Responsible Initiatives | Gal Oya Lodge

Minimising our environmental impact

First and foremost we’ve looked to have as little physical impact on the space we’ve taken as possible.

From sustainable water and energy policies to sourcing only local ingredients we’re trying to get as close to neutral as we can.

Water used in the hotel is sourced from the deep bore well, drilled on the Lodge’s land. The water is filtered and purified so as suitable as drinking water for guests. No water is used from the municipal water supply (mains), minimising our impact on the island’s strained water resource.

Local organic vegetables used in our restaurant kitchen

Wherever possible, food ingredients are sourced from local organic suppliers and producers. An organic farm has been developed on-site to supply otherwise unavailable produce. Almost all ingredients are sourced from suppliers within a 20km radius of the Lodge.

Solar panel, used to heat water in the bungalows and kitchen

To limit energy consumption, solar panels are fitted to heat water in all the bungalows and in the kitchen. Energy-saving light-bulbs are installed wherever possible.

Supporting the local community

We’re conscious of being newcomers to this amazing place. That said, we think there’s a lot of positive impact we can have and we’re working on those goals all the time.

Chef Premarathna, one of the local Lodge staff

From the outset, our ambition has been to have the Lodge locally run. Currently, 75% of the Lodge team live within 10km of the property.

We have worked especially to engage, employ and train poachers – previously hunting game from the National Park. We currently have three ex-poachers employed at the Lodge. Our Naturalist Training Programme offers school leavers a fully-funded six-month course. The students shadow our in-house naturalists and take lectures from guest speakers. Students from our courses have gone on to work in conservation, either at the Lodge or further afield.

Beyond our direct local employment, we look to engage local craftsman, builders, and artisans wherever possible. All wooden furniture at the Lodge was built locally and teams from nearby villages were contracted for the bulk of the construction.

Understanding and protecting wildlife

Our founders come from backgrounds in wildlife and conservation tourism in Nepal and India and investing back into wildlife and the natural environment through research projects and active conservation is a fundamental element of what we are.

Researchers Andrew & Anjali at The Jim Edwards Wildlfe Research Center

At the core of our research effort is The Jim Edwards Wildlife Research Centre. Set up for both our in-house naturalists as well as guest scientists, it provides a facility for conservation-focused studies around Gal Oya National Park. Food, accommodation, and administrative support is provided, and guests are encouraged to visit - an insight provided into ongoing studies and the benefit they are having.

Leopard trails observed as part of our research

From the Research Centre our own naturalists have an ongoing programme of wildlife monitoring. Camera traps in and around the Lodge are used to monitor populations and understand the behavior of mouse deer, jungle cats, jackals, wild boar, elephants and other wildlife.

Alongside our own research we’re delighted to partner with organisations dedicated to specific conservations projects including the Fishing Cat Conservancy and The WIlderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust

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