The Lodge at Chaa Creek
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The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an eco-resort and 400-acre private nature reserve located in the Cayo District of Belize, Central America. Established as a small family farm in 1981, it has grown to be one of Belize’s most recognized resorts. It has also received international recognition as a model for sustainable tourism and responsible travel by Conde Nast, National Geographic Adventure, Travel and Leisure magazines, and other publications and organizations. Chaa Creek runs educational and natural history programs with a focus on Belize's Maya culture and civilization.[1]
Early history and development
In the late 1970s, Mick and Lucy Fleming decided to settle in Belize and purchased an abandoned citrus farm along the Macal River in the Cayo District. At that time, the property had no road access, and travel to the nearest town, San Ignacio, was conducted by river using a dugout canoe. The Flemings sustained themselves by transporting produce such as vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, and yogurt to the San Ignacio markets.[2]
In 1981, Chaa Creek Cottages was founded as the inaugural jungle lodge in Belize, featuring two thatched-roof cottages constructed from local materials. The establishment expanded with a road built by the British Army Corps of Engineers in 1983, allowing for the addition of a dining room alongside the existing six cottages. Further constructions, including more cottages, a gift shop, a water tower, and staff quarters, followed in 1985. By 1988, the lodge encompassed 16 cottage rooms, which benefited from amenities like electricity-generated ice and hot water. Enhancements were made to improve accessibility for activities such as canoeing, and in 1990, all cottages were upgraded. The expansion also led to the creation of trails for activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and trekking.
By 1992 there were 26 members of staff in residence at Chaa Creek. Infrastructure was continually upgraded with new stables for the growing herd of horses. Chaa Creek also hosted teams of archaeologists researching on the property and nearby sites.
The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre and Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre were established at Chaa Creek in 1993. Both centres continue to raise awareness of the local environment and encourage scientific research while recording and displaying, for the public and students, the results of scientific investigation and artifacts found on the property.
By 1997 there were a total of 21 cottages including several luxury suites, and the next year electric lighting and fans were added to the rooms In 1999, the Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek with ten bungalow style casitas, and a central dining/social area was renovated. In 2003 Chaa Creek acquired the adjacent Ixchel Medicine Trail (now known as the Maya Medicinal Plant Trail), which was established to investigate and perpetuate traditional Maya healing practices and medicinal plants. The Maya Organic Farm, which showcases traditional Maya agricultural practices and also supplies fresh vegetables for the resort, was also established. Along with the many Maya archaeological sites and temples on Chaa Creek and the Natural History Centre, they contribute to visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the Maya habitation of Belize. Chaa Creek currently consists of 28 cottages, suites, and villas and employs over 150 staff.
Ecological awareness and sustainable development
The Flemings had always maintained an interest in sustainable development and have said that Chaa Creek was operating as an eco-resort before they had even heard the term. As most of their neighbors were subsistence farmers using centuries old traditional farming and construction methods, they sought to learn what they could about traditional methods while investigating newer technologies and methods such as permaculture, intensive farming, solar power, and waste recycling.[3]
As the resort grew and the Flemings were able to purchase land adjacent to theirs, they created a private nature reserve intended to provide a safe habitat for the many native species of flora and fauna of western Belize. At the resort and Macal River Camp, careful attention was paid to sustainable development and waste management, with innovations such as crushing glass bottles for use as aggregate in construction projects, solar electrical generation, maximized recycling, organic farming to supply the Lodge, and other innovations.
Chaa Creek also sponsored several environmental investigations and initiatives, including the US based RiverKeepers’ investigation of the impact of further dam construction on the Macal River, which included a visit by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the establishment of the Belize Foundation for Conservation and the Bay Palm Reforestation project. Chaa Creek has also entered into partnerships with the Yerkes Primate Institute and the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation (Howler Monkey Reintroduction program), the New York Botanical Gardens (Agroforestry Research and Vascular Plant Cataloguing projects), the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County’s international Birds Without Borders organisation and other groups and peak bodies.
Focus on the Maya
The Chaa Creek area has been continually occupied by the Maya for at least 2500 years and was an important trade and habitation area. The well-known Maya sites of Cahal Pech and the Temple of Xunantunich are nearby, and over 70 Maya sites have been recorded on the 365 acre nature reserve. In the course of farming and later development activities, many Maya artifacts, dwelling, storage, administrative and temple sites were uncovered at Chaa Creek, leading the owners to develop a keen interest in the local Maya history and culture. This led to sponsoring studies such as ongoing archaeology research by the University of California, Dr. Jaime Awe of the Belize Ministry of Archaeology, and other institutions and groups.
In the lead up to and during the winter solstice of 2012, the end of the Maya Long Count and an important historical epoch for the Maya, Chaa Creek is sponsoring a range of seminars, lectures, workshops, and cultural activities to further credible Maya research and dispel popular myths surrounding that year and Maya interpretations of its significance.[4][not specific enough to verify]
Environmental education
In addition to educating visitors, the Chaa Creek Natural History Centre and Nature Reserve hosts field trips for many local and international schools, colleges, and universities each year.
The Environmental Education Outreach is a school-based environmental education program Chaa Creek runs in Belize. An ongoing partnership with the State University of New York to annually produce and host a five-day Summer Teachers Institute in Environmental Studies and Culture teachers training program promotes the sustainable use of natural resources while promoting an understanding of Belize’s cultural heritage. The Bush Medicine Camp in partnership with the Ixchel Tropical Research Foundation is an annual youth camp that focuses on Belize Maya medicinal plants and their traditional uses.[5]
Chaa Creek also hosts local and international student interns to gain work experience and other research projects.
References
- ^ "Chaa Creek". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- ^ "Beyond the beach in Belize". CNN Travel. 14 May 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- ^ "The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Rainforest Reserve, Adventure Centre, and Spa". Eco Hotels of the World. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- ^ "Seven Reasons Why the World Won't End This Week". Marty on Ambergris Caye Forums. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Belize Summer Teacher Institute". SUNY Cortland. Retrieved 27 July 2012.