Eco-Innovations Signature Projects

In the spirit of  “think globally and act locally”, these joint hotel and community based projects offer unique travel experiences that encourage guest interaction and learning while addressing a universal environmental issue. Examples include clean air awareness in California, coral reef protection in Hawaii, and international efforts in the conservation of endangered species including the North Atlantic right whale, peregrine falcon, and sea turtles. In addition, Fairmont hotels also assist in protecting spaces and are actively involved in efforts to address deforestation, river conservation, as well as green space and trail development.

National Geographic Society

Fairmont is proud to be a new National Geographic Society partner. Recognized around the globe for its yellow-bordered magazine, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations with a long history of supporting the achievements of renowned explorers and groundbreaking researchers. and enterprising grantees. Founded in 1888 to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge, the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. Under the banner of Mission Programs, National Geographic supports critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork, encourages geography education for students, promotes natural, historical and cultural conservation, and inspires audiences through new media, vibrant exhibitions and live events. For more information on this partnership and exclusive events with National Geographic experts, please visit www.fairmont.com/ngs.

To support the National Geographic Society and its mission of inspiring people to care about the planet, please visit www.nationalgeographic.org/donate.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation advocates protection of the environment on a global scale by promoting sustainable and equitable management of natural resources.  The Foundation supports and develops the initiatives of public and private organizations and companies, in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices. The Foundation strives to act as an accelerator of projects and solutions for the environment, and also seeks to raise awareness.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will provide support as it relates to the Foundation’s efforts focusing on three main areas; Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Water conservation. 

To learn more or to make a donation to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, please visit http://www.fpa2.mc/.

World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (WHA)

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has partnered with the World Heritage Alliance, a joint initiative of the United Nations Foundation and Expedia, Inc., to promote conservation, sustainable tourism, and economic development for communities located in and around World Heritage sites. The partnership is a natural one, as close to thirty percent of Fairmont’s portfolio is located in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national and provincial parks and biosphere reserves.

Leading this new partnership is Fairmont Mayakoba, located on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, which has been paired with a local tourism network from the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site. Fairmont Mayakoba provides assistance in the area of economic development, working with Community Tours Sian Ka’an, (CTSK), an alliance of local tour operators, to encourage guests to visit the Reserve and thereby generate revenue for the communities of Sian Ka’an. Guests of the resort benefit by experiencing the amazing natural and cultural history of the Mayan people. As well, they are helping to ensure that World Heritage sites are protected for all travelers now, and in the future, to enjoy.

New projects in other locations are also under consideration. For more information, please visit http://www.worldheritagealliance.org/.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Fairmont is the first global hotel brand to join forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the conservation organization, to address climate change. WWF is dedicated to avoiding dangerous climate change by advocating and advancing policy and practical measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization partners with leading corporations as part of its Climate Savers program to establish ambitious voluntary targets to do this. By 2010, Climate Savers companies will have reduced their CO2 pollution by over ten million tons each year, the equivalent of taking 2 million cars off the road.

Through this partnership, Fairmont has committed to benchmarking its greenhouse gas emissions and establishing a target reduction. WWF and Fairmont will work closely to set reduction targets, augment and refine our climate change strategy, and raise awareness among policy makers, consumers, and employees.

To learn more about the WWF’s Climate Savers program and other initiatives, please visit http://www.wwf.org/.

United Way

Each fall, our corporate office, based in Toronto, Canada, engages in an extensive employee donation campaign to raise funds for the United Way of Greater Toronto. Our employee’s contributions are matched by the Fairmont Foundation, leading to a larger overall donation. Fairmont is one of many companies supporting the United Way of Greater Toronto in their mission to provide assistance in 12 key areas: building strong neighbourhoods; creating opportunities for youth; helping newcomers fulfill their potential; helping individuals become more employable; preventing hunger and homelessness; helping women who have been abused; giving young children a healthy start; helping people with disabilities live independently; delivering health care support services; keeping seniors active in their community; supporting people with AIDS/HIV; and helping people overcome addictions.

Many hotels also run very active and successful campaigns in support of their local United Way. For more information on the United Way of Greater Toronto, please visit http://www.uwgt.org/.