• Do you have a written environmental or social sustainability policy?     NO

If yes, please attach.

• Do you have a written environmental management system?              NO

If yes, please attach.

• Describe the property – aim, size, facilities, amount of land owned and leased  (150 words max)

Nuarro is a unique lodge located within the enchanted bay of Memba  on the Baixo do Pinda peninsula. It is a luxury eco lodge created by those who want to make their dreams come true. Everything at Nuarro has been built by local people using natural resources. (It’s powered by sun and wind). This is a project based on a strong concept of ethical and fair-trade tourism  and that is why the local community play such an important role - they are co-owners of the land(800 HA)  and by building Nuarro they build upon their own future.
The view over the bay from the luxury and spacious beach front chalets is truly a sight to behold. The chalets were designed by a local French architect who developed traditional chalets in a sophisticated space. You can enjoy the privacy of your African house while you sit on the spacious veranda. Relax on the sun loungers or gaze at the blue sky as you gently swing in your hammock.
Take a stroll in the natural surroundings of Nuarro and you will find that there are plenty of exciting things to do. You can enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner in our restaurant with its panoramic sea view. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to an exotic drink at the cocktail bar. The reception area leads you to the relaxing beach bar and to the the activity centre, which includes a fully equipped dive centre.
The direct access to the sea, the closeness of the continental shelf and undiscovered sites make Nuarro a perfect diving location. It is also ideal for snorkelling, fishing and whale watching (seasonal). If you are a boat person you can use a kayak to discover the mangroves, secluded bays and deserted beaches. You can also go on a sailing trip or a sundown cruise in traditional wooden dhows to private beaches for an exclusive (honeymoon) picnic.
If you want to experience the bush, you can explore Nuarro's conservation area by following the eco trails by foot or on a mountain bike and enjoy the wonders of the sub-tropical surroundings. This area has an abundance of bird life. Alternatively, you can visit an authentic cultural village and meet the friendly Macua people.
One thing is for sure, you will discover amazing new worlds...

• Describe the location, including distance to nearest town and size of town (100 words max)

 We are situated on the Baixo do Pinda Peninsula next to Nanatha Village in Memba District, Nampula Province. Our location is S14°12.20' E040°40.67'.
You can visit us by flying into Nampula or Pemba and then taking a charter flight, which we will organise at your request. Another option for getting to Nuarro is to be collected by the Nuarro minibus from Nampula and Pemba.  

• Describe WHY you made the decision to develop an eco resort (100 word max)

Eco/sustainable/responsible is the only way in this pristine part of Mozambique!
Nuarro is a development of Divers eCo Operation Lda (DEO), a Mozambican registered company. DEO has established early on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nanatha community. This document aims to establish the basis of a long-term relationship of cooperation, understanding and common benefits well beyond local employment. Amongst other initiatives, this MoU establishes that USD 5 p/bed-night sold will be reverted to the local association - ANAN (Associação de Naturais e Amigos de Nanatha) and USD 2 p/activity sold will be reverted to the fishing association. These funds will be managed by a Trust. The community will put forward annual proposals for social and economical development to be democratically approved.

Introduction to the Butterfly Club’s Eco Rating

The Butterfly Club Eco Rating has five equally-weighted categories:

• Energy;
• Water;
• Recycling and waste;
• Land and nature conservation; and
• Community.

Each category has five levels, designated by one to five butterflies.  Through self assessment, resort operators completing this rating will determine their own levels within each category based on their responses to items listed below.  

Two categories – energy and water – have similar rating systems with Levels 1 and 2 addressing conservation of existing resources, and Levels 3, 4 and 5 addressing creation of renewable energy or capturing water. 

Level five in every category also requires written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record consumption; (2) test and apply additional conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific targets.   We require a copy of your policies if you achieve level 5 in any category.

Energy

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

_V__  use natural air circulation and fans, not air conditioners
__V_  use natural light during the day
__V_  minimize use of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines and equipment
_V__  use “on demand” or solar heating for hot water
_V__  air dry clothes/linens
_V__  wash dishes by hand
__V_  use energy efficient appliances and electronics
__V_  use low wattage fluorescent light bulbs
__V_  change linens, tablecloths, napkins upon request
_V__  switch off lights when not used
Other energy conservation activities? Please list: No hair dryer in rooms, 2 hairdryers available on accu.
 
Level 1 = four or fewer energy conservation activities

Level 2 = five or more energy conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 - renewable energy: Indicate proportion (%) of energy from each source:

_80__  solar
_20__  wind
___  hydro
As back up___  generator
___  public utility
Other energy sources? Please list:

100% TOTAL
How were these proportions developed?

Level 3 = renewable energy is employed and is less than 1/3 of all energy

Level 4 = renewable energy constitutes 1/3 – 2/3 of all energy

Level 5 = renewable energy constitutes 2/3 or more of all energy.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record energy consumption; (2) test and apply additional energy conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific energy targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Energy Level 5 (required).

