Tag: #BanwaPrivateIsland #palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 Banwa Private Island in North-eastern Palawan is on track to become the first mosquito-free island in the Philippines. To protect the island’s fragile biodiversity, the all-luxury-villa holiday destination aims to eradicate mosquitoes without the use of harmful pesticides.

Banwa Private Island’s Peter Nilsson says: “Banwa Private Island is deeply committed to providing our guests with worry-free, luxurious holidays that are founded upon environmentally conscious and sustainable practices. The Zero Mosquito Project endeavors to achieve a mosquito-free island while keeping the beautiful ecosystem and thriving insect biodiversity in balance.”

Banwa Private Island’s Zero Mosquito project started in July 2022 in collaboration with Culex Maldives, a company at the forefront of successful, sustainable insecticide-free mosquito management in the Maldives since 2019.  The method employs mosquito traps designed and developed by a German company, Biogents. Relatively simple, yet clever solutions of environmental ingenuity that work without pesticides. There are various trap types, depending on the habits and life cycles of the mosquitos. The ‘BG-MosquitaireCO2’ trap works by luring the mosquitos with smells irresistible to biting insects; the odor of human skin, breath, and sweat. A single fan then sucks, even the more wary creatures, into the trap, there is then no escape.

Until now, the most common method of mosquito control used in the tropics has been frequent ‘fogging’ with insecticides. This kills mosquitos, but the unfortunate side effect is that the chemicals are unavoidably inhaled by the island’s human residents, and non-targeted insects and even fish are negatively impacted.

Medical Entomologist Bart GJ Knols, PhD, MBA of Culex Maldives said: “We were delighted when Banwa Private Island contacted us. On two of the six islands in the Maldives where the traps are currently being used, we have eliminated the dangerous Asian Tiger Mosquito. We are passionate about moving away from pesticides and offering green and sustainable alternatives of benefit to both resorts and islands with local communities. This is a great opportunity. It is great to see Banwa Private Island spearheading non-toxic mosquito eradication in the Philippines.”

For more information and inquiries on Banwa Private Island, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

For more information and inquiries regarding mosquito traps and mosquitos in island elimination programs, send an email to bart@culexmaldives.com

 

#BanwaPrivateIsland #Palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

At Banwa Private Island, team members are everyday heroes who passionately work together in the noble pursuit of protecting Mother Nature. Surrounded by the untouched beauty of the island sanctuary in North-eastern Palawan, the team’s collective love of nature has inspired each one to be custodians of the environment.

Meet Bernard, one of the invaluable team heads who leads the Aquos Foundation in its various local conservation endeavors and research initiatives.  The Aquos Foundation, with the mission to conserve, protect and nurture the rich biodiversity in and around the marine protected reserve, is the environmental arm of Banwa Private Island.

Palawan being his childhood playground, Bernard has developed his strong affinity to flora and fauna at a very young age.  As a registered nurse by profession, his intrinsic gift of care and empathy has transcended to both people and nature.  Bernard, a pioneer of the Aquos Foundation, has played a vital role in protecting and restoring the habitats of the critically endangered Mantanani Scops Owl, Hawksbill Turtle, and the Tabon Bird (Megapode).

Bernard works with scientists and researchers of note recording the growth of birdlife from 15 species in 2014 to 60 species in 2021 through area search methods and photo documentation. Tabon Bird nests grew from only 3 nests in 2012 to 200 nests in 2021.  The thriving island landscape provides the perfect habitat for various migratory and native birds.

In 2018, there were 180 reef balls laid out on the seafloor as part of the Reef Rehabilitation Programme providing shelter to Hawksbill Turtles.  From learning how to swim with a life jacket, Bernard is currently in the process of furthering his dive education to Dive Master. He proudly inspects these reef balls with flourishing marine life and growing coral colonies.

Every morning, you will find Bernard checking on the Megapode nesting sites at the Tabon Bird Sanctuary and inspecting the Hawksbill Turtle laying grounds in the Coconut Grove and the villa gardens.  Since 2016, over 5,800 Hawksbill Turtle eggs were laid, of which 60% hatchlings emerged.

Guests can have an active part in these eco-initiatives by joining Bernard on nature walks around the island, snorkeling the house reef and exploring the radiant corals, keeping count of how many local bird species one can spot in the lush vegetation, or witnessing the magic of baby turtles being released to the turquoise waters.

For more information and inquiries on exclusive island escape at Banwa Private Island, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

 

#BanwaPrivateIsland #palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph