LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe member, the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort Spa in Chiang Rai, Thailand, shines with a wealth of significant environmental, social, and cultural preservation initiatives. This upscale resort is home to Asia’s premier elephant camp and a permanent elephant intelligence research program. All aspects of Green Globe standards are incorporated here, and all efforts recently earned re-certification.
“We are very proud about our prestigious award, which recognizes the entire team here at Anantara Golden Triangle,” said John Edward Roberts, Director of Elephants Conservation Activities. “While celebrating our achievements, at the same time we are fully aware that there are many more areas where we can improve our sustainability efforts in an ever changing global climate. All our staff members are deeply committed to conserve our natural environment, creating a much needed breeding area for local fauna, to our elephants on-site, and to the wild elephant populations of Thailand and Cambodia. The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation is my personal passion, and you can expect to see much more of our ongoing projects come next re-certification.”
The maintenance of the elephant camp provides a unique opportunity for the resort and Anantara as a whole, to base targeted CSR initiatives around elephant and wildlife preservation activities. A unique Discovery Experience has been created to work side by side with the camp’s resident, native English speaking elephant research staff, collaborating with Think Elephants International and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. The research program focuses on conservation through education, and guests learn why knowledge of elephant behavior and cognition is vital for the conservation of the species.
Energy and water consumption is minimized in all areas of the resort and a reduction target has been set in line with Anantara Group requirements of at least 10% annually. In addition, the property conducts various projects on renewable energy sources, such as the solar hot water heater for the staff compound, and photovoltaic powered LED lighting on the new mahout houses. Environmental and responsible purchasing, take back policies with suppliers, make it a point to buy eco-friendly products and support environmentally-friendly businesses.
All Anantara properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, the Maldives, and the Middle East immerse in local initiatives that give back to the community and environment, enhancing the social and environmental surroundings of each Anantara destination. Whether it’s rescuing street elephants in Thailand, marine turtle protection in Phuket, coral rejuvenation in the Maldives or supporting local farmers in Indonesia, Anantara is dedicated to carrying out a corporate social responsibility program at a grassroots level in each of its exotic locations around the world.
ABOUT ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT SPA
Situated in northern Thailand’s lush jungle at the heart of the legendary Golden Triangle, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort Spa is a natural retreat spread over 160 acres of bamboo forest, rice paddy fields and indigenous Bill Bensley designed grounds. Perched on a hilltop and designed in royal Thai Lanna style, all rooms and suites overlook the hills of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, as well as the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Unique destination experiences include unforgettable adventures at the onsite Elephant Camp, Lanna cooking lessons, locally inspired healing spa rituals and Golden Triangle discovery tours.
For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveler. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means “without end”, symbolizing this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.
Contact: John Edward Roberts, Director of Elephants Conservation Activities, Anantara Resort Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, 229 Moo 1, Tumbon Wieng, Amphur Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand, Tel +66 (0) 53 784 084, Fax +66 (0) 53 784 090, E-mail jroberts@anantara.com , www.anantara.com / www.helpingelephants.org
ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com
Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .