Eco-Inspiration

Circular design of the new beach-front resort under construction south of Banjul. The entire project is created based on sustainable development principles.

Alfred - "the man who makes our dreams reality" - the project manager; with Maurice & Geri, in front of the "Queen of the Mangrove" giant heron, the symbol of Sandale Bay

When Alex was coming to visit us, he flew next to an English gentleman who is pouring his heart into turning an ecological dream into a reality. Maurice could easily be spending his time in retirement and rest, but he and his life partner have decided to dedicate their material resources and personal energy into creating an eco-tourism resort that embodies beauty and tranquility with state-of-the-art engineering and sound use of local renewable resources. The result is their soon-to-be-opened Sandale Bay Eco-Retreat at the southern tip of the Gambia’s coast.

Maurice invited our whole family to visit their labor of love under construction, and they’ve been good friends to us since our third week here.

Not Just Environmental

The eco-resort isn’t just good for the environment. It’s good for the whole community. Profits will be shared with the local village. Everything from food to furnishings and building bricks are sourced from local, low-impact materials, creating opportunities for skills training and income generation. About 70 percent of the employees will come from the local community and assistance will be provided for villagers to start their own businesses. At the end of the 25-year lease, the entire resort is given back to the community from which it was built. The place already has begun serving as an international training center for eco-tourism, international development, and even hosts yoga retreats and inter-faith meetings.

After about ten years in the Gambia (where they run another hotel, the Safari Garden, which is a hang-out for lots of interesting people visiting or staying in the country) Maurice and Geri also work actively in other organizations for Gambian development. They have become experts in how to work best in the local environment and culture. They also are great examples of how to not lose idealism while making the world a better place.