Transforming landscapes: Jetwing Hotels’ commitment to sustainable hospitality 

Drought and desertification are critical issues that threaten ecosystems around the world, including freshwater sources and soil – the very foundation of life on Earth. World Environment Day 2024 highlights the urgent need for land restoration, increased drought resilience, and combating desertification. 

From the onset, Jetwing Hotels has been guided by the philosophy that hospitality cannot exist isolated from the local communities and the environment. As such, sustainability is ingrained into all our operations to ensure long-lasting positive impact among our communities and the planet. In our commitment to sustainable operations, all Jetwing properties strive to halt ecosystem degradation, while Jetwing Kaduruketha and Jetwing Vil Uyana take this a step further by actively promoting ecosystem recovery and land restoration.

Preserving Heritage

Set amidst 50-acres of lush paddy fields in the quiet village of Wellawaya, Jetwing Kaduruketha is an eco-resort that offers tradition inspired eco-luxury celebrating a centuries-old way of life in Sri Lanka. The property is focused on reviving heirloom rice varieties and traditional farming knowledge including integrated pest and nutrient management practices. We organically cultivate Pachchaperumal, Kahawanu, Kuruluthuda, Batapolal, and Suwandel, varieties that have thrived in Sri Lanka for centuries and therefore perfectly adapted to our climate and soil, making them more resilient to drought and the effects of climate change.

As we follow organic and regenerative agricultural practices, our produce is nutrient-rich and of high-quality. By utilising organic fertilisers and minimising tillage, we have nurtured a healthy ecosystem within the soil; enhancing soil formation, nutrient cycling, and water retention, creating a naturally fertile environment for our crops. Eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides stimulates soil biodiversity, boosting productivity and promotes carbon sequestration in the soil, mitigating climate change. This shift has also fostered a healthy habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity and a thriving ecosystem. 

A Haven for Wildlife 

Sustainable by design, Jetwing Kaduruketha reflects a traditional home garden, brimming with native and endemic plants, while contiguous habitat management has enabled the migration of small mammal and arboreal species. These efforts, combined with our organic and regenerative farming practices, have fostered a thriving ecosystem in our surrounding lands, creating a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, including the elusive fishing cat, the flying squirrel, the baya weaver, and over 130 bird species – both native to Sri Lanka and migratory visitors. 

A Paradigm Shift 

Traditionally, in Sri Lanka paddy farmers till lands owned by others, and are unable to escape the cycle of debt. As the owners of 50-acres of paddyland, Jetwing Kaduruketha sought a fairer approach to empower the farming community around our property. We work closely with 30 farming families to cultivate our lands by extending seed money to them at the beginning of the cultivation season. The difference being that the farmers do not have to repay this working capital to Jetwing post-harvest. Instead, 50% of the harvest is shared with the hotel, and they are free to make a profit from their share of paddy, thereby keeping them from falling into debt in the case of a poor harvest.

A Model for Regenerative Design 

Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled amidst the captivating scenery of Sigiriya, stands as a testament to the power of regenerative design. Once a distressed agricultural land, the 28-acre site has been revitalized into a thriving wetland. Inspired by ancient Sri Lankan irrigation systems, Jetwing Vil Uyana features a network of constructed lakes that not only harvest and store rainwater for irrigation, but also act as a buffer against drought, recharging the water table.  The collected rainwater replenishes groundwater reserves and forms a vital link in the local cascade system, ensuring a steady water supply for downstream paddy fields. 

A Thriving Ecosystem 

A rapid biodiversity survey before the launch of Jetwing Vil Uyana revealed minimal animal activity. Remarkably, 18 years later, the property has become a haven for a multitude of species: 160 birds, 30 mammals, 58 butterfly species, and over 50 amphibians and reptiles. A dedicated Loris Conservation Site and Information Center was established to preserve the habitat of the Grey Slender Loris and vulnerable wildlife, such as Sri Lanka's small wildcats. 

Sustainable Stays 

Jetwing Hotels’ comprehensive sustainability strategy ensures that all operations promote environmental sustainability and community upliftment. In addition to our conservation initiatives, both Jetwing Kaduruketha and Jetwing Vil Uyana will soon feature solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while supporting national energy goals. On-site wastewater treatment plants ensure that wastewater undergoes appropriate treatment before discharge, while solid waste is sorted and recycled wherever possible. We've also pioneered the use of glass water bottles, filled at on-site bottling plants, as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles, further reducing our ecological footprint.

Jetwing Vil Uyana's recognition as a world-class eco-resort by Conde Nast Traveller and Jetwing Kaduruketha's inclusion on Wanderlust Magazine's 2024 Travel Green List are testaments to our dedication to sustainability. Understanding that there is more room for improvement, we are constantly innovating and seeking collaborations to push our sustainability agenda further. As we continue our journey towards a greener future, we invite our guests to join us in embracing practices that protect the environment.