London, England (29th June 2017)
THREE DESTINATIONS JOIN THE LONG RUN, TO SUPPORT THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY TO BECOME WORLD-LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY.
The only resort in the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, a picture-postcard retreat in the Swiss Alps, and an Alaskan Glacier Lodge have all joined The Long Run, an organisation dedicated to supporting and nurturing excellence in sustainability.
The three destinations join over 40 more around the globe who are members of The Long Run, an initiative which inspires nature-based tourism businesses dedicated to the very highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. All three are on a journey to become Global Ecosphere Retreats® a standard which recognises centres of excellence in sustainability.
Six Senses Laamu is found on a lagoon the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, which covers 350 squares miles deep within the Indian Ocean. Six Senses employs six marine biologists to research and protect the rich biodiversity. In 2014, the resort created the country’s first ever Dolphin Watching Code of Conduct, which is now nationally accepted, soon followed by a Turtle Interaction Code of Conduct. Six Senses embodies a “Waste to Wealth” philosophy, for example treating wastewater so it can be reused for landscaping, and the resort’s Sustainability Fund is spent on development projects in the island’s wider community.
Sustainability Officer at Six Senses Megan O’Beirne says: “We wish to be catalysts of positive change by being strong proponents of environmental conservation, and we know The Long Run will help us to do that. Through scientific research, education programs, community outreach, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative solutions, we hope to raise awareness and inspire others.”
In the Alpine village of Commeire lies Montagne Alternative, a resort devoted to preserving the unique identity of this beautiful region and encouraging all visitors to find a deeper connection with the natural world. A sanctuary from the modern world, Montagne Alternative offers a wealth of nature-based activities as well as creating new opportunities for new businesses, regenerating the local village.
Benoit Greindl, Montagne Alternative’s co-founder and CEO, says: “We joined The Long Run because we strongly believe in the power of networks. We hope to meet and get inspiration from other business which are fully aligned on the same values.firmly believe that businesses can be a force for good when driven by innovation and the desire to create value for society.”
Alaska’s Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge was built to the strictest eco-tourism guidelines to preserve a biological richness which includes harbour seals, sea otters, river otters, black bears, bald eagles and oystercatchers. The Lodge is committed to giving back the region’s traditional Alutiiq culture, as well as educating visitors about their way of life.
Kirk Hoessle is the President and Chief Exploration Officer of Alaska Wildland Adventures, who manage The Lodge, says: “The Long Run provides an opportunity for a small company like ours to participate in sustainability on a global level. We’re very excited to learn what we can from a worldwide community of businesses that have found success in pursuing sustainable principles. And, maybe we can share some lessons learned as well along the way.”
Dr Delphine Malleret-King, Director of The Long Run, says: “Our members manage unique places, in beautiful, often threatened wilderness areas. What sets them apart is the depth of experiences they provide because of the passion and purpose they share. Beyond financial profit, they strive to protect nature for the future and improve the lives of people, using their business to do so. firmly believe that business has the power to help solve some of the biggest environmental and social challenges the world faces today.”
www.thelongrun.org/six-senses
www.thelongrun.org/montagne-alternative
www.thelongrun.org/kenai-fjords-glacier-lodge
For further press information or interview requests please contact:
Alicia Brett, Marketing & Communications, alicia@thelongrun.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
About The Long Run
Set up in 2009, The Long Run has quickly grown to become one of the world’s largest sustainable development initiatives. It works by championing any nature-based tourism business which is willing to commit to a journey of sustainable improvement through The Long Run’s ‘4C’ framework (encompassing Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce).
Members of The Long Run are at the forefront of conservation and responsible tourism, be that in Scotland or Sao Paulo, and prove that the planet and profit can co-exist and thrive together. Through their membership these pioneering businesses become connected to a global community of exceptional destinations and organisations who support and inspire each other to expand their positive impact even further, as well as collectively influencing others to take up best practices for a sustainable future. The Long Run provides ongoing support to members to drive sustainability, as well as helping inform travellers about making positive choices which support responsible destinations.
About Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER)®
All members of The Long Run strive to become recognised as Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER)®. The GER® standard is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the tourism industry. This standard was granted recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2015, and is only awarded to organisations that demonstrate a holistic balance of the ‘4C’s, excel in conserving nature and improve the wellbeing of the communities they belong to.
About Dr Delphine Malleret-King, Director of The Long Run
Delphine has more than 20 years experience as a Socio-Economist and professional Conservationist. She has worked as a Consultant all across Africa, specialising in Natural Resource Management, Marine And Terrestrial Conservation, Community Engagement And Socio-Economic Impact Monitoring For Local, National And International Organisations.
