Topic Progress..
Overview of Topic 2.5 European Example of a Regenerative ForestWell Tourism Accommodation in Action. Finally we demonstrate how a European ForestWell SME put Regenerative Design, Approaches and Thinking into action.
Ecolodge Lough Mardal, is an exemplary model of integrating regenerative practices in a tourism setting. This eco-lodge is situated near a forest, emphasising sustainability and deep connection with nature.
Company ethos: ‘At Lough Mardal Lodge our core values are providing a high-end, quality holiday experience as sustainably as possible respecting the natural environment, supporting our local community and in the process informing and demonstrating sustainable methods of building and living’.
Vision ‘From the beginning we aimed to offer guests a beautiful and luxurious holiday destination which was thoughtfully, sustainably, and ethically designed and built from the ground up, in harmony with the natural surroundings. A place where shoulders drop on arrival and where guests can truly switch off and disconnect from the white noise of modern living. A relaxing retreat built using (as much as possible) natural materials and products, sourcing local suppliers and adhering to sustainable practices and principles. We hoped to offer an experience which maybe ignites a spark, a re-evaluation of where one is at on their own sustainability journey and perhaps go home feeling awakened and inspired’.
At Lough Mardal Lodge we are aware that our business activities impact upon the environment and we are committed to alleviating those negative impacts as set out below.
2 The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) definition of Sustainable Tourism:
At Lough Mardal Lodge we believe that sustainable tourism is tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities (UNWTO, n.d.). We therefore aim to reduce our negative effects and increase our positive impacts.
3 Continuous improvement
As a tourism-provider we know our responsibilities. We do not claim to tick every sustainability box but little by little we pledge to keep improving and aim to increasingly be able to offer a more responsible holiday experience with as little impact to the environment as possible.
4 Measuring and reducing negative impacts
As a self-catering holiday destination there are limits as to how much we can control in terms of energy and water consumption as well as waste produced. But by strong and consistent communication and having clear systems in place that are easy to follow we try to encourage guests and staff to be as conscientious as possible when it comes to their own individual carbon footprints during their stay.
Backed up with certifications and education Lough Mardal Lodge has been eco certified with Green Hospitality.ie as recognised internationally by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the global sustainability standards for travel and tourism.
(Source Mardal Glamping)
Nestled in the beautiful landscapes all the accommodations are regenerative and sustainable, temporary in nature and harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings. The eco-lodge is a shining example of how tourism can embrace and promote environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community engagement. It was ‘constructed from the ground up to be as eco-friendly as possible. Built using all-natural materials it was designed to be a social and amenity hub for our glamping guests while also having a minimal impact on the environment’.
Mardal uses locally sourced, natural, sustainable materials for construction, reducing carbon footprint and supporting local economies. It incorporates energy efficiency by investing in solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural insulation methods to minimise energy consumption.
The lodge utilizes natural timber, stone, and earth, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting local suppliers. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also strengthens the local economy. https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-yurt-glamping-ireland
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lough Mardal is committed to reducing its energy consumption through innovative design and renewable energy sources. Solar panels are strategically placed to capture the abundant Donegal sunlight, providing a significant portion of the lodge’s energy needs. Additionally, the buildings are designed with high-efficiency insulation and natural ventilation systems, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while minimising energy use.
Natural Materials and Local Sourcing The structures at Lough Mardal are thoughtfully constructed using locally sourced, sustainable materials. The lodge uses natural timber, stone, and earth, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting local suppliers. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also strengthens the local economy.
Reforestation Initiatives
Native Tree Planting One of the cornerstone efforts of Lough Mardal’s reforestation initiatives is the planting of native tree species to restore native woodlands and enhance local biodiversity. . These efforts aim to restore local woodlands that have been depleted over time, providing a healthier and more diverse ecosystem. By selecting indigenous trees, the lodge helps re-establish natural habitats for wildlife, promoting ecological balance. https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-glamping-ireland
Guest Participation in Reforestation Guests at Lough Mardal are encouraged to take part in tree planting activities, creating a personal connection to the land and its restoration. This hands-on involvement not only enhances the guests’ experience but also enables a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment.
Nature Network Lough Mardal offers educational opportunities that inform guests about the importance of reforestation and the role of forests in the global ecosystem. These programs cover topics such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and the benefits of biodiversity. By raising awareness, the lodge empowers visitors to become advocates for reforestation efforts in their own communities. https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/post/earth-day-24
Conservation Efforts
Maintains and protects habitats for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity and ecological health.
Wildlife Habitat Protection The lodge has designated areas of its property as protected wildlife habitats, ensuring that native fauna have safe, undisturbed spaces to thrive. Conservation measures include creating wildlife corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to move freely and safely. https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/wildlife-donegal-ireland
Water Conservation and Wetland Restoration Lough Mardal is actively involved in conserving water resources and restoring wetland areas. By implementing rainwater harvesting systems and eco-friendly wastewater treatment, such as irrigation and greywater systems the lodge minimises its water footprint. This practice not only conserves precious water resources but also reduces the strain on local water supplies. Furthermore, eco-friendly wastewater treatment systems ensure that water is responsibly managed and returned to the environment clean and safe. Restored wetlands serve as crucial habitats for a variety of species also help to maintain the natural hydrology of the area.
