A model of sustainable hotel in Dana biosphere reserve
Photo Gallery. Photo Gallery.
Feynan Ecolodge lies in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Canada 320 km2 of land. RES Initiatives Viewer, Renewable Interactive Map. It is the only reserve in Jordan that encompasses the four different bio-geographical zones of the country: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian.
Feynan Ecolodge is a first for ecotourism in Jordan. Propiedad de la Real Sociedad para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (RSCN) y operado por EcoHotels (a Jordanian start up), Feynan Ecolodge integrates conservation and socio-economic development whilst having a minimal impact on the environment and offering a unique tourism experience. Feynan Ecolodge has garnered international recognition, receiving a number of awards including being listed as one of National Geographic’s top 25 Photo Gallery 2013.
A lodge based on energy sustainability
Photo Gallery. What little electricity is consumed is generated through solar photovoltaic (PV) paneles. Batteries store 50kWh, enabling the lodge to store 3 days’ worth of electricity to account for cloudy days.
In order to efficiently utilize the energy generated, usage is kept to a minimum and closely monitored. Sólo se utilizan aparatos eléctricos esenciales, y los empleados están certificados para utilizar cantidades muy bajas de energía. The kitchen, guest bathrooms and office are the only areas with electric lighting and use CFL 8W bulbs. Appliances such as the refrigerators in the kitchen are Energy Star (US rating) or A/A (EU rating) certified. Laundry is air dried, reducing the need for energy consuming driers and towels are changed on request rather than every day. Photo Gallery, Amman.
At night, the lodge is lit by candlelight providing an innovative solution and drawing on traditional techniques. Photo Gallery, an enchanting ambience and allowing guests to view the beautiful night sky.
Hot water needs at Feynan are also met by solar power. An extensive solar heating system provides all necessary hot water for the kitchen, guests, and washing machines (the washing machines do not heat water electrically).
Due to warm climate at Feynan, space heating is only required for a short part of the year. For 60-90 evenings each winter, Photo Gallery, or olive pit charcoal, is burned in the two fireplaces at the lodge to provide heat. Esto preserva árboles de Jordania y utiliza una fuente de energía renovable que es un subproducto natural de la cosecha anual de aceitunas de Jordania.
The ecolodge was designed following bioclimatic criteria. Un diseño bien concebido ofrece el Lodge con un patio integral vinculado a patios exteriores que ofrecen brisas suaves y lugares con sombra para descansar. Perpendicular outcrops on the lodge’s facades provide shade on outer surfaces and aesthetically appealing contrasts.
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Feynan Ecolodge at night © Feynan Ecolodge.
The vision of Feynan is to operate in complete harmony with its environment. From the local staff, to the design of the lodge and its rooms, to its environmen-tally friendly policies, Feynan embodies sustainability whilst offering guests a unique experience. Photo Gallery.
Feynan’s approach to energy is just one part of its environmental strategy. Water use and waste are minimised. Only minimal amounts of paper and plastic are used and residual waste is recycled if possible. Food waste is transformed into fertiliser through on-site composting. Disposable plastic PET water bottles have been eliminated from guest rooms and replaced by locally produced clay water jars, saving 8,000 - 10,000 bottles from the environmental annually. Photo Gallery 60% since 2009.
Photo Gallery (RSCN) policies to employ staff from local areas and communities, Feynan Ecolodge has an entirely local team working onsite. Además, the candle-making and leather workshops on site give women in the community the opportunity to work to help support their families and showcase their art. Local businesses provide supplies for the lodge and all revenue generated from transportation to and from the lodge goes directly to the drivers from the local Bedouin community. In total the lodge provides direct benefits to over 80 local families which equates to 400 people or 14% of the local population.
Lessons learned and replicability
Photo Gallery, but it is also an added value to the tourism experience. Photo Gallery.
Feynan model is a replicable experience in many isolated tourist destinations in the UNESCO sites. The development of the self-sufficient Ecolodge concept by integrating local cultural and environmental values is an excellent way to improve the tourist activity in the sites.
© Feynan Ecolodge Photo Escape. Dana reserva de la biosfera, Jordania.
