Cape Town - South Africa’s Grootbos Private Nature Reserve was honoured as one of 15 finalists in the esteemed National Geographic World Legacy Awards for the work of its Grootbos Green Futures Foundation.
An international team of judges whittled down over 150 entries (representing 51 countries and six continents), to just 15 finalists.togeoparks — driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the travel industry based on National Geographic’s work of inspiring people to care about the planet.
Commenting on this incredible recognition, Grootbos Managing Director, Michael Lutzeyer, says, “Grootbos is incredibly honoured and proud to have been recognised as a finalist by National Geographic and ITB. We have chosen this journey of progressive tourism, not just because it makes business sense, but even more so because our team is passionate about conservation and social change. It is fun and fulfilling for us to be actively involved in our communities, knowing that we are making a difference. Our commitment truly comes from a place of service, heart and passion for the inhabitants of this beautiful area, that we are privileged to operate within”.
The 15 finalists were further divided into five categories, with the Grootbos Green Futures Foundation selected for the Engaging Communities group, classified as “recognising direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, including training and capacity building, fair wages and benefits, community development, health care and education”.
The Grootbos Green Futures Foundation was founded in 2003 as the non-profit arm of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, and its work is focused on community-based training and capacity building to support poverty alleviation, provide education and upward job mobility and advancing nature conservation in the high-biodiversity region known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, where Grootbos is located.
Sharing the nomination with Grootbos were Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy in the United States and the category winner, The Bushcamp Company in Zambia.
Lutzeyer goes on to say, “While we did not win this time I am unbelievably proud of the Grootbos team and the team at our Grootbos Foundation. They work closely together to make sure that we work in a sustainable way, whilst delighting our guests at the same time! Awards such as this one help to set the industry standard and keep us aiming higher, to achieve even greater outcomes. This is the way we work. It is in our DNA at Grootbos to look after our communities and our environment”.
In 2015, Grootbos also became a founding member of National Geographic Society’s National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, which acknowledges exceptional boutique hotels in extraordinary places around the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence.
For more information about Grootbos Private Nature Reserve visit www.grootbos.com
For reservations call +27 (0) 28 384 8008
Adapted from a press release for IOL