Sustainable development in Zambia - The Royal Livingstone

Owing its name to the renowned explorer that discovered the Victoria Falls in 1855, the Royal Livingstone is steeped in history. However, the hotel’s approach to eco-awareness and environmental sustainability is far from antiquated. With an emphasis on sustainable development in Zambia, the Royal Livingstone Hotel has taken giant strides towards going green.

Environmental sustainability in Zambia

The steps we take today will determine the kind of future we preserve for the next generation, and The Royal Livingstone hotel wants to ensure that for many years to come, future generations can also enjoy sipping on cocktails while watching the mighty Victoria Falls.

The hotel’s eco-philosophy is one of assuming an active role in both protecting and enhancing the environment, as well as securing the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. Reducing the property’s carbon footprint is vital to preserve both flora and fauna. With this in mind, the resort has implemented sound practices which encourage environmental sustainability in Zambia.

Practical steps

• In order to achieve environmental sustainability in Zambia, The Royal Livingstone Hotel has partnered with the Zambia Wildlife Authority, Zambia Environmental Management Agency and National Heritage Conservation Commission.
• Within the resort, organic waste is managed by an established worm farm and composting site, which means that garden clippings and food waste are recycled to be used as lawn dressing. Last year, the worm farm generated 1 170 litres of worm tea!
• The hotel’s recycling and waste management contractor, Zamrex, has seen 60 264kg of paper and cardboard recycled, 10 841kg of glass recycled and more than 12 tons of cans and plastic waste!
• Automation systems are a proven way to reduce energy consumption and to this end, the installation of an Inncom Environmental Management System monitors heating, ventilation and air-conditioning to ensure energy-efficiency at The Royal Livingstone.
• The Royal Livingstone hotel also makes use of electric, emission-free buses and golf carts for both staff and guests. These electric vehicles reduce the emission of green-house gases.
• As part of their commitment to sustainable development in Zambia, The Royal Livingstone sources local produce from the farmer’s market held every Monday and Friday.

Local Corporate Social Initiatives

Not just about going green, The Royal Livingstone encourages sustainable development in Zambia by making a positive impact on the surrounding communities.

• In order to ensure sustainable development in Zambia, The Royal Livingstone has also undertaken to help the women of the Nsongwe Village. These women generate an income for themselves by growing vegetables at Nsongwe Women’s Farming Association. However, the fence of their vegetable fields was trampled by elephants, and their crops were destroyed. Mirriam and Sirrus Nikou who were guests at the Royal Livingstone Hotel in September 2015, visited the village and donated $1 500 for the repair of the fence. The repairs are being overseen by the Royal Livingstone’s communications manager, Lute Kazembe.
• The Royal Livingstone Hotel has partnered with the Family Hope foundation, a non-profit organisation which aims to reduce the stigma of HIV in the local community. To assist with their Peanut Butter Making Project, Sun International Zambia donated a peanut butter making machine to Family Hope Foundation. The foundation supports HIV positive mothers, orphans and children by educating them on living with HIV, and as part of the Peanut Butter Making Project, the women were given training in business skills and peanut butter production to sell the produce to the community.
• The Royal Livingstone has undertaken assistance with the construction and renovations at both Nalituwe and Nakatindi schools. One of these projects is establishing a computer lab at Nalituwe Primary and Secondary School. Most schools in the area do not have enough computers for students. Through converting a staff room into a computer lab, networking, painting the building and installing non-slip flooring, the hotel has created a lab where students have access to the internet for research.

Committed to sustainable  development in Zambia, The Royal Livingstone is making strides in the right direction.