Preserving Paradise, Safeguarding Belize
Chan Chich Lodge embodies core values rooted in environmental respect, offering guests an immersive, nature-centric experience. Guided by experts in the field, we champion biodiversity conservation and undertake various actions that support a balanced coexistence with nature while minimising our ecological footprint within our 30,000-acre property.
Climate Action in Tourism
Chan Chich Lodge is a beacon of sustainable tourism in Belize’s rainforest, committing to climate action beyond Earth Day. The lodge contributes to the planet’s well-being daily through eco-friendly practices. Dedicated actions, detailed below, uphold the lodge’s year-round environmental commitment:
- LED lights ensure that pathways to rooms are well-lit and efficient
- Recyclable bottles eliminate the use of single-use plastics
- Biodegradable products are prioritized
- Comprehensive waste management practices that reduce the lodge’s ecological footprint
- Through smart purchasing, including bulk buying and strategic planning, weekly runs are minimized
- The gift shop actively promotes locally produced crafts and ornaments
- In-house furniture are made from fallen trees
- Paper is actively recycled and reused
- Farm-to-table approach supporting local farmers
- Minimizing wildlife disruption, night driving restrictions are in place after 6 pm, except for one tour ending by 9 pm
- A dedicated bus for workers actively reduces individual vehicle use
- Partnerships with like-minded hotels offer eco-luxury accommodations for jungle and beach experiences for our guests
- Relocation of creatures to their natural habitat; harm is never caused
- An ecological landscape is maintained near the swimming pool area, typically requiring less maintenance and irrigation, while eco-friendly chlorine options are used.
Our Cottages
Choosing to construct our lodge cottages with locally sourced hardwoods and thatch roofs, employing traditional Maya techniques, allows us to actively contribute to preserving living cultural heritage, ensuring the continued practice of time-honoured Maya craftsmanship. This choice also supports sustainable forestry practices, as local hardwoods are responsibly harvested, reducing the environmental impact associated with construction materials.
In-room conscious initiatives include:
- Recyclable bottles and glasses for amenities and water
- Returnable glass bottles’ sodas
- Re-usable room keys
- Refillable shampoo, body wash and conditioner containers
- Wrap around windows for natural ventilation and lighting
- Environmental housekeeping and energy-saving reminders via room cards
- Natural insulation from thatch roofs
- Biodegradable EO soaps, lotions and shampoos
- Eco-friendly Living Fresh linens
- Non-electric water dispensers
- Furniture made from fallen-trees
Food and Beverage
Chan Chich Lodge exemplifies its commitment to sustainability by sourcing 60% of its produce from the Gallon Jug Estate, emphasising freshness and a solid connection to the local landscape. The remaining 40% is thoughtfully obtained from nearby farmers and regional markets, including a Mennonite community, showcasing the lodge’s dedication to supporting local communities and fostering a responsible, eco-conscious approach to its culinary offerings.
The farm at the lodge organically grows and produces:
- Shade grown; bird friendly coffee
- Pepper sauces and jellies
- Rainforest raw organic honey
- Seasonal and regional fruit trees for healthy meals and refreshers
- A diverse range of greens, vegetables, and herbs from our Veg-Roots & Shoots greenhouse
- Grass-fed cattle, providing organic dairy products and meats
- Sustainable pig farming practices
- Free-range chickens and ducks, providing high-quality produce
Wildlife
Chan Chich Lodge is a critical player in biodiversity conservation, actively preserving forests and partnering with nearby protected areas. Our collaboration aids critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable species by creating crucial wildlife corridors. This commitment reflects the lodge’s dedication to responsible tourism, promoting the coexistence of human activities and protecting the region’s precious flora and fauna.
Among the 200 species of trees, 400 species of birds and 80 species of mammals that we help protect are:
- Ocellated Turkey
- White-lipped peccaries
- Jaguars
- Puma
- Jaguarundi
- Margay
- Ocelot
- Baird’s Tapir
- Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey
- Yucatán Black Howler Monkey
- Critically Endangered Central American River Turtle known locally as the Hickatee or Tortuga Blanca
- Great Curassow
- White-tailed Deer
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The name “Chan Chich,” meaning “little bird” in Mayan, reflects the lodge’s commitment to preserving traditions, customs, and language. This dedication to cultural heritage is evident in various aspects of the lodge:
- Built atop a Maya plaza that it helps protect
- Distinctive Maya architecture as a symbol of respect for the ancient Maya legacy
- Culinary experiences feature regional flavours, including Maya, mestizo, and Garifuna-inspired dishes, offering an authentic taste of local cultural heritage
- Our storytelling commitment ensures the continuity of ancient Maya narratives and traditions through bedtime stories
- Sustainable farming practices to support local communities and honour the land
Community Development
A commitment to fostering the socio-economic development of the local community in Silvester Village and the extended lodge staff family lies at the heart of our values. Beyond offering a unique and immersive experience for guests, the lodge actively engages in initiatives that positively impact the well-being and needs of future generations. This commitment is exemplified through various endeavours:
- Hosting visiting professionals conducting research in the area, facilitating a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration
- Supporting the Casey Community School, providing essential primary school studies to children of the area and teaching them about the importance of forest conservation
- Sharing valuable knowledge about conservation and sustainability with lodge guests, fostering awareness and understanding
Philanthropy & Contributions
The lodge continues to make annual contributions to initiatives focused on forest conservation, wildlife referral, and rehabilitation, actively participating in efforts of the following organisations, among others:
- Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic
- Belize Bird Rescue
- Fundraiser Event
- ACES Wildlife Rescue
- The Belize Zoo
- Annual Run for Jaguars
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute – Belize (CMARI- Belize)
- The Belize Audubon Society
- The Belize Tourism Industry Association
- The Belize Hotel Association
- Belize Birding Festival
- European Nature Trust