AVANA RETREAT SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMME

Role: Project Manager
Scope: Strategic Alignment & Program Architecture / Operational Governance & Resource Optimisation / Public Relations & Media Outreach / Marketing Communications Strategy & Brand Storytelling / Knowledge & Legacy Management

Synopsis: The SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMME of Avana Retreat has been conceptualised and implemented as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, in alignment with the United Nations SDGs and international ESG standards. The programme is structured around four core pillars: (i) enhancing local livelihoods and community capacity; (ii) preserving ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity balance; (iii) implementing carbon removal and greenhouse gas emission reduction solutions; and (iv) advancing pathways toward carbon neutrality.


ENHANCING LOCAL LIVELIHOODS & COMMUNITY CAPACITY


Under the pillar of enhancing local livelihoods and community capacity, we have delighted in carried out diverse subprojects to empower local communities and improve their well-being.

Project on Local Manpower Development is dedicated to uplifting local communities in Mai Chau by generating sustainable job opportunities in hospitality. At Avana Retreat, over 90% of the staff come from nearby villages, many of whom have limited formal education. They receive ongoing training in hospitality, sustainability, and language skills, creating a vibrant and skilled team. The project brings forth a great chance for stable income, welfare, and professional growth, while also allowing local people to cherish their cultural identity and enhance the genuine beauty of their homeland.

Project on Community-centred Tourism seeks to empower local residents by integrating them directly into the tourism experiences at Avana Retreat. Trekking tours and cultural immersion activities are designed and guided by people from surrounding villages, creating alternative and sustainable income opportunities. These experiences invite guests to immerse themselves in Mai Chau’s diverse ethnic heritage while prioritising a gentle touch on the environment. Through this project, local communities gain both economic benefits and a renewed sense of pride in preserving and sharing their cultural identity.

Project on Cultural Heritage Preservation is dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating the intangible cultural assets of Mai Chau’s ethnic communities. At the Avana Retreat, a traditional stilt house has been restored and transformed into a living museum, showcasing artefacts and stories that reflect the region’s heritage. Beyond preservation, the project creates spaces for free cultural workshops in weaving, batik, rice farming, and traditional music, offering both locals and visitors opportunities to engage in authentic cultural practices. By empowering local artisans and communities to share their traditions, the project sustains cultural identity and enriches the guest experience with authenticity and meaning.

Project on Community Engagement Initiatives focuses on creating meaningful bonds between Avana Retreat, its staff, and the surrounding community. Activities such as Avana’s monthly Trash Collecting Day and the Avana Marathon Open encourage collective action for a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyles.


PRESERVING ECOSYSTEMS AND MAINTAINING BIODIVERSITY BALANCE


Under the pillar of enhancing local livelihoods and community capacity, we have delighted in carried out diverse subprojects to empower local communities and improve their well-being.

Project on Forest Restoration is set to revitalise degraded hillsides and bring back native ecosystems surrounding Avana Retreat. Over 10 hectares of forest have been restored in collaboration with local authorities, enhancing air quality, preventing erosion, and revitalising biodiversity. This endeavour elevates Mai Chau's long-term ecological vitality and paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the community.

Project on Biodiversity Monitoring is designed to safeguard the vibrant array of species within the natural landscape of Avana Retreat. Independent studies have recorded a +24.6% increase in BioScore within one year, alongside 151 endemic species documented and an increase in Biocultural Units.

Project on Eco-friendly Wellness is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable well-being by utilising organic and natural spa products that are sourced from local suppliers. By minimising chemical residues, the project helps protect ecosystems, boosts guests' health, and opens up exciting market opportunities for local producers.



IMPLEMENTING CARBON REMOVAL, GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION SOLUTIONS AND ADVANCING PATHWAYS TOWARD CARBON NEUTRALITY

Under the pillar of preserving ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity balance, we have undertaken projects to restore forests, monitor wildlife, and promote eco-friendly wellness, safeguarding nature while supporting local communities.


Project on Sustainable Architecture & Design is constructed to incorporate local craftsmanship and eco-friendly design to minimise environmental impact. Villas and bungalows are built with durable local materials and designed with large windows for natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption.

Project on Plastic-Free Lifestyle is designed to eliminate single-use plastics across Avana Retreat, replacing them with bamboo, paper, ceramics, and biodegradable alternatives.

Project on Water Management is fabricated on reducing emissions and waste associated with bottled water. Natural spring water is filtered on-site and provided in reusable glass bottles, significantly cutting plastic use and lowering CO₂ from logistics. The project exemplifies how small operational shifts can yield substantial environmental benefits.

Project on Carbon-Smart Operations is tailored to integrate waste reduction, energy efficiency, and resource sharing into daily management. By embedding low-carbon practices across its operations, Avana steadily reduces its carbon footprint and moves closer to net-zero emissions.

Project on Net Zero 2050 Alignment is developed to respond to Vietnam’s national climate commitment by adopting renewable energy solutions and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. This project places Avana on the pathway toward carbon neutrality, ensuring long-term sustainability and leadership in green tourism.



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