LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe member, L’Heure Bleue, the eco-chic resort of Nosy Be, in Madagascar, has been created as a model for sustainable tourism: Everything is designed from the outset, in a spirit of respect for the environment and sustainable development, in harmony with local people. This bohemian luxury resort is a committed player, protecting and raising awareness of the environment in the region.

“We would like to prove that responsible tourism brings together pleasure and well-being, without impacting on the quality of services and benefits,” says General Manager Yves Benouaich.

L’Heure Bleue actively supports community development projects, such as educating the local school children on the importance of keeping a clean village. The special ‘Environment Club’ was created for the Madirokely schoolchildren, and once a month the hotel organizes a waste collection event.

“Most of the times, we have a group of 40 children and form small teams. The children are equipped with gloves and trash bags, and we send them inside the village to pick up all the plastic waste,” comments Anne Fagegaltier, the Hotel Director. “We explain to the children what plastic is and why it is bad for the planet. Most important, they have to understand the effect plastic bags can have on sea turtles. Our beaches are home to a large sea turtle population, who may mistake those plastic bags with food and choke on them.”

The clean-up events typically end in front of the local school, where all the children are being rewarded with lunch, cake and lemonade, provided by the hotel. Madagascar is the fifth poorest country in the world and many children do not eat as they should. Therefore, sharing a meal is of significance here.

Waste treatment is optimized at the property, with compost made of food waste, and a comprehensive recycling system in place. All plastics are reused or recycled.

ABOUT L’HEURE BLEUE RESORT

Nestled in a lush tropical garden, L’Heure Bleue enjoys a unique location in Nosy Be, the well-known paradise island: 8 luxury lodges and 10 waterfront bungalows on the # 1 beach of Nosy Be, backed by a hill, overlooking the bay of Madirokely / Ambatoloaka, preserving both the freshness and intimacy of its guests. Here, you can marvel and recharge, diving from the beach into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean – or simply enjoy one of the two large swimming pools at the property: fresh water (15 meters long) or sea water (20 meters long). All luxury lodges feature a private terrace and a stunning view over the bay of Ambatoloaka. The authentic wooden bungalows “feet in water” combine traditional construction and comfort with “cool” charm. L’Heure Bleue’s Table, the property’s restaurant, offers creative cuisine, inspired by the spicy flavors of Madagascar: Composed exclusively of fresh produces, seafood brought daily by local fishermen, and the hallmark specialties of Madagascar, such as foie gras, fried with mango or lychees, filet of zebu, and a wide selection of exotic fruits.

Contact: Anne Fagegaltier, Directrice, L’Heure Bleue, Madirokely Plage, BP 372 – Hellville, 207 – Nosy Be, Madagascar, Tel. (261) 32 05 20 378, E-mail [email protected] , www.heurebleue.com

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .