Tag Archives: The Treetment Project

The Treetment Project

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in natural farming methods, travel and leisure

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“A tree is worth $193,250. A tree living for 50 years will generate about $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, control soil erosion and increase soil fertility to the tune of $31,250, recycle $37,500 worth of water and provide a home for animals worth $31,250. This figure does not include the value of fruits, lumber or beauty derived from trees.”
                                                             – Dr. TM Das, University of Calcutta
“Save the planet, one spa treatment at a time.” is the slogan of “The Treetment Project.” Started by Mandala Spa in Boracay Island, Philippines; it is a response to the global call for environmental action and focused on the reforestation of Boracay Island as well as the adjoining town of Malay in Aklan province. Over the last 50 years, 66% of the Philippines’ forest cover has been lost, one of the highest deforestation rates in the world.
The Treetment Project was conceptualized as a corporate pledge of the multi-awarded Mandala Spa, perhaps the best destination spa in the Philippines today. It is a pledge to plant a tree for every treatment and room night booked in Mandala Spa and Villas. The tree would then be planted in government-designated and protected areas and cared for by Mandala Staff, with the tree owners given the option to name their tree and given updates on its growth and development.

Dieter Schrottmann, founder of The Treetment Project

Created in June 2009, The Treetment Project is the brainchild of Mandala Spa owner Dieter Schrottmann and meant to connect guests with nature, one tree at a time. It is also meant to inspire people to care for the planet in the same way that they care for themselves through wellness treatments. It has also become Mandala’s statement of commitment to the environmental sustainability of Boracay Island and its nearby forest area.

Miss Earth candidates join The Treetment Project

From the first seedling planted on July 13, 2009 at the Mandala Spa grounds, the project has grown in leaps and bounds with its reforestation initiative. Partnering with the local government of Malay, Aklan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as Boracay Island Water Company, the Treetment Project has to date planted 14, 320 trees in Boracay and the Nabaoy watershed in Aklan, the source of Boracay’s fresh water supply.

Volunteers hike the mountains of Malay, Aklan to plant trees

It has included in its ranks of volunteers government officials, barangay workers, private citizens, staff of project partners and residents of Boracay Island. The project has incidentally also earned an eco-establishment certification for Mandala Spa from TUV Rheinland, a respected German certification body with over 140 years of experience. It currently remains as the only TUV accredited eco-establishment in Boracay Island