Grumeti is first and foremost a conservation company, dedicated to the preservation and protection of the land under its mandate for future generations.
Over the past 12 years, Grumeti has shifted its focus to concentrate even more carefully on environmental sustainability, partnering with BioRegional’s One Planet Living and revising and refining all operational activities and protocols to ensure alignment with One Planet’s ten sustainability principles.
Planning and development in line with these tenets, and enhanced use of various green technologies gas served multiple purposes since then – reduced impact upon the pristine environment in which the lodges are supporting infrastructure are built; improved long term environmental sustainability with reduced dependence upon traditional fuels; and enhanced data transparency in terms of responding to guest feedback which calls for companies to set the example and assume greater responsibility for the environment.
To ensure that environmental sustainability remains top of mind at all times, an Environmental Committee was formed in 2017.
The Committee includes 12 members who represent the various Grumeti divisions. The group meets every quarter and reviews all proposed construction projects – ahead of commencement – to determine whether the suggested work aligns with the company’s guidelines for infrastructure development and complies with the design principles of subtlety, sensitivity, and sustainability.
Grumeti has worked with the Institute of Resource Assessment at the University of Dar es Salaam for many years, with EIAs managed and coordinated by Professor Hussein Sosovele. The company fully appreciates the importance of this crucial step in the process of extending or changing the footprint anywhere on the concession and is fully committed to environmental preservation and accountability as a cornerstone of its operations.
Extensive sustainability awareness training takes place every year for all departments, with 95% of training conducted in Swahili. A film was made of one of the training courses and has since been used for those staff remotely located or whose portfolios don’t allow them to attend regular training sessions.
Grumeti undergoes an annual environmental audit, to ensure targets are being met and to accurately inform the next year’s objectives.
The company’s key sustainability achievements since 2012 include:
- Change over from reliance on diesel-fuelled generators to solar power at Sabora Tented Camp and Faru Faru Lodge
- Change over from national grid power, supported by diesel back-up generators, to solar power at Serengeti House
- Development of Explore and Mara River Tented Camp to be off-grid
- Development of a waste management and refuse separation protocol and facility, which also supports various recycling initiatives in surrounding areas and Arusha
- Vastly reduced reliance on bottled water with all staff issued with reusable stainless steel water bottles and access to filtered treated water points – specialised water filtration plants have also been installed at all guest lodges with water served to guests in reusable sealed glass bottles
- A monthly Usafi Clean Up Day which takes place on the last Saturday of each month
The Inspiring Journey of Digna Meela: A Champion for Environmental Sustainability
Digna Meela, Assistant Sustainability Coordinator at Grumeti Reserves, has been making significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability. Hailing from Arusha, Digna joined the company two years ago, starting as an Administrator in a consultancy-based role. Her journey has been marked by a deep commitment to environmental issues, especially in waste management.
In her current role, Digna finds immense satisfaction in teaching staff about the critical importance of sustainable practices. One poignant moment that highlights her dedication occurred when a staff member asked, “Why are we really caring about and monitoring the waste?” Digna’s response was both insightful and heartfelt. She explained that their efforts are vital for protecting the earth, animals, and people. She detailed how improper waste management—particularly plastics and nylons—can lead to severe consequences for wildlife, as animals might ingest harmful materials that their digestive systems cannot process.
Digna emphasised that recycling is crucial, as materials like plastics and nylons can be repurposed into new products such as plastic bottles, buckets, and clothing. She proudly mentioned Mzee Kichororo, a local villager who collects plastic and nylon waste for free, transforming it into valuable goods and supporting his family in the process. Food waste is utilised to feed local animals, while organic waste is processed into high-quality compost for the reserve’s gardens. Glass waste is sent to Arusha Shanga, where it is used to create glassware by disabled artisans, turning waste into opportunities.
Digna’s vision for the future of environmental sustainability is inspiring. She dreams of a community where children instinctively pick up waste they encounter on the ground, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age. As an Environmental Sustainability ambassador, Digna is driven by a desire to continuously educate others about the importance of waste management.
Through her passionate efforts, Digna embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship. Her work not only contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment but also empowers her community to embrace and champion sustainability practices.
Grumeti was recognised at the Tanzanian Private Sector Awards in 2022, when the company was recognised as the overall winner for Environmental Sustainability.
