Kosi Bay Accommodation, South Africa
How Kosi Bay Accommodation, South Africa makes a difference
Environment
Being a close neighbour of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park we have very strict environmental controls in place. Biodegradable refuse is worked into the earth at the nearby community garden project and all refuse is taken off site to the municipal dump site near Manguzi town (20 km's away).
As far as possible natural materials have been used in the construction of the lodge, even the foundations are made in such a way as to not be permanent structures. Walkways are left as sandy tracks instead of concrete or even wooden walkways.
All the drainage has been planned in such a way that it runs away from the dune side and into a catchment area that prevents contamination. Electricity is supplied by generator thus limiting the use of firewood and other materials that may be taken from the environment.
When it comes to activities we encourage guests to consider walking rather than using transport, thus trying to minimise the impact on the tracks down to the bay and to an extent the emissions caused by vehicles.
By encouraging guests to visit the fish traps they support the traditional local fishing techniques. This helps with the sustainable resource usage that has been practiced at Kosi bay for decades by generations of fisherman who use only natural materials to build their tidal traps. Water usage is minimized by only having the pressure pump running in the evenings. This considerably restricts wastage all round.
Community
The infrastructure of Amangwane has been signed into a contract with the local community where after the expiry of our lease the camp will be handed over to the local land owners. The land is currently being leased and generates income for the neighbouring homesteads. The community garden next door is supported by the purchase of fresh produce when available.
The employment of permanent and occasional labour for building and manual tasks makes us a strong economic contributor in the area. As far as activities go we employ local guides on a freelance basis to accompany guests to the fish traps and to go canoeing with guests. This provides a sustainable income to previously unemployed members of the surrounding villages.
Building materials are sourced from local suppliers where possible. Reeds for the walls and the cleaning of the reeds is sourced from ladies who harvest these materials locally. Local carpenters are called in for building and renovations when required.
The water for the camp is bought from the garden project on a monthly usage basis which in turn provides capital for to help with the upkeep and sustainability of the gardens.
By supporting various initiatives at the school across the way from Amangwane we keep very good relations with the youth surrounding us. We educate them as to the importance of tourism as far as job creation and conservation is concerned.
Kosi Bay Accommodation, South Africa
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