CDCB is a small, intimate retreat for travellers interested in bio-diversity conservation, volun-tourism, and avi-tourism, located on a 23-acre parcel of which 16 acres is a preserve and the site of the Tz’unuun Trail.  Once an abandoned ranchito, the property, which is host to Casa Avian Support Alliance, LLC NGO (an ex-situ bio-diversity conservation facility),  serves as a demonstration project emphasizing how “island” environments such as the habitat restoration area,  can provide suitable habitat for a wide range of wildlife.  CDCB consists of 6 casitas, with towering thatched roofs, en-suite bathrooms (hot/cold water), a large, private dining room where Mayan, Mestizo and Creole foods characterize the daily menu; and a large meeting room known as La Sala -  all of which are situated in a hacienda-like setting with architecture and appointments that celebrate the Hispanic influence of Central America.

CDCB is located on the north-facing slopes of the Mopan River Valley, with an inspiring view of the mountains in adjacent Guatemala and the expansive Mer de Verde, the Green Ocean.  Prevailing breezes throughout the day and evening provide natural cooling and contribute to the comfort of the location. 
The 23-acre site is located 1.3 miles west of San Ignacio Town, and 20 minutes from the Guatemalan border.  The property’s location in this natural setting, but only a few minutes from town is ideal – providing our guests convenient access to local activities while enjoying the “bush’ experience.

Casa del Caballo Blanco relies on the municipal grid and two propane/butane powered generators for electrical power.  The presence and needs of the avian rehabilitation and release facility require that we have a reliable power supply.

Energy conservation is addressed in the Policies and Procedures Manual at Energy and Resource Conservation and Monitoring (070.050); “To assure that Casa del Caballo Blanco minimizes its consumption of water, and energy resources such as butane /propane, and electricity (petroleum based automobile products are treated elsewhere) through conservation, monitoring and continuous attention to opportunities that will diminish the use and reliance on these resources; and to educate, by example and practice, guests and the local community with regard to the need for the conservation of these resources.”  Energy saving devices range from low-voltage and florescent lighting, to site layout and building plan to maximize cooling from prevailing breezes, and the provision of written materials in each room that inform guests as to how they can contribute to the conservation of resources while at CDCB.

CDCB and CASA both rely in part on fruits from on-site orchards/plantations and vegetables from our own garden.  Chemical products for pest avoidance or growth stimulus are avoided in favour of natural products, e.g., compost, manures, etc, for growth, and natural compounds such as salt, lime mixes, and habenero solutions for pest reduction.

The CDCB Purchasing policy is set forth at 040.010 - Reliance on Eco-friendly Products, and 040.020 – Vendor Agreements, of the Policy and Procedures Manual.  

Policies are set forth at 080.010 Waste Separation, and 080.020 Waste Recording/Monitoring.  The procedures describe recycling and composting efforts.  These systems are complemented by guest efforts, as guided by the in-room literature, and programs such as the delivery of downed-palm fronds to a local cottage-industry that uses them as fuel to cure banana leafs for use in local food preparation.

Cleaning products used at CDCB are selected to avoid harm to the environment and to the staff employing the product.  Caustic and acid materials are avoided as are products such as bleach that can disrupt/destroy the natural function of the septic system.  Bio-degradable laundry soaps, etc, are preferred over other varieties and where possible citrus products and vinegar are used as disinfectants.  Local supply is an issue in this regard.

CDCB relies for the most part on the municipal water supply, and assisted the local community by having the municipal distribution system extended to the site, thus providing the opportunity for neighbours to have a sanitary water supply.  CDCB/CASA augments that water supply with catchments designed to capture rainwater as a supplement to the system, that system provides water for the on-site caretaker, the gardens and the avian facility.  As noted above the water usage is monitored daily, and the in-room literature describes to guests what efforts are undertaken by CDCB/CASA to conserve water, and how they can participate in that conservation.

The municipality treats the local water supply, and the rainwater catchments are used for the avian facility, gardens and caretaker, no purification system is required for the latter.  The waste water is treated by an engineered septic and soak-a-way system.  Policy and Procedure 070.050 describes the attention to the septic system and its important role in the infrastructure of CDCB; P&P 070.052 is the periodic maintenance recording document.

