EXO Foundation’s Sustainability Awards were held in September 2023. Join us in celebrating the honourees for the Regenerating Nature category.
Asia offers a diverse tapestry of natural habitats, ranging from lush rainforests to serene waterways. Yet over recent decades, these habitats have come under threat from rapid urbanisation, deforestation, pollution and climate change.
The ripple effect of habitat degradation in Asia is profound. Many species, once abundant, are now on the brink of extinction.
The ecological imbalance not only jeopardises wildlife but also impacts millions of people who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being.
Unchecked and unsustainable tourism practices have further stressed ecosystems, disturbed wildlife and contributed to habitat degradation. Ironically, as habitats and wildlife disappear, the very allure that draws tourists to Asia’s great outdoors is also at risk.
EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards is proud to support and promote organisations working to improve people’s lives through tourism. We are honoured to announce the following awards given for the category of ‘Regenerating Nature’
Sustainability Awards for Regenerating Nature: Honouring organisations working to protect natural habitats and wildlife in Asia.
Winner (Not for Profit): Bayon School (Cambodia)
Bayon School promotes sustainable agriculture through education. Since opening in 2021, the school has aimed to support the transition to a more sustainable food system in Cambodia, promoting and developing best practices to feed the local population and protect Cambodian soil. Among the topics taught at Bayon School are restoring soil fertility, protecting crops, processing and recycling production, designing sustainable food systems, as well as communicating, selling, and managing income.
Winner (Tourism private): Living Irrawaddy Dolphin Project (Myanmar)
Living Irrawaddy is a social business that implements important conservation activities for Myanmar’s Irrawaddy dolphins. They monitor dolphins by engaging two dozen community dolphin guardians from 7 communities, gathering important information about dolphins and providing income to key stakeholders.
Their conservation work is vital to the survival of this species. They also actively provide livelihood opportunities for fishers and their families.
Runner-up (Not for Profit): Orangutan Appeal (Malaysia)
Orangutan Appeal UK is a small UK-based charity that provides funding and support for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Malaysian Borneo. Since its founding in 1964, the Sepilok centre has been successful in facilitating many hundreds of rehabilitations and releases of orphaned orangutans into forest reserves.
Runner-up (Tourism Private Sector): Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)
Located on a remote bay in Vietnam, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is part of a pioneering hotel brand, operating with a special focus on sustainable practices. Committed and funded by a portion of the monthly revenue, the resort has a Sustainability Fund that is used to assist local NGOs in efforts to protect endangered langurs, preserve and restore coral reefs and re-forestation activities.
About the EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards:
The 2023 ceremony was held on 28 September and hosted by Alexandra Michat, EXO’s Chief Purpose Officer.
The goal of the awards was to identify, support and promote exemplary projects that seek to innovate sustainability in Asia. More than 20 nominees, from the non-profit sector and private tourism companies, were on the ballot competing for prizes totaling over $40,000 USD in value.
A panel of internationally recognised sustainable tourism professionals was enlisted to evaluate each nominee and vote according to its merits. The judges then announced the winners across five categories and a six ‘People’s Choice Award’ was granted based on a month-long public vote. EXO Foundation was joined by two co-sponsors in arranging and supporting this event: LightBlue Consulting and Considerate Group.
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