Business World |
March 2015
230
tion is a credit to the hard work of their 150
staffmembers, who she refers to as the “Chaa
Creek family.”
“Since day one, when we employed a few
young people from local families, we realised
that our extended family of staff members
was part and parcel of success. Our staff
members know they are valued, and this is
reflected in their commitment and level of
service.
“I think that shows,” she added.
At the same time, Lucy also credits Chaa
Creek’s long history of environmental re-
sponsibility and community engagement
as a factor in their success. Under the Chaa
Creek Cares initiative, 10 per cent of all ac-
commodation revenue goes directly into so-
cial and environmental programs or contri-
butions.
Examples of those programs include Chaa
Creek’s Environmental Education Outreach
program, which “takes environmental edu-
cation directly to schools and many special
events throughout Belize.” Chaa Creek also
established the Belize Foundation for Con-
servation to “promote environmental educa-
tion, cultural awareness and sustainable con-
servation practices.”
Each year, theLodge atChaaCreek alsohosts
hundreds of local and overseas students, and
sponsors internship positions in ecotourism
and responsible travel through programs at
their Natural History Centre, Blue Morpho
Breeding Centre, Rainforest Medicinal Trail