Biodiversity Monitoring The lodge conducts regular biodiversity assessments to monitor the health of its ecosystems. These assessments help identify key species, track changes in population dynamics, and inform conservation strategies. By keeping a close eye on the biodiversity, Lough Mardal can make data-driven decisions to enhance its conservation efforts.
Some Examples of their Biodiversity Strategy
Our additional food needs are, as much as possible, locally sourced, and organic.
https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-yurt-glamping-ireland
Collaboration with Conservation Organisations Lough Mardal collaborates with local and international conservation organisations to amplify its impact. These partnerships provide access to additional resources, expertise, and funding for larger-scale conservation projects. Working together with these organisations, the lodge contributes to broader conservation goals and initiatives.
Sustainable Land Management Practices To ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts, Lough Mardal employs sustainable land management practices. These practices include permaculture principles, no-till farming, and the use of organic fertilizers. By maintaining healthy soil and reducing chemical inputs, the lodge supports robust plant growth and a resilient ecosystem.
Some Examples of their Carbon Management
We prioritise reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible across all areas of the business in the following ways:
https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-yurt-glamping-ireland
Local Partnerships: Collaborates with local artisans and farmers to provide authentic experiences and products, ensuring economic benefits for the local community.
Cultural Preservation: Offers workshops and events that celebrate local traditions, crafts, and knowledge, allowing for cultural preservation and appreciation.
Organic and Local Cuisine Dining at Lough Mardal is a celebration of local flavors and sustainable food practices. The lodge’s kitchen sources organic ingredients from nearby farms and local markets, ensuring fresh, seasonal meals. Emphasis is placed on plant-based dishes, reducing the carbon footprint associated with meat production. This commitment to sustainable dining supports local agriculture and provides guests with nutritious, delicious meals.
Supporting Local Artisans and Traditions Lough Mardal collaborates with local artisans and craftspeople to offer unique cultural experiences. Workshops on traditional crafts, storytelling sessions, and cultural events celebrate the rich heritage of County Donegal. By supporting and preserving local traditions, the lodge contributes to the cultural vitality of the region.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation The lodge plays a crucial role in stimulating the local economy by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. From hiring local staff to sourcing materials and products from nearby suppliers, Lough Mardal ensures that the benefits of its operations are felt throughout the community.
Local Community Engagement Lough Mardal actively involves the local community in its conservation initiatives. The lodge hosts community events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities focused on environmental stewardship. By engaging the local population, the lodge engages in a collective effort toward preserving the natural heritage of County Donegal.
Cultural Preservation through Conservation In addition to ecological conservation, Lough Mardal is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the area. This includes protecting traditional land-use practices that are in harmony with nature, such as sustainable foraging and ancient farming techniques. By integrating cultural preservation with environmental conservation, the lodge ensures that both the natural and cultural landscapes are honored and maintained.
https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-yurt-glamping-ireland
Social Responsibility Strategy
We support our local community by:
https://www.loughmardalglamping.ie/eco-yurt-glamping-ireland
Educational Workshops and Interactive Activities Lough Mardal offers a variety of workshops and activities on sustainable living, foraging, and regenerative agriculture, allowing guests to learn and participate in sustainable practices. They Invite guests to partake in activities like composting, organic gardening, foraging and eco-friendly cooking classes, promoting hands-on learning. These educational opportunities empower visitors to incorporate sustainable practices into their own lives, extending the lodge’s positive impact beyond their stay.
Biodiversity Monitoring The lodge actively engages communities, staff and guests in reforestation projects, planting native tree species to restore local woodlands and enhance biodiversity. Wildlife habitats are meticulously preserved and protected, for a rich ecosystem that thrives in the surrounding forests and wetlands. Guests are encouraged to participate in these conservation efforts to not only deepen their connection to nature and understanding of regenerative practices.
Holistic Wellness:
Nature-Based Therapies: Mardal offers holistic wellness to its guests in keeping with its commitment to wellbeing. They provide a range of nature-based therapies and wellness amenities. Guests can engage in forest bathing, outdoor yoga, and meditation sessions amidst the tranquil forest backdrop. These activities allow guests to leverage the healing power of nature to enhance guests’ physical and mental wellbeing.
Organic Dining: They provide food prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients, emphasising plant-based options and sustainable food practices.
