Coral Cay Conservation. The aim was to study of the coral reef resources around two of Shangri-La’s properties in the Philippines; Mactan Island Resort and Spa and the Boracay Island Resort and Spa (currently under development) and recommend actions necessary for the on-going protection of the coral reefs that border the Shangri-La properties.
British Ambassador Peter Beckingham expressed optimism about the immediate and long term impact of NGO and corporate sector cooperation on pressing environmental issues. “The partnership between Shangri-la Hotels and Coral Cay Conservation provides a useful template for similar initiatives between local business and civil society, and contributes another link to the British government’s efforts to work for a cleaner and healthier environment worldwide”, Beckingham said.
“Sustainable development is a strategic priority for the UK. President Arroyo also recently highlighted it as a key objective for the Philippine’s chair of ASEAN. So this practical partnership between a UK NGO and Philippine company is a first-class way of showing the importance we attach to preserving the wonderful environment of the Philippines,” Beckingham added.
Peter Raines, CCC’s Founder & CEO, expressed satisfaction over the fresh bond his organization has established with the private sector. “We are delighted to be involved with Shangri-La and look forward to a lasting relationship that will have significant impact for reefs in the Philippines, Raines said. “In making this commitment to the conservation of their environment Shangri-La are sending a strong message to other tourism operators. We see this kind of cooperative relationship between conservationists and corporates as a shining example for the future,” he added.
The value of coral reefs is well known; not least by leaders of the tourism industry that depends so heavily on the reef’s existence. Often described as the ‘rainforests of the sea’, coral reefs provide mankind with many important and invaluable resources.
We are dedicated to responsible stewardship of our special surroundings for generations to enjoy,” says Timothy Wright, general manager of Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa. “This joint study offers exciting opportunities for multiple parties to work together to create breakthroughs in nature tourism.”
The aim of the two studies was to look at how the Resorts interact at three levels with the marine environment. The first level is the way in which guests at the Resort appreciate the unique and valuable coral reefs. The second looked at the way in which the Resort as an operation interacts with, and could potentially enhance, the marine environment. The third component under examination was the role that the Resort could have as a market leader in stimulating and acting as the catalyst for local stakeholder interventions intended to enhance conservation of the neighbouring coral reefs.
A number of recommendations from each study were made that promote action at all of these levels which are necessary for the on-going protection of the coral reefs that border the Shangri-La properties. Recommendations ranged from large-scale measures, such as the instigation of a series of locally administered Marine Protected Areas, all the way down to ideas such as the use of media to raise awareness amongst guests of the value and beauty of the coral reefs just outside of their bedroom window.
It is anticipated that the initial partnership missions undertaken will lead to a long-lasting synergistic relationship between the conservation group and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines.
For further information, please contact:
Laura Timms [Coral Cay Conservation] +4420 75457716 or lt@coralcay.org
Oya Arriola [Press and Public Affairs Officer, British Embassy] 5808332
