Ubud hotel embarks on tree planting campaign

Trisha Sertori, Contributor Tha Jakarta Post, Ubud

Protecting the environment is not only the domain of conservationists and governments; a healthy environment demands action from all, according to one Ubud hotel.

Maya Ubud and Spa's managers say there is a need for environmental action at the grassroots level and have begun a tree planting project involving hotel guests.

"Since its inception six years ago Maya Ubud Resort and Spa has been actively preserving and protecting the environment surrounding the resort. We are now including our guests in our conservation work. We have a program inviting guests to plant a tree along the resort's riverside nature walk. The tree planting is part of the environmental protection projects undertaken by the resort that highlight the importance of protecting and conserving our environment," said Maya's marketing and communications manager Ayu Martiasih.

She added a small fee is charged to plant a tree, with the proceeds being donated to Indonesia's Friends of National Parks Foundation (FNPF), which is currently mass planting the dry island of Nusa Penida, off Bali's south east coast.

FNPF is also known for its conservation and rehabilitation work in Kalimantan, and education on sustainable agricultural practices with community groups across the country.

FNPF was founded by veterinarian Dr. Bayu Wirayudha, who is recognized nationally for his conservation work. Dr Bayuwho won the 2003 Indonesian Kalpataru (Hero of the Earth) Award for his work on conservation and was again nominated for the award in 2007.

"We researched different conservation foundations across the country and felt that FNPF was the best vehicle for funds raised through the Maya Ubud Resort tree planting effort," said Ayu.

Hotel visitors have a range of tree species to choose from, said Ayu. Young trees are grown in the hotel's nursery and include mango, coconuts, cloves, guava, jackfruit, breadfruit, mangosteen and more.

"Each tree planted is tagged with the guest's name so they can find their tree in future years. We have more than three hectares to plant out and the guests can choose where they want to plant their tree," said Ayu, adding that in the future the area would grow into a three-hectare forest zone.

The Baermanns, a couple visiting from Germany, said the opportunity to take part in Maya's conservation project and grow their own tropical tree at the same time was a wonderful experience.

"We have tried to grow the tropical trees we have brought back from Bali in our hometown, but have had no success. Now we will have our own mango tree here in Bali and will look forward to seeing how it develops on future visits," said Baermann.

Ayu added the couple will be able to enjoy eating fresh mangoes from their own tree when they return to Ubud and at the same time will be helping tree plantations on Nusa Penida.

Maya Ubud has, since it opened in 2001, maintained a program of conservation and environmental protection. The hotel uses only energy-saving light globes, an environmentally safe waste water program that recycles waste water for its organic gardens, has developed a medicinal herb garden and continues to plant trees across its ten-hectare site.