Barry

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

The Environment

The people of Atauro depend on the unique natural environment of the island for their survival. It also has spiritual significance for them in their daily lives.

We ask you to respect the environment by:

Enjoying the beauty of the reef without touching, damaging or removing coral, shells, starfish or marine plants.

Disposing of rubbish carefully in bins provided.

Not damaging or removing rocks or plants or needlessly burning precious firewood – leave the environment as you found it.

Not touching or interfering with natural sacred objects or places (guides will advise you). 

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

The Environment

The people of Atauro depend on the unique natural environment of the island for their survival. It also has spiritual significance for them in their daily lives.

We ask you to respect the environment by:

Enjoying the beauty of the reef without touching, damaging or removing coral, shells, starfish or marine plants.

Disposing of rubbish carefully in bins provided.

Not damaging or removing rocks or plants or needlessly burning precious firewood – leave the environment as you found it.

Not touching or interfering with natural sacred objects or places (guides will advise you). 

Barry’s Place – Eco-Lodge 

Permaculture is the design method we have chosen here at the lodge as its ethics and principals are aligned and strengthen that of eco-tourism, “Care of the earth, care of its people”. Our aim is to create a system that is ecologically sound and economically viable, provides for its own needs, does not exploit or pollute and are therefore sustainable in the long term, “Working with, rather than against nature.”

We are revegetating with naturally occurring species, minimising excavation and disturbance to ground cover, using appropriate traditional construction techniques and using locally sourced sustainable building materials such as bamboo and ai-kadiru (lontar palm/sugar palm) that is cut seasonally. All local material and trade persons have been and are to be employed and used throughout the construction with skill transfer and cultural appropriateness always at the forefront. Each team of builders has two or three apprentices who are trained in the traditional building techniques.

Clean drinking water and a reliable distribution system has always been a problem. We aim to model and implement water conservation methods: grey water used from kitchen and bathroom, composting toilets, small sinks, bucket showering and laundry services is done in brackish water. The lodge involves minimal use of energy with the following measures in the design processes: natural ventilation and breezeway, only natural lighting in daylight hours, roofing is low heat absorption (grass thatch) solar panels for lighting and low wattage electrical needs (12volt fans).