Nature’s Village Resort (NVR) in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines, has been honored as one of the winners in the prestigious 10th Edition of the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, announced at its virtual unveiling ceremony. With guidance and mentoring from Society for Sustainable Tourism, Philippines, this global recognition highlights NVR’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, positioning it as a leader not only in the Philippines but also in the Asian tourism and hospitality sector.

“We don’t leave any stones unturned; sustainability is in Nature’s Village Resort’s DNA – it’s Nature’s way.”

At the heart of NVR’s award-winning Good Practice Story is an impressive suite of eco-conscious initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact while promoting local community engagement. These initiatives form a comprehensive approach that touches every aspect of the resort’s operations, making sustainability an integral part of its brand.

Good Practice Story: Pioneering Sustainability through Innovation and Community Empowerment Nature’s Village Resort has implemented a range of sustainability strategies, designed to reduce economic leakage, minimize waste, and empower the local community. Their efforts are a perfect example of how hospitality businesses can contribute to both the environment and society while enhancing their guest experience. Highlights of NVR’s Good Practice Story include:

• Composting and Vermiculture: NVR produces its own compost material which not only cuts waste but also contributes to the resort’s sustainable food production.
• Eco-Bricks Program: To combat plastic pollution, NVR has initiated an eco-bricks program, where plastic waste is repurposed into building materials for use in various resort projects.
• Solar Power Initiative: NVR has significantly reduced its electricity consumption by installing solar panels, with the added benefit of cutting operational costs.
• Food Waste Management: By selling food waste to local hog growers, NVR minimizes waste while supporting local farmers, creating a circular economy that benefits both the resort and the community.
• Upcycling and Waste-to-Art: The resort transforms discarded materials into decorative fixtures and art, showcasing creativity while promoting sustainability. Guests can appreciate upcycled artworks throughout the property, adding a unique element to their stay.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: NVR champions local communities by hiring and training individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, that not only provides employment but also enhances the resort’s Negrense hospitality through the diverse skills of its team.

Championing Local Solutions for Global Problems

In addition to its internal sustainability efforts, NVR has also recognized and addressed external challenges in the region. Talisay City’s growing issues with pollution and waste management inspired NVR to implement proactive solutions, reducing its carbon footprint by:

• Growing its own vegetables, contributing to food sustainability and reducing supply chain
  emissions.
• Eradicating the use of single-use plastics across the resort.
• Saving thousands of liters of water through an innovative water recycling program.
• Consciously reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its daily operational practices.

Inspiring a Sustainable Future in Tourism

Nature’s Village Resort’s journey toward sustainability offers an inspiring blueprint for other tourism and hospitality businesses. By taking small but meaningful steps, the tourism industry in Negros Occidental can make a substantial difference in their environmental and social impact. As NVR demonstrates,
sustainability is not an isolated effort—it’s an ongoing journey that can enhance guest experiences while contributing to a more responsible tourism industry.

As travelers become more discerning and seek out responsible destinations, now is the time to make sustainability a cornerstone of Negros Occidental’s strategy. Together, we can create a future where tourism thrives in harmony with nature and communities.