Page 9 -

PROJECT

In order to be Green Key certified and Sustainable tourism Landscape component
awarded, projects need to demonstrate
compliance with the various imperative Sustainable tourism is an industry Landscaping of the hotel’s grounds was
criteria through on-site audits. Once this which commits to providing tourists undertaken prior to the awarding of Green
is complete, the audit report is sent to an with a positive experience and impact Key, which looks at certain components
independent national jury who makes the on the environment, society and the of the landscape; if they don’t comply,
final decision. economy. It aims to have minimal impact they would need to be changed before
on the environment and local culture, qualifying for Green Key.
WESSA implements effective whilst generating fair, equal and future
environmental, sustainable tourism, employment for local people, as well as The garden was designed by Hugo
education and youth development uplifting surrounding communities. Jankowitz, owner and founder of 21
programmes throughout South Africa, and Nettleton, in consultation with Fatima
activates a wide range of local initiatives for To comply with sustainable tourism is Behardien, director and landscape
the environment through its membership a forward-thinking task, and does not designer at Lavender Blue Landscapes. The
network. The organisation improves the happen overnight. It requires continuous idea was to use natural elements such as
school curriculum through education for monitoring of impacts and improvements. boulders, as well as the spectacular view of
sustainable development and provides 21 Nettleton has taken a step in the the 12 Apostles. Later developments such
critical work skills training, which creates right direction by using Green Key as a as the fynbos garden on the mountain
job opportunities and sustainable framework to guide its business to become and the vegetable garden were done by
livelihoods in local communities. WESSA’s more sustainable, as all three pillars Jankowitz and the 21 Nettleton team. The
environmental initiatives contribute are considered - environment, society fynbos garden supports and increases
towards the restoration of ecosystems, and economy. Green Key encourages a biodiversity and the vegetable garden
while their Blue Flag, Green Coast and responsible person to take leadership to supports the food demand of the hotel’s
Green Key ecolabels support tourism guide the process, and this extends to kitchen. LSA
growth and development by encouraging increased staff and guest sustainability
responsible tourism practices and the awareness. www.wessa.org.za
improved management of the country’s Vincent Shacks on 082 337 1273
coastline. or vincent@wessa.co.za
JULY HALF PAGE AD RR PRINT.pdf 1 2020/07/01 14:23

C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K

Landscape SA • Issue 94 2020 7