Sustainability in Vietnam at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
At Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and lush jungle hills, we integrate conservation into every aspect of our operations. In 2024, we collected 2,900 kilograms of trash from local beaches, provided access to clean water to 986 people, and donated almost 500 books to libraries and schools. In addition, we engaged 2,350 guests in sustainability workshops and conservation activities. Our Sustainability Fund, which allocates 0.5 percent of total hotel revenue plus the proceeds from bottled water and soft-toy langur sales, supports local communities and ecosystems surrounding our property. Ninh Van Greens, Vietnam's first in-resort solar farm, sustainably powers the resort by generating solar electricity, producing organic vegetables, and heating water. Beneath the 800 solar panels is the thriving Solar Fresh-Cuts organic garden. In 2024, we installed an additional 434 solar panels to our back-of-house area, boosting our solar energy contribution to 26 to 28 percent of the resort's total electricity consumption. These efforts earned us the prestigious HICAP Sustainable Hotel Award for Climate and Biodiversity Action in 2024, reaffirming our commitment to redefining luxury with purpose.
Environmental Responsibility
We operate in line with the Sustainable Operational Guidelines set out by Six Senses and wherever possible go beyond national and international environmental requirements to not only minimize our footprint but create a positive impact.
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Conservation of Endangered Species
In 2022, in collaboration with GreenViet, we conducted a land biodiversity survey, which found 300 species of flora and fauna, including 7 animal and 10 plant species listed as rare and precious in the Vietnam Red Book and at risk of extinction on the IUCN Red List. Our ongoing monitoring efforts, including the use of camera traps, have captured sightings of critically endangered pangolins and the recently rediscovered silver-black chevrotain, a species lost to science for nearly 30 years and endemic to Vietnam.
The black-shanked douc langur, included in the IUCN Red List and Vietnam's Red Book, is found on Hon Heo Mountain area behind our resort, which serves as one of their key habitats. These shy creatures are a rare sight, but can be spotted, along with other wildlife, on hikes into the hills guided by our full-time resident biologist from GreenViet. The langur population in these hills increased from 109 individuals in 2019 to 194 in 2024. Further awareness raising regarding wildlife conservation and protection within the local community in 2024, resulted in 50 wildlife traps being removed from the forest in collaboration with border guards.
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Coral Conservation
The resort's shores are home to vibrant natural coral reefs, offering a haven for marine biodiversity and an exciting underwater experience for snorkelers. In collaboration with guests, we actively transplant broken coral fragments onto artificial reef structures, monitor growth, and observe the marine life they provide shelter for. By fostering the health and growth of these coral communities, we aim to promote their natural reproduction to replenish not only our reef but those further afield.
In 2024, our conservation efforts focused on maintaining and monitoring 80 coral frames. Through this initiative, 100 square meters of seafloor that was previously bare is once again a thriving coral reef habitat. Key activities in 2025 include further surveys to understand the success of the coral frames, in addition to comprehensive training programs to equip our team with the skills needed to support this vital work.
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Biodiversity Research
The dry forest on the coastal rocky slopes forms the majority of the natural habitat at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Complementing this are semi-evergreen seasonal forests on the rocky mountains, an organic vegetable garden, and damp areas around the lake and stream. These landscapes are not only principal habitats for entire ecosystems but also provide a dramatic and picturesque backdrop to the resort. Since 2022, we have identified 150 species in the surrounding forest, including 10 rare plant species listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the IUCN Red list.
As part of our Biodiversity Research project, we also discovered a new plant species, which was officially recognized and named after the resort in 2022: Six Senses Turmeric. Guests visiting Six Senses Ninh Van Bay can now admire this newly discovered plant during its blooming season in October and November. By learning more about the bay’s ecosystem, we can better understand how to preserve and protect its rich biodiversity.
Social Responsibility
From drinking water projects to educational programs and employment, we maintain positive relationships with our greater community.
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Solar for Life
Recognizing the critical role of light in improving quality of life and night-time community safety, the Solar for Life project provides sustainable and renewable energy solutions to remote communities in Khanh Hoa and its surrounding provinces. By installing solar lights in communities residing near forests, the project seeks to enhance living standards and economic prospects while aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
In 2024, we successfully brought light to 800 individuals within remote communities, improving their safety and well-being. Going forward, the project aims to reach more communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing this essential resource.
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Community Education
We believe education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, so we aim to increase access to education for the next generations of Vinh Luong village. Every year, we donate scholarships totaling USD 5,464 to outstanding students in the village to attend university. Additionally, we provide employment opportunities at the resort, conduct for two local primary schools, and organize sustainability talks, knowledge sessions about waste management, and wildlife conversations for 1,343 local citizens, involving students from Vinh Luong Village.
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Community Waste Management
As part of our commitment to improving waste management practices, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay adopts a creative approach. Engaging a wider range of participants, including both locals and tourists, results in a more substantial positive environmental impact. Notable initiatives include the Da Lat Plogging Event at Da Phu Hill, the "Trash to Treasure" competition and exhibition, and beach clean-up activities.
Additionally, we undertake several beach clean-up activities every month. Through our waste management endeavors, we have engaged 496 locals, hosts, and guests, resulting in improved waste management accessibility for 1,570 individuals.