Over the next 12 months landfill waste will be a priority
Lough Mardal Lodge Sustainability Policy is updated every 12 months
– as of 21 February 2024
Mardal Lodge, Donegal, Ireland
The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors. – Amos Clifford
1. Treehotel (Harads, Sweden)
Treehotel is renowned for its architecturally fascinating treehouses suspended in the forest canopy. Each unit is uniquely designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, such as hydroelectric power and eco-toilets. Treehotel holds a Green Key certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainable operation and environmental responsibility. Guests can indulge in traditional Sami culture through guided northern lights tours, forest walks, and local culinary experiences. Website: Treehotel https://treehotel.se/
2. EcoHotel Koros (Slovenia)
Nestled in the heart of the Slovenian mountains, EcoHotel Koros focuses on sustainable living and has achieved the EU Ecolabel. The hotel is built entirely from local, natural materials, and uses solar power for its energy needs. The property is deeply integrated into the local community, with its initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and support local agricultural products. Guests can enjoy eco-friendly activities such as cycling, hiking, and visits to organic farms. Website: EcoHotel Koros https://bikenomad.com/en/ecohotel-koros/
3. Naturhotel LechLife (Tirol, Austria)
Located in the Austrian Alps, Naturhotel LechLife combines ecological responsibility with regional culture. This eco-lodge has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and EU Ecolabel, thanks to its comprehensive sustainable practices, including biomass heating systems and organic waste composting. The hotel offers an immersive experience into Tirol culture with traditional cooking classes, Alpine herb tours, and Tyrolean music evenings. Website: Naturhotel LechLife https://www.lechlife.at/de/willkommen-sommer/
4. Urnatur (Ödeshög, Sweden)
Urnatur, translating to “ancient nature,” is an eco-lodge that provides a rustic back-to-nature experience. It is self-sufficient, generating its electricity from solar panels and using spring water. The accommodation is crafted using traditional Swedish carpentry techniques without modern machinery, reducing its carbon footprint. The lodge offers forest hermit cabins and treehouses, each uniquely designed with natural materials. Guests are encouraged to engage in woodland skills workshops, wild food foraging, and therapeutic forest walks. Website: Urnatur https://urnatur.se/en/
5. Ecocirer (Mallorca, Spain)
Situated in the picturesque town of Sóller, Ecocirer is part of the burgeoning eco-tourism scene in the Balearic Islands. This boutique hotel revolves around six principles of sustainability, including energy efficiency, water saving, and waste reduction. It offers a unique artistic and cultural experience by showcasing local art and providing workshops on sustainable practices. The morning breakfast features seasonal, locally sourced, and mostly organic products. Website: Ecocirer https://ecocirer.com/
These eco-lodges not only offer a sustainable choice for travelers but also a deep dive into the historical and cultural landscapes of Europe. By integrating green technologies and local traditions, they provide an enriching experience that respects both the environment and the regional heritage. Each lodge has been selected based on its strong environmental credentials and its ability to offer an authentic cultural immersion, setting a benchmark for responsible tourism in Europe.
ForestWell’s aim is to address the growing interest in outdoor activities and nature-based experiences, particularly in the context of wellness and well-being. ForestWell holds immense importance for the forest, tourism, and wellbeing sectors, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the forest sector, ForestWell offers new pathways for sustainable utilisation of forest resources by integrating them into wellness and tourism experiences. This approach enhances value creation from forests beyond traditional timber extraction, promoting conservation efforts and economic diversification.
The necessity for ForestWell Wellbeing Tourism has been underscored by the profound shifts induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. As people increasingly prioritise their mental and physical health, immersive experiences in nature and forests have emerged as a leading global trend in tourism and wellness. To support the movement tourism and wellness sectors require revitalisation post-pandemic, demanding fresh and sustainable approaches to address such growing trends, especially those related to forest-based activities backed up with green skills, sustainable competitiveness and ultimately regenerative approaches. SMEs need to learn how to integrate ForestWell into their tourism offerings such as forest culinary arts, forest bathing, and tourism accommodation.
ForestWell represents a vital initiative for the future of sustainable tourism and wellbeing, particularly in forest-rich regions. It is integral to integrating regenerative and sustainable practices into the core of tourism SMEs and destinations, education, and business sectors, ForestWell not only promotes environmental stewardship but also builds economic and social resilience. As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the importance of nature-based wellness experiences cannot be overstated. ForestWell’s innovative approaches will help to addresses contemporary needs and trends, ensuring that the benefits of forest conservation and wellbeing tourism are realised for current and future generations. Embracing ForestWell’s principles and practices can lead to a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous future for all.
Global Institute of Forest Therapy & Nature Connection
‘Many of us feel a sense of the disconnections and separations within ourselves, with each other, and with the more than human world.
Many of us know that Nature Connection has much wisdom and healing to offer and we have much to offer in return.
As we meet the edge of our disconnections, as we reconnect, Ecosystem Repair™ helps us rewrite our story of disconnection and explore the healing path to reconnection’.
(Source Global Institute of Forest Therapy and Nature Connection)
With ForestWell you can explore the simplicity and complexity as we recognize ourselves as potential professionals, educators, guides or stewards of forests and nature. We learn how our understanding of ForestWell concepts can benefit ourselves and others through immersive tourism or wellbeing experiences and we learn how to provide the spaces needed to nurture this transformative phenomenon.
(ForestWell Project)
The FORESTWELL Projects aims are to implement the innovative and stimulating learning environment in VET and creation of an upskilling pathway for entrepreneurs in wellness and tourism.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.