In celebration of Earth Day this month, The St. Regis Bora Bora is delighted to officially launch Natura Ora. Tahitian for “Living Nature,” Natura Ora is the resort’s sustainability initiative dedicated to protecting the environment, supporting local people and communities, preserving French Polynesian culture, and practicing more responsible consumption.
“For several months, our teams have worked closely with our new Sustainability Development Officer, Lucie-Léa Viot, to develop the Natura Ora concept and we are excited to officially debut this important sustainability initiative in celebration of Earth Day,” states General Manager Emmanuel Richardet. “Our goal is to create lasting, pro-active programs under the Natura Ora umbrella that inspire colleagues and the local community to work together to protect our fenua (Tahitian for land), support the people and preserve the culture of French Polynesia.”
With an emphasis on collaboration and co-creation, the resort is working with various organizations to achieve Natura Ora’s goals including the local environmental protection organization, Ia Vai Ma Noa; Amazones Pacific, a non-profit organization supporting women whose lives have been compromised by cancer; Pae Tai Pae Uta, a waste management consultancy firm; and the Agency for Environment & Energy Management (ADEME).
“This is such an incredible destination that is rich with cultural and environmental treasures,” states Lucie-Léa Viot, the resort’s Sustainability Development Officer. “I’m proud to be given this opportunity to bring our vision for Natura Ora to life to ensure that French Polynesia’s fenua, its people, and its culture thrive for many years to come.”
Projects launched as part of the Natura Ora initiative include:
Waste Management – Repurposing of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
The resort has partnered with the local charity, Ia Via Ma Noa, to collect and repurpose electronic and electrical equipment for donation to local families and businesses in need.
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market
As part of Natura Ora’s mission to support good health practices, an on-property weekly market was established to sell fresh, locally-sourced produce at below market prices to help make healthy eating more accessible and affordable for colleagues and the local community.
Coral Planting
“In French Polynesia, the protection of marine life, particularly the preservation of corals, is
essential for biodiversity,” states Sustainability Development Officer, Lucie-Léa Viot. To that end, the resort will launch a coral reforestation program that invites guests to actively participate in the planting of coral with the resort’s marine specialist. Guests will receive a diploma for their work and can follow the evolution of the coral they planted year after year.
The Green Council
This 10-person team was curated from different resort departments for the purpose of brainstorming and implementing new concepts and programs in accordance with Natura Ora’s goals and areas of focus.
Annual Earth Hour Event
On March 26 this year, the resort held its first annual commemoration of Earth Hour to increase awareness about the need to reduce energy consumption to help save the planet. Between 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM, electric lights were extinguished on the resort’s Main Beach—380 candles and two fire pits were lit to illuminate the area. The event included live music and a presentation about the origins and purpose of Earth Hour.
Additional Natura Ora projects in the pipeline include taking waste management practices to the next level by increasing recycling rates and improving sorting, further development of the coral reforestation program, installment of water fountains to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles, and increasing the consumption of local products to decrease the resort’s carbon footprint. For resort colleagues, more wellness offerings and volunteer opportunities are also in development.
About The St. Regis Bora BoraThis expansive 44-acre tropical paradise combines French Polynesian hospitality with St. Regis’ renowned service. The resort’s 90-rooms are comprised of charming garden view villas, beachside villas, two-bedroom reef side villas perfect for families, and the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific. Accommodations throughout the resort are idyllically situated to optimize views of majestic Mount Otemanu and access Bora Bora’s brilliant turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Lagoon by Jean Georges Restaurant, the Iridium Spa nestled on its own private island, St. Regis’ signature butler service, a fun-filled Kids Club and the property’s stunning Lagoonarium flush with marine life are just some of the things that make this award-winning hideaway one of the world’s leading luxury resorts.
