http://greenescape.netkhmer.com , E-mail: therainbowlodge@netkhmer.com
Our Green Policy
OUR GREEN POLICY
Q. The Rainbow Lodge is an ecolodge but what does that actually mean?
An ecolodge provides accommodation that helps support and promote responsible sustainable tourism.
Q. What makes The Rainbow Lodge an ecolodge?
Firstly, The Rainbow Lodge was built on a site that had an area of land that had already been cleared by local farmers. This meant that the impact of the build on the environment was kept to a minimum.
Secondly, The Rainbow lodge has been built by locals, using local materials where possible and in a style sympathetic to the surrounding countryside and village. For example many villagers have been involved in the production of over 5,000 reed mats for the roofs.
Local villagers delivering sand from Tatai
Local villager preparing reed mats
Thirdly, The Rainbow Lodge is self sufficient for both water and electricity.
Rainwater is collected and 2 freshwater wells provide water for sanitation. Electricity for water pumps and for all other needs, is catered for by solar power. The Rainbow lodge is also sensitive to light pollution so low wattage bulbs and solar lamps are used throughout.
Finally, The Rainbow Lodge believes in “reuse and recycle”. All waste food, plastic bottles, cardboard and cans, will be recycled.
Q. What about long term impacts?
The Rainbow Lodge hopes that an increase in the number of tourists to the area will benefit the local community. This will be done in the following ways:
• Employing and training local people to work in and around the ecolodge in all fields thus creating an alternative income.
• Sourcing as many goods and produce as possible from the local community or growing on them site therefore reducing transportation and middle man costs.
Planting pineapples at The Rainbow Lodge
Bamboo Trimming for Pathways
• Facilitating cultural exchange between the villagers and the travellers.
• Raising awareness in tourists as to the problems faced by small communities and how their money can help.
• Raising awareness in the community of the assets they have and how to make the best of them to attract tourism.
We believe that if local people can see that tourism is something that can benefit them and not just be thrust upon them, then the long term prospects for the protection of the wildlife and the environment is increased.
Q. Does The Rainbow Lodge have any plans for the future?
In addition to employing and training locals to work in the lodge, The Rainbow Lodge plans a number of responsible tourism projects.
• English classes to be provided twice a week free of charge to any member of the community. All equipment to be provided by donations and The Rainbow Lodge. Depending on the success of these classes a small schoolroom may be built and a Khmer english speaking teacher employed to assist the local school.
• Litter picking days are to be organized. These will employ local children to tidy up beauty spots and the local environment. Picnics will be provided as well as gentle education against dropping rubbish.
• The Rainbow Lodge hopes to forge links with an orphanage in SihanoukVille – Rainbow Cambodia , to help raise awareness and provide donations from guests, (more to follow).