Your Energy Level (select 1 – 5) =   4

Water

Levels 1 and 2 - conservation: Check all that apply:

_V_  low flow faucets and showerheads
__  low water use toilets WE HAVE DRY SANITATION
_V_  change linens, towels, tablecloths, and napkins upon request
_V__use table mats that can be wiped and not laundered
__V  use biodegradable laundry detergent, dish soap and hand soap
__  treat swimming pool with chlorine-free processes NO POOL, ONLY TIDAL POOL!
Other water conservation activities?  Please list.

Level 1 = three or fewer water conservation activities

Level 2 = four or more water conservation activities

Levels 3, 4 and 5 – capture and treat fresh water and manage waste water. Capture water: Indicate proportion (%) of water from each source:

___  spring
___  river
_V__  rain
___  reuse gray
___  public utility
Other water sources? Please list. BOREHOLE!

100% TOTAL

Fresh water treatment: how is captured fresh water treated?
__V_  naturally.  Indicate method: charcoal, ultraviolet light, other? List:                                  
___  chemically.  List chemicals used:

Waste water management:
___  septic tanks
___  cesspools
___  other? List methods: GREY WATER, SHOWER/KITCHEN WATER WILL BE USED FOR WATERING THE GARDEN!

Level 3: Water is captured (from springs, rivers, rain or prior use) and constitutes less than 1/3 of water from all sources.  Water is treated chemically.  Water disposal does not minimize damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 4:  Captured water constitutes 1/3 to 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests

Level 5:  Captured water constitutes more than 2/3 of all water.  Water is treated naturally. Water disposal minimizes damage to coral reefs and rain forests.   In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record water consumption; (2) test and apply additional water conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific water targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Water Level 5 (required).

Your Water Level (select 1 – 5):  4

Recycling and waste

Check all that apply:

_V__   use durable service items, e.g. cups, glasses, dishes, tableware, storage items
_V__   buy fresh and local to reduce packaging and emissions from transportation WE HAVE OUR OWN AGRI CULTURE PROJECT
_V__   purchase in bulk to reduce packaging
_V__   recycle paper, glass, plastic, aluminum  BOTTLES ARE USED IN OUR WALLS.
_V__   minimize emissions from fossil-fuel powered vehicles, machines & equipment      
___   zero waste in the kitchen
___   serve local water, not bottled water NOT POSSIBLE, WATER IS TOO SALT BUT WE HAVE A WATERMAKER!
_V__   cleaning products are biodegradable
_V__   compost organic matter
Other methods to recycle waste? Please list.  WE ARE REUSING PLASTIC AND RUBBER IN OUR CRAFT CENTRE

Level 1 = four or fewer recycling activities

Level 2 = five recycling activities

Level 3 = six recycling activities

Level 4 = seven recycling activities

Level 5 = eight or more recycling activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record recycling and waste; (2) test and apply additional recycling and waste conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific recycling and waste targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Recycling and Waste Level 5 (required).

Your Recycling and Waste Level (select 1 – 5): 4 

Land and nature conservation

Check all that apply:

_V__   minimize tree removal when building
_V__   use only botanical (plant-based) herbicides & pesticides in garden & grounds
_V__   maintain organic gardens as food source for resort
_V__   use biodegradable cleaning products
_V__   minimize external illumination
_V__   take additional specific actions to preserve the local habitat.  Please list actions and projects:

 
Level 1: one or two land and nature conservation activities

Level 2: three land and nature conservation activities

Level 3: four land and nature conservation activities

Level 4: five land and nature conservation activities

Level 5: six or more land and nature conservation activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record land and nature conservation activities; (2) test and apply additional land and nature conservation methods; and (3) work towards specific land and nature conservation targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Land and Nature Conservation Level 5 (required).

Your Land and Nature Conservation Level (select 1 – 5):  4

Community

This category addresses policies and activities regarding staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the community. 

Check all activities that apply:

___  hire staff residing near the resort         100 ___% local nationals
___  use local suppliers                                100___% purchased goods produced locally
___  re-invest resort income locally            _80__% income re-invested locally
_V__  pay above local prevailing wage
__V_  pay into local social security
__V_  provide health insurance or coverage
__V_  use regular staff meetings to educate staff about sustainable processes throughout the resort, in the garden, with waste disposal, etc
__V_  provide educational awareness programs for staff, guests, suppliers and other members of the local community
__V_  provide sustainable transport to work for staff
_V__  take additional specific actions to support the local community. Please list actions and projects.

Level 1: one or two community activities

Level 2: three to five community activities

Level 3: six to seven community activities

Level 4: eight to nine community activities

Level 5: ten or more community activities.  In addition, there are written sustainability policies or environmental management systems to: (1) monitor and record community activities; (2) test and apply additional methods to support the community; and (3) work towards specific community targets.  

Attach a copy of your policies if you achieve Community Level 5 (required).

Your Community Level (select 1 – 5):  4

YOUR OVERALL ECO SCORE (add your level for each category and divide by 5and enter the result with the decimal point, e.g. 3.6):  4

We have three final questions which are not part of the eco rating: 

• Please describe your single most important eco achievement:

To provide better living standards for the community!

• Indicate additional sustainable practices that you plan to institute within the next 6 months. WE STARTED OUR AGRI CULTURE PROJECT ON A SMALL SCALE, THE NEXT MONTH WE WILL ARRANGE A PUMP FOR THE BOREHOLE THAN THE COMMUNITY CAN ALSO USE WATER FOR THEIR GARDENS/FARMING.

OCTOBER WE WILL START WITH A MEDICAL POST FOR THE COMMUNITY.

• Is there anything else you would like to add to this eco rating?

Thanks!

Making a difference:
The Nuarro team has a strong concept of ethical tourism, where all aspects of life are respected. They have formed partnerships with the local community, governmental authorities, National and International NGOs for the support and development of the local villages, preservation of coral reef fauna and flora. The combination of a secluded bay, excellent shore and boat dives, untouched bush and the proximity to the local Makuwa village (Nanatha) makes this a unique destination. 
Nuarro is a development of Divers eCo Operation Lda (DEO), a Mozambican registered company. DEO has established early on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nanatha community. This document aims to establish the basis of a long-term relationship of cooperation, understanding and common benefits well beyond local employment. Amongst other initiatives, this MoU establishes that USD 5 p/bed-night sold will be reverted to the local association - ANAN (Associação de Naturais e Amigos de Nanatha) and USD 2 p/activity sold will be reverted to the fishing association. These funds will be managed by a Trust. The community will put forward annual proposals for social and economical development to be democratically approved.
DEO has created a unique and very daring partnership with the Nanatha community, where 133ha of land is in co-ownership amongst the two parties. This initiative defines a bond of reciprocal trust.
The construction of the Multi-functional Community Centre of Nanatha (CCMN) was built in 2008 with private funding sourced out by DEO. This simple but functional building hosts a classroom for literacy of 40 men and women, a primary school with 70 children and a training centre for Nuarro hospitality service workers, with 26 candidates.
Food security is the main issue on the minds of the local population and thus the very first issue to approach. DEO has started a sesame seed project, which is now under way. Horticulture projects are on experimental stages and a borehole was dug by DEO to provide fresh water for irrigation of 30ha of land. This is a pilot project that DEO is trying to have off the ground and hope to have it running at full steam before the conclusion of 2009.
We realised early on that all social projects must be very carefully thought not to have a negative impact on the lives of our neighbours/partners. Our western values and morals are often not appropriate, we learn the significance of having discussions with the local community to better identify what it is that they need and want. We learn to respect our local community.
To assist us on this challenging task DEO has established strong partnerships with International and National NGOs. They help a great deal to establish an image where the investor is not a donor but a tool to the development of a strong and independent community as well as to clarify the concept of tourism. Regular meetings take place with the members of ANAN
The structures utilize no nails or power tools. Yorick Houdayer, a French architect who lives and works in   Mozambique took on the challenge to incorporate sophistication with local materials, comfort with local technology, strength with knots and fittings. The living buildings utilise the African “pau-a-pique” technique, which involves an elaborate wooden mesh tied together with recycled tyre rope and filled in with rocks, then a colourful “matope” paste (mud and sand mix) is plastered to form the walls. The roof structure is made from a long, light and very resistant pole extracted from the Sisal plant tied with a beautiful rope made from the coconut husk, then covered with “macuti” tiles of coconut leaves.  These methods allows for 100% local employment of the 200 workers that form the construction team. The result is astonishing, cool, spacious and surprisingly luxurious. 
The 12 solar powered beach chalets are surrounded by thick dune vegetation that reveals between its leaves stunning sea views. Mud walls act as insulators to keep the heat of the day outside and the large windows welcome the constant sea breeze to gently flow. Lying on a hand crafted king size bed one can enjoy the view of the bay in total privacy.  The front veranda’s hammock is the best place for the afternoon siesta and raised sun bathing beds are discretely placed on the beach. The indoor showers is heated by solar energy.  Solar powered garden lights mark the walkways.
Water management is, of course, a serious concern of this project. Steve Hodges has developed a dry sanitation system, which is used throughout the lodge. The ground team has tried out this system for the last year with great success. Additionally we built a 100.000 m³ water reservoir for rainwater collection. The plan is to built another two with the same capacity.
The legalisation of a marine protected area is in progress with the assistance of the local Maritime Administration. When hunger is a daily reality it is a hard task to explain to the fishermen that too much fishing and destructive fishing practices are detrimental to the ocean and that it reduces the amount of fish available to degrees some times irreversible.  Therefore, DEO’s challenge is to train, educate and peacefully get the anglers themselves to be the rangers of their own natural resources. The same goes for the land, badly exploited in the past for timber and unsustainable agricultural practices.
The 800ha area of DEO concession surrounded Nuarro Lodge, which occupies less than 1ha, is slowly but surely recovering. Nature has its own way to re-establish its authority over man. The bird life is coming back with a vengeance as well as the small game. By selecting a collective agricultural area, with irrigation system and sustainable agricultural practices, the population is now able to conserve and see the benefits of doing so.