CDCB is host to Casa Avian Support Alliance, LLC, NGO, an ex-situ bio-diversity conservation project, dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of avian wildlife recently released from illegal capture/captivity, and avi-fauna recently treated for illness or injury.  CDCB/CASA was established with the symbiotic relationship in mind that promotes bio-diversity conservation through volun-tourism and education.  CASA is also the steward of the habitat restoration area that comprises some 16 acres of the parcel, and is the location of the Tz’unuun Trail, a signed naturalist trail that interprets the flora and fauna, and gives testimony to the value of rehabilitated “island” environments.

On January 30, 2008, Casa Avian Support Alliance, LLC, NGO released its first successfully rehabilitated patient – a Mottled Owl.  The owl received November 30, 2007, had suffered a broken wing. Given the proper care, nutrition, and a protected environment within which to heal for a 60-day period, the owl comfortably took flight into the broad-leaf forest of the Runaway Creek Nature Preserve on a clear, blue, January morning.

Guests of CDCB are encouraged to participate through a variety of volunteer programs to participate in the care, cleaning and feeding of avian wildlife under care; to participate in cage maintenance, toy building, and bat and owl box building; and to participate in the maintenance of the Tz’unuun Trail.  Hands-on participation in this manner provides the opportunity to learn about the individual species and there needs, and educates with regard to the present need to take all measure possible to conserve bio-diversity in the Americas.
Staff has also benefited from training programs sponsored by Programme for Belize in conjunction with Rainforest Alliance.

Each casita has a brief publication, a ‘room book’, that describes the efforts by CDCB to be sustainable and provides for guests ‘Eco-tips,’ which are easily accomplished measures that guests can consider during their stay that will compliment the efforts of their hosts.

CDCB was conceived and constructed in a manner to reduce environmental impact, from the acquisition of property previously used for agriculture – rather than to obtain and clear pristine land - to the re-use of existing structures, re-cycling of materials from un-needed spent structures, to the building plan and placement, and use of resources.  The Policy and Procedures Manual was developed to avoid or minimize the environmental footprint and to create a workplace that was compatible with and contributed to the local social structure and surrounding culture.

CDCB will not expand its current hard-scape unless to build flyways and rehabilitation structures for additional avian wildlife, nor will it add amenities such as swimming pools, helicopter pads, or spas, and each of these inevitably will reduce the environmental quality.

Customer feed-back is obtained through a form that is included in the in-room publications provided to guests.  Each guest is encouraged to fill out the form at check-in. This procedure and the forms are found in the P&P 090.020 - Guest Satisfaction Policy and Survey Form.  Data obtained from the forms is shared with staff and areas that require improvement are discussed and measures to address short-comings are identified and implemented.  Positive feed-back is shared as well, and staff is made aware when guests have had a satisfying experience.  Efforts are made to acknowledge outstanding job performance.

CDCB/CASA are constantly in search of outreach programs that will benefit the community, improve the economy, and preserve the indigenous culture - examples include, employing local Mayan women to manufacture traditional dress for staff and crafts for sale to guests; employing local Mayan guides and encourage them to visit with guests in the evening and share stories of the old ways; work with like-minded NGOs such as the Cornerstone Foundation of San Ignacio, a social outreach program, to whom CDCB makes the meeting room available free of charge, and contributes 100lbs of beans and rice each month to the school lunch program; work with Friends of Conservation and Development in their efforts to preserve the Chiquibul Forest; contribute palm leaves as fuel to a local cottage industry, to name a few.

CDCB was the among the Pilot Projects in the Best Management Practices, Sustainable Tourism Program sponsored by Rainforest Alliance and  Programme for Belize – CDCB participated in a preliminary diagnosis and a subsequent follow-up inspection.   CDCB is listed on the Eco-tourism Index sponsored by Rainforest Alliance, and displays the Rainforest Alliance logo on its web page.  CDCB is currently, as specified in an MOU with Rainforest Alliance, completing an agreement with Alianza Verde (Guatemala), and will be participating in the Green Deal Certification program. CDCB chose Green Deal over other certifying organizations as it has its headquarters in the Peten region of Guatemala, Central America.