Target: 10 million trees planted by 2021
AccorHotels launches a funding platform to support agroforestry around the world
As part of its programme Plant For the Planet, AccorHotels has launched an online platform – accorhotels.purprojet.shop – enabling participants to fund agroforestry projects in countries in which the Group operates. Jointly developed with long-term partner Pur Projet, the purpose of this site is to raise as much awareness and involve as many people as possible – in addition to guests staying in its hotels – with regard to the transition towards agroecology.For the launch of the platform, 5 planting projects have been selected in 5 different countries: France, Romania, Senegal, Indonesia and Peru. Participants can choose to plant one or more trees (ash, avocado, eucalyptus, mango, baobab, oak, birch and fruit trees for example), either for themselves or on someone else’s behalf. Once the purchase is confirmed (with the price ranging from €3 to €10 per tree depending on the species and the country), they will receive a named planting certificate detailing the species of tree, its location, as well as the name of the farmer on whose land the tree or trees will be planted. Via the creation of a personal account in the “My Forest” section, the buyer or the recipient of the gift can follow the progress of the project (photos and videos, GPS coordinates of the plot, information on the project’s background and long-term objectives) Since 2009, AccorHotels has been supporting local communities and small-scale farmers through Plant For the Planet. With the help of its partner Pur Projet, the Group is committed to planting trees on the edge of or in the heart of cultivated or grazing land, in a drive to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. The aim is to promote the transition towards more eco-friendly farming and offset the impact on water quality and biodiversity resulting from the agricultural production stage of the food consumed in the hotels. In Asia Pacific, 303,566 trees have been planted since 2009.Plant for the Planet is funded through half of the savings made on laundry costs, when guests staying several nights choose to reuse their towels. More than 2,200 Group hotels currently participate in the program globally. To date, more than 5 million trees have been planted in 26 countries and the Group aims to fund the planting of 10 million trees by 2021.
This initiative is in line with the Group’s international sustainable development program, PLANET 21.
To find out more about Plant for the Planet, go to: http://www.accorhotels.group/en/commitment/plant-for-the-planet/an-iconic-program