Respect Biodiversity

Our Approach

We seek to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, starting from the way we design and build—employing stringent risk assessments to minimise negative impacts on sensitive habitats and areas of high biodiversity around our hotels and resorts.

Restoration and research projects play an important role—we have established conservation labs in the Maldives and Indonesia, and we partner with institutions and experts on research to gain understanding of and inform appropriate conservation and management strategies.

Our food supply chain presents an opportunity to improve biodiversity by seeking certified-sustainable sources.

We actively promote awareness of biodiversity issues, the appreciation of nature, and the adoption of sustainable travel behaviours—encouraging our guests and stakeholders to participate in and support our efforts.

Our Stories

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Our Marine Lab

Banyan Group’s conservation work in the Maldives began in 1996—our pioneering efforts included hiring marine biologists to conserve, restore, research and educate about sensitive ecosystems. In 2004, the first resort-based Marine Lab was built at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

In 2024, we expanded Our Marine Lab—with its hands-on exhibits and new programmes, the re-freshed facility is primed to do more to engage guests, associates and local residents in learning about and participating in marine conservation, coral restoration and other sustainability efforts.

Today, we have a dedicated team of local and international experts dedicated on staff to continue this misison.

Restoring Reefs

In 2024, Banyan Group launched the Coral Reef Restoration Project under the South China Sea Species Conservation Programme, in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF).

This initiative aims to restore the degraded coral reefs in Sanya Bay and its adjacent waters by increasing the population of Acropora corals. The project began with the construction of coral cultivation nurseries in late 2024 and will culminate in the transplantation of 300 coral fragments by the end of 2025.

Following transplantation, the corals will be monitored and maintained for one year—their growth and reproduction will recreate the coral reef habitat and encourage coral reef organisms to aggregate and increase, gradually restoring the coral reef ecology.

Conserving Wildlife

In effort to raise awareness around the diverse biodiversity of its surrounding Wuxi Mountain Nature Reserve and Tachuan National Forest Park, Banyan Tree Huangshan collaborated with the local forestry bureau to establish the Banyan Tree Huangshan Wildlife Protection Volunteer Group.

Members of the group participate in daily forest patrols, public welfare promotions, special rescue operations, lectures, and other educational activities organised by the forestry bureau.The resort also supports the bureau in its engagement efforts with neighbouring residents, as well as the development of habitats and shelters for the protection of wildlife in the area.

Next Steps

Building on our current and previous conservation successes, our aim is to adopt a more integrated, science-driven approach to biodiversity going forward.

In 2025 and beyond, we will aim to:

Elevate our approach by embedding ecosystem services’ valuation and natural capital accounting into our decision-making, ensuring that biodiversity is not just protected, but actively regenerated.

Align our conservation efforts with emerging global frameworks, including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

Expand rewilding and marine conservation efforts with Our Marine Lab and the Rewilding Pocket Forest Initiative.

Enhance ecosystem services at our destinations—from coastal habitat restoration that strengthens natural storm defences to forest conservation that supports carbon sequestration—by designing resorts to work in harmony with nature.

Foster collaborative action by deepening partnerships with conservation organisations, local communities, and policymakers to strengthen biodiversity protection at a landscape level, for long-term imapact.

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Uplift Communities

Our host communities share their culture, craft, and spirit with our guests—so we give back through volunteering, charitable giving, and community programmes that build strong individuals.

Our focus on 3 Es—Education, Engagement, and Employment—helps us maximise our impact on local communities and support disadvantaged groups.

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Support Wellbeing and Development

We believe that when our associates are well cared for, they in turn can care for our guests. So we take measures to ensure that our work environment is nurturing, inclusive, and supportive.

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Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and championing the importance of diversity—creating opportunities for our associates, guests, and host communities to thrive as their authentic selves.

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Take Climate Action

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on our destinations including on weather conditions, water security, and biodiversity. Because we want a future where everyone can thrive, we are playing our part in making hospitality a low-carbon industry.

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Conserve Water

Water is a precious resource and safeguarding it for local communities is our priority. We are therefore committed to using water efficiently, and capturing and recycling as much of it as we can.

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Reduce Waste

With global waste projected to increase by 70% by 2050, adopting a circular economy and addressing food loss and waste is a matter of urgency. We strive to minimise the waste our operations generate while maximising composting, recycling and reuse. Being responsible stewards of our destinations, we also support community waste management efforts.

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