The sustainable gem

I recently joined the NRDA (Nature Resort Development Alliance) as their Board Member and Sustainability Advisor and I am loving it! In a nutshell NRDA is a global industry body set up specifically for nature based hospitality sector. Aligned with SDGs, the NRDA aims to oversee sustainability, biodiversity, design and operational excellence, as well as provides access to latest insights and industry developments focusing on nature resorts.

I am a travel addict, desperately trying to tick off my long bucket list, usually accompanied by my ‘teenage like’ 9 year old son (fortunately with a big heart for nature and animals!). We always make an effort to create trips, that are as sustainable as possible, and with my NRDA hat on, both my pre holiday research and the on site exploration got to another level!

This May BH weekend took Jamie and I to the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, based in UAE Empty Quarter, also known as the Rub' al Khali - the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass! Amongst all the depressing TV & LinkedIn feed, it was kind of healing to see a place that is truly committed to greener future with a range of great sustainability initiatives, building upon a solid platform of already existing energy and carbon-saving practices.

Their Ezba, is a truly special! Traditionally it was a place where families raised sheep, goats and native desert animals such as camels and most importantly passed on skills to younger generations to ensure the continuity of life and celebrate years of history and legacy. Ezba at  Qasr Al Sarab is a lush oasis focused on sustainability, implementing environmentally friendly practices and preserving the natural habitats of flora and fauna, as well as culture and heritage of the UAE. You can explore selection of indigenous desert plants such as Date trees, Ghaf trees or the Tribulus Omanense. The Ghaf is one of a kind - a drought-tolerant tree, which can remain green even in harsh desert environments. It is essential for the survival of animal and plant species alike. Ezba is also home to rescued and hospitalised falcons and owls, and is now taken on a mission of breeding gazelles, which will be let out into the wild when ready.

The resort has it’s very own falaj system - an ancient irrigation method that represents the ingenuity and sustainable water management practices of Arabian cultures. They also work on water reduction by applying best practices for plant irrigation and outdoor landscape design, including an on-site sewage treatment plant to recycle the water for non-potable reuse for irrigation.

Making strides towards zero waste, the kitchens at Qasr Al Sarab  make their own compost for an onsite vegetable greenhouse and herb garden, which in turn supply organic produce for delicious items on the menu. Cardboard, oil, paper, and bars of soap are all recycled and plastic bottles are replaced with glass ones.

Finally guests are also encouraged to help protect the environment through various onsite programmes and genuine appreciation of the natural habitat by the hotel staff. We loved this place, and I am definitely on my sustainability 'high', motivated and encouraged by what I've seen there!