At eco resorts, the use of sensitive site selection, reduction of construction waste and sustainable maintenance and management methods are all important indicators with benefits that flow to the people and the ecology in the communities in which they are located.   The United Nations definition of sustainability applies to this important and ground-breaking field. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Brundtland Summit 1987
Having been lucky to work for several resorts on the coast of BC, at Long Island in the Bahamas and at Loreto on the Baja on resorts which were all sensitive to their local environments has been very rewarding and educational.  In fact today, the idea of anything less than ecological planning would seem pointless and backward in these pristine sites.  Local eco resorts provide activities like bird watching, walking nature trails, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, paddling or rowing, fishing, painting, sailing, beachcombing, hiking, cooking, diving, or learning by doing, and if any of these seem appealing to you as they are to us, then eco resorts may be for you.  Typical guidelines, policies and strategies involve the use of alternative energy, healthy diet options, water conservation, reduced carbon footprints, organic composting, recycling, use of bio-degradable cleansers, reclaimed building materials, local food sourcing, local staffing and educational components.