Sustainability
Our commitments
A Legacy to Preserve
Preserving the natural harmony of Chamarel’s iconic dunes and protecting the cultural and environmental legacy of the region is central to our vision. At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, we are guided by long-term values and a strong sense of responsibility toward the land and community. At Rogers Hospitality, sustainability is more than just a commitment, it is an integrated approach embedded into our operations through our Now for Tomorrow programme, which is built around five key impact areas: energy transition, circular economy, biodiversity protection, vibrant and inclusive communities, and inclusive development.
Discover Now For Tomorrow
Biodiversity
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, we are committed to protecting our biodiversity and natural heritage through thoughtful, mindful development. In the face of climate change, we believe in collaborative adaptation involving guests, team members, and the local community in conservation, education, and regeneration efforts.
Home to Aldabra Giant Tortoises
The park is home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, one of the world’s largest tortoise species and a distant relative of now-extinct Mauritian tortoises. As part of the Geopark experience, visitors can meet and learn about them. Though often seen with muddy shells, this is natural as mud helps regulate their temperature, keeps them hydrated, and protects against parasites. To support their growth, the Tortoise Park has recently been expanded with more space and enriched habitats.
Endemic Garden
Our Endemic Garden celebrates the unique flora of Mauritius and the Indian Ocean through an interpretive trail with educational signage. Guests can explore native and endemic species such as: Palmiste Blanc, Dictyosperma album), Palmiste Bouteille (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), Palmiste Royale (Roystonea regia), Dianella ensifolia (Reine des bois). These species are cultivated without artificial irrigation, relying solely on rainfall to conserve water and preserve the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Bees
Bees are essential for pollination and the health of biodiversity. At the Geopark, we’ve installed six educational beehives, supported by interpretive signages covering: the bee life cycle, the history and evolution, the role of bees in our ecosystem, the daily life inside the hive, the health benefits of honey. These hives not only support local pollination but also raise awareness about the vital role of bees in sustaining natural ecosystems.
Eco-Label Products: Small Choices, Big Impact
We are mindful of the products we use across the park. From cleaning supplies to tissue paper, we prioritise eco-labelled products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and certified for their low environmental impact. Every product choice reflects our commitment to sustainability and biodiversity protection.
Energy Transition
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, we understand that every step toward sustainability matters. While our main priority is to offer a welcoming and enriching experience, we remain mindful of how we consume energy in our daily operations. Reducing our environmental footprint is a journey and we are learning and improving as we go.
Responsible Energy Consumption
We actively monitor energy use to spot inefficiencies and make informed improvements. Outdoor areas maximise natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Timers on lighting systems ensure electricity is used only when needed. To support everyday action, energy-saving posters are placed in staff and operational areas, to encourage simple habits that, collectively, contribute to meaningful energy savings.
Carbon Accounting
Each year, we carry out a carbon footprint assessment based on international standards, covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. This helps us better understand our impact and guide our efforts.
Circular Economy
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, we are committed to reducing waste and encouraging more responsible consumption. Inspired by circular economy principles, we aim to reuse, recycle, and source locally wherever possible to minimise our environmental impact.
Waste Diversion
Our waste management approach focuses on sorting different types of waste to divert them from landfill. Used cooking oil is collected and recycled by Bioil, while electronic waste is processed through BEM Recycling. Other materials such as paper, plastics and cardboard, are also sorted and collected by authorised recyclers. This approach supports our commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting more sustainable waste practices. At the coffee shop, guests will notice a sorting bin station designed to make recycling easy. It’s a small gesture that encourages everyone to take part in protecting the natural beauty of Chamarel.
From the Region (Territorial)
We aim to prioritise locally sourced products at our coffee shop. As part of our commitment, we conduct regular local sourcing reviews to assess the percentage of local items and identify areas for improvement. A few examples include from the terroir Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, sourced from nearby fields, Café de Chamarel, grown just down the road, a coffee celebrated for its rich aroma, from the only coffee plantation in Mauritius. Sourcing nearby supports local producers, reduces transport-related emissions, and offers our guests an authentic taste of Chamarel’s land.
Biodegradable and Upcycled Materials
At our coffee shop, we carefully evaluate our disposable tableware, such as cups and cutlery and prioritize biodegradable materials to minimize our environmental impact. And when it comes to creativity, we like to think sustainably too. Our team got hands-on and upcycled old wooden pallets into festive decorations for the park and beautiful pieces that we now reuse each season. It’s a simple, joyful way to celebrate while keeping waste to a minimum.
Vibrant Community
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, we believe that true sustainability uplifts people as much as it protects the planet. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with local entrepreneurs, artisans, and producers to build a community where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship thrive.
Empowering Local Creators
Our souvenir shop is more than a retail space, it’s a platform for local talent and responsible design. We prioritise Mauritian-made products to support small businesses and reduce the carbon footprint linked to transportation. Every item has a story. Our merchandising team collaborates closely with artisans from Chamarel and surrounding regions to co-create unique items for the shop. Some of these products are made using coffee residue from our café or even upcycled crockery that has been given a second life. This approach not only encourages circular design but also helps generate local employment and long-term collaborations.
Inclusive Development
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, inclusion starts with connection. We collaborate with local NGOs and support initiatives that empower the Chamarel community. From sponsoring the local football club to youth outings and events like La Fête Sainte Anne and Christmas at the village hall, we strive to remain present beyond the park. Community development is an ongoing journey; we remain committed to fostering wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity through meaningful partnerships in Chamarel
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, every visitor plays a role in helping us protect this rare geological phenomenon. Your small actions can have a lasting impact:
Your visit matters.
Every choice you make helps protect this unique place.
- Admire, Don’t Disturb. Nature thrives when we observe with care. Nature flourishes when left undisturbed. Don’t Litter. Keep it Clean !! Help keep the park clean by using the bins provided,or sort your waste at our dedicated recycling corner.
- Walking on the dunes is strictly prohibited. Please stay on designated paths to help protect this fragile and unique geological formation.
- Support local. Choose locally made souvenirs that support Mauritian artisans.
- Explore and Learn.. Download our free app to discover fascinating stories about the park’s geology, history, and biodiversity during your visit.
Together, we can protect Chamarel for future generations — one step, one choice at a time. Thank you for making a difference.
Proudly Green Key Certified
At Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, sustainability is more than a goal — it’s a daily commitment that shapes our actions and decisions. Green Key is a leading international eco-label for tourism establishments. It recognises those that go beyond environmental regulations and demonstrate a genuine, ongoing commitment to sustainability. To earn this certification, our practices were assessed across 13 key areas, including energy and water use, waste management, biodiversity, community engagement, and staff involvement.
Learn MoreSustainable Tourism Mauritius Awards
The Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Awards, organised by the Tourism Authority, honour outstanding sustainable tourism efforts across the island. In 2024, Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark was shortlisted as a finalist and received the Bronze Award in the Best Sustainable Nature-Based Activity category, a recognition of our continued commitment to sustainability and environmental care.
