EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards 2023
“Celebrating Asia’s Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives: The Inaugural 2023 EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards”
In a momentous gathering on September 28, 2023, the first-ever EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards Ceremony unfolded its vision. This groundbreaking event aimed to recognize, champion, and propel groundbreaking projects that are reshaping the landscape of sustainability in Asia.
More than 20 nominees hailing from the non-profit sector and private tourism companies graced the ballot, vying for prizes that exceeded a remarkable total of $40,000 USD.
A distinguished panel of globally renowned sustainable tourism experts lent their discerning eyes to evaluate each nominee, ultimately casting their votes in alignment with the merit of each endeavor.
The much-anticipated moment arrived when the judges unveiled the victors across five distinct categories, while a sixth accolade, the ‘People’s Choice Award,’ was bestowed based on a month-long public vote.
Alexandra Michat, EXO’s Chief Purpose Officer, who presided over the ceremony, encapsulated the mission: “Through the organization of these awards, we are aiming to foster collaboration among responsible tourism stakeholders in our destinations, ensuring that both people and nature are preserved, protected, and nurtured.”
The EXO Foundation had the privilege of collaborating with two co-sponsors to make this event a reality: LightBlue Consulting and Considerate Group.
LightBlue Consulting, an authority in food waste prevention and sustainability, provides businesses with cutting-edge solutions for achieving zero-waste strategies. On the other hand, Considerate Group offers consultancy services tailored for the hospitality industry, harnessing data and expertise to facilitate the seamless integration of sustainable practices.
The awards, designed to commend organizations dedicated to the betterment of our planet and its people, were distributed across two core categories:
Sustainability Awards for Organizations Working for the Planet
Climate Action: Recognizing organizations striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Winner (Not For Profit): Paul Dubrule School (Cambodia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Kalaweit (Indonesia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): The Racha (Thailand)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Citadines (Cambodia)
Circular Economy: Acknowledging organizations working towards reducing plastic pollution and food waste
- Winner (Not For Profit): Anambas Foundation (Indonesia)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): PSE (Cambodia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Reform Plastic (Vietnam)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Pimalai Resort (Thailand)
Regenerating Nature: Honoring organizations committed to protecting natural habitats and wildlife
- Winner (Not For Profit): Bayong Agro School (Cambodia)
- Runner up (Not For Profit): Orangutan Appeal (Indonesia)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Living Irrawaddy Dolphin Project (Myanmar)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)
Sustainability Awards for Organizations Working for the People
Protecting Cultural Heritage: Acknowledging organizations promoting cultural diversity and heritage sites
- Winner (Not For Profit): Tanoti SDN BHD (Malaysia)
- Runner up (Not For Profit): Shunyoso Cultural Asset Preservation Society (Japan)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): PT Papaua Diving Resort (Indonesia)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Soori Bali (Indonesia)
Empowering Communities: Celebrating organizations dedicated to enhancing lives through tourism
- Winner (Not For Profit): Know One, Teach One- KOTO (Vietnam)
- Runner up (Not for Profit): Friends International (Thailand)
- Winner (Tourism Private Sector): Treehouse Villas (Koh Yao)
- Runner up (Tourism Private Sector): Sarin Buana Eco-Lodge (Indonesia)
People’s Choice Awards: Where the Public’s Voice Was Heard
People’s Choice Award: Voted by the Public
- Winner: PSE (Cambodia)
- Runner up: Bayong Agro School (Cambodia)
In closing, we extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed panel of judges and co-sponsors for their unwavering support, which played an instrumental role in making the 2023 Sustainability Awards an unforgettable success!
ps.
In addition, we’ve shared YouTube videos of the event at these links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVcyL_qKSus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35OFk-6jotk