Caring for Diani’s Paradise: Watano Beach Resort’s Commitment to Sustainability

At Watano Beach House, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and empowering our staff to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while providing a comfortable and eco-conscious stay. Addressing wildlife protection and human-wildlife conflict is among our top priorities, as these issues represent significant global challenges.

Our sustainable practices include:

• Conducting regular beach clean-ups to raise awareness about responsible waste management and combatting plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean. We actively discourage the illegal trade of shells and the destruction of coral reefs through education for both staff and guests.
• Fostering strong relationships with local communities by sourcing meat, fruits, and vegetables directly from them. We ensure our seafood comes from sustainable sources and adheres to sustainable fishing guidelines.
• Supporting organizations like Diani Turtle Watch and Colobus Conservation, which are dedicated to preserving the Angolan Colobus Monkey and its coastal forest habitat. We facilitate guest involvement and visits to these conservation initiatives.
• Implementing recycling practices to minimize waste going to landfills. We participate in Diani’s Recycling Project, separating and responsibly recycling our trash. We also provide guests with natural eco-friendly products in refillable dispensers from local industries, reducing single-use plastics.
• Promoting the local economy by employing staff from the community and advocating for equal rights. We celebrate Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage by offering authentic local cuisine and organizing eco-friendly activities to explore Diani and its surroundings.
• Adopting sustainable building materials for construction and renovation, and maintaining a garden with native plants that require minimal water and maintenance, supporting local wildlife with organic gardening practices.

Moving forward, our future commitments include:

• Initiating innovative and socially impactful projects within the community and becoming actively involved in social, charitable, and cultural initiatives.
• Developing a Watano Sustainability Policy to educate staff and guests about environmental practices and encourage sustainability efforts.
• Implementing responsible energy management strategies, including the use of LED bulbs, exploring renewable energy sources like solar panels, and the use of energy monitoring systems to optimize usage and identify areas for improvement.
• Partnering with local farmers to compost organic waste for use as manure in their gardens.
• Creating nature trails and interpretive signage to educate guests about local flora, fauna, and geological features. We will install signage highlighting conservation efforts and natural history.
• Installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, and utilizing rainwater for irrigation to conserve water resources.

At Watano Beach House, we believe in continuous improvement and are committed to enhancing our sustainability efforts to create a positive impact on our environment and community.