It is no news that Six Senses Ibiza is much more than a luxury hotel, but a caring and dedicated space also focused on health, both at the individual level with its RoseBar longevity clinic; and at the community level, both socially and environmentally. It is the first resort in the Balearic Islands with BREEAM certification, the largest and most demanding certification for sustainable construction on a global scale. On an island that is privileged in terms of nature but that is currently experiencing different problems, Six Senses seeks to contribute to solving them in different ways. One of them, with the call to the Sustainability Fund, which celebrates its third edition in 2024.
The initiative invites the submission of different environmental and social projects with a return for the community, which are evaluated by a technical committee. From those received, several are selected to be implemented with the financial support and monitoring of Six Senses. Marta Cardoso, director of sustainability at Six Senses Ibiza, spoke with La Voz de Ibiza to explain the details of the call and the lines of work they carry out in terms of sustainability.
Six Senses Sustainability Fund, 2024 edition
-This is the third edition of the Six Senses Ibiza Sustainability Fund. What is your assessment of the progress of this initiative so far?
The Six Senses Ibiza Sustainability Fund is establishing itself as an island-serving initiative with a positive impact for Ibiza. Since its launch, we have achieved a positive balance by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration between local communities and projects, and supporting innovative initiatives around conservation and sustainable development. Through this initiative we have financed multiple projects addressing global and local challenges such as circular economy, waste and water management, biodiversity protection and environmental education, with tangible results. The continuity and growth of the Fund reflects Six Senses Ibiza’s genuine commitment to sustainability, not only as a corporate objective, but as a philosophy integrated into the daily operations of our resort and its interaction with the environment.
-Do you expect an increase in the number of projects submitted this year?
-Wefeel that there is a growing interest and awareness of sustainability in the local community and this is reflected in the number of innovative and positive impact projects that are created each year. Beyond the number of projects that are submitted, what we really value is the impact and alignment of the initiatives with Six Senses’ vision and values and the environmental and social needs of the island.
-What is the composition of the technical evaluation committee, given the variety of projects that can be presented and their importance in both the social and environmental areas?
-The technical evaluation committee is composed of a multidisciplinary group of experts selected to ensure a comprehensive and fair assessment of all projects. It includes Six Senses company professionals with expertise in sustainability, environmental science, social development, circular economy and responsible tourism, as well as local representatives with a deep understanding of the island’s needs and challenges. This diversity allows us to approach the assessment from multiple perspectives, balancing the importance of social and environmental aspects.
-In a context such as the current one (in recent months: Dana, drought prealert, concern about the housing situation, etc.), are projects of any particular type particularly valued?
-TheSustainability Fund undoubtedly pays special attention to projects that directly address these urgent challenges. For example, in the environmental field, projects focused on water management and preservation, resilience to climate change and restoration of affected ecosystems are especially valued.
In the social axis, special attention is given to initiatives that foster community cohesion or promote economic development models that directly benefit the island’s population. However, within the framework of the Six Senses Ibiza Sustainability Fund, we prioritize projects that have a significant local impact, a fundamental principle of the fund.
-How was the development of the projects selected in the previous edition? Can you highlight or emphasize something in particular of one or two of them?
-The development of the projects selected in previous editions has had very positive results, with significant advances in initiatives that have a direct impact on the community and the local environment. Among them, we can highlight two projects for their innovation, focus and long-term impact: ‘Learn & Protect’ with Asociación Vellmarí and ‘Water at School’ by Alianza por el Agua.
The first is aimed at environmental education and the protection of Ibiza’s marine ecosystems. Led by the Vellmarí Association, this project aims to educate children in schools in Ibiza and Formentera and involve young people and local communities in educational activities and practices that promote the conservation of the marine environment. Through workshops, games, talks, immersions and awareness campaigns, a remarkable impact is being generated by promoting greater awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources such as Posidonia, as we all know, a vital natural resource for biodiversity and water quality on the island.
On the other hand, Alianza por el Agua’s Water at School has addressed a crucial issue: the sustainable management of water, an increasingly scarce resource in Ibiza. This project works directly with students, teachers and school communities to implement good water saving and reuse practices, in addition to providing comprehensive education on the water crisis. Its educational approach is key to creating a cultural change from new generations, preparing the community to face current and future water-related challenges.
- The deadline for submitting projects for the third call of the Six Senses Ibiza Sustainability Fund will be open until February 1. Applications should be sent by email to the following address: socialsustainability-ibiza@sixsenses.com
Six Senses Ibiza, a pioneer in Sustainability in the Balearic Islands
As mentioned, Six Senses Ibiza is the first resort and residential community in the Balearic Islands with BREEAM certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology), the largest and most demanding certification in sustainable construction on a global scale. In addition, it recently received ISO 14001 certification, which accredits the resort’s commitment to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and, as an international standard, accredits its commitment to environmental protection through sustainable management that allows for an effective reduction in waste generation and energy savings.
-Within the framework of this 3rd edition of the Sustainability Fund, it is impossible to overlook the fact that a few days ago Six Senses Ibiza received the ISO 14001 certification, which recognizes its work in environmental protection, a hallmark of the hotel since its beginnings. Could you tell us about some of the lines of work that have led you to achieve this and, at the same time, about others you are currently working on?
-The achievement of ISO 14001 certification is a significant recognition of our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, values that have been at the core of our philosophy since opening. This achievement has been possible thanks to an approach to environmental management, focused on minimizing the resort’s impact on the island’s natural surroundings.
We are currently intensifying our educational efforts, both internally and externally, to inspire guests and employees to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. In addition, we continue to explore innovative solutions in waste management and circular economy, in order to become even more efficient and responsible.
