Last year, in support of the inspirational Earth Day 2022 theme #InvestInOurPlanet we created 10 sincere pledges for the future. As we approach Earth Day 2023 we are extremely happy to share with you the amazing progress in each and every one of our pledges...

1) We will reopen our resort, having recruited local staff – first from the Anambas
community and then from the rest of Indonesia.

smiling_males_female_staff_holding_towel_tray_bawah_uniform_standing_at_jetty (2)-jpg

2023 Update:

Nearly 30% of the island team are from the Anambas with another 30% from the Kepualuan Riau province and 40% from other parts of Indonesia.

2) Four-ring local sourcing policy: 1) We grow it on Bawah, 2) We import from the Anambas islands, 3) We purchase from Batam Island, and 4) We purchase from the rest of Indonesia.

Rosella plant Permaculture Gardens 2

2023 Update:

Our garden has expanded more than ever, with bananas, chili padi, and lots more vegetables growing. The hydroponic area was widened to produce more fresh vegetables.

We continue to support the community of the Anambas, where we buy most of our fresh fish from local fishermen.

We source amazing arts and crafts from the empowered “ibu-ibu” of Anambas for our boutique. As well as sustainable brands from Indonesia.

When we can’t source things within Anambas, we source from other parts of Indonesia, ideally from Batam or Sumatra before we try to source it internationally.

3) For the future health of our marine reserve ecosystem, we will deploy another 150 coral spiders, 50 hexadomes and 50 bottle reefs on our coral reefs.

bottle reef

2023 Update:

Since April 2022 we have deployed an additional:

-50 Coral spiders

-24 Hexadomes

-37 Bottle reefs

-643 Coral stakes.

4) We will continue to protect any turtle nests we discover and facilitate the nesting and
safe release of turtle hatchlings.

Turtle Release Bawah Anambas Foundation

2023 Update:

Since Earth Day 2022, we have protected 23 nests, with 15 having been previously unraided or washed with the tides for a success ratio of 83% hatch ratio, and just under 1000 hatchlings being released into the sea.

5) We will remain free from single-use plastic, while continuing to educate our suppliers on alternatives to plastic and polystyrene packaging, encouraging them too to work towards going plastic-free.

Bawah Copper Water Bottle

2023 Update:

Not only remain free from single-use plastic, this year we try to eliminate all plastic material. This starts with reducing the amount of plastic wrap used in the kitchen, sourcing items with non-plastic packaging and reusing our own containers for transportation to Bawah Reserve.

6) By recycling our own waste and supporting the local waste management program set up by the Anambas Foundation, we will work towards the goal of sending zero waste to landfill.

2023 update:

Since April 2022, 22% of our recyclable items (7.390 kg) are sent to Kiabu which consists of cartons, glass bottles, plastic bottles (which we collect from our beach clean-ups, and other recyclable items.

7) We will grow enough of our own vegetables and fruit to meet at least 40% of Bawah’s needs.

Bawah-reserve-medium-res-4786 (1) Permaculture

2023 Update:

Since April 2022, we have harvested 1.638 kg of fruits and vegetables for staff and guest consumption. This number makes up 41% of our green needs. This year we are planning to expand our garden to produce even more.

8) We will compost 100% of our organic waste to create nutrient-rich soil for our
permaculture gardens.

compost - greenhouse - permaculture

2023 Update:

All of our organic waste was composted and we now have a dedicated section of land at the back of the house for this composting process.

9) We commit to using only environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and pesticides at
the resort.

Housekeeping making bed

2023 Update:

We stay committed to our environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and pesticides. Strictly only natural and reef-friendly products are provided.

10) We will systematically introduce solar power to meet our electricity needs.

solar panels sea bawah

2023 Update:

Our solar panel efficiency has risen up to 40-45% efficiency with the plan to eventually get to 100% over the coming years.

For more information on how you can get involved with Earth Day 2023:

Facebook: @EarthDay.org

IG: @earthdaynetwork

YouTube: @EARTHDAYORG

TikTok: @earthdayorg

LinkedIn: @EARTHDAY.ORG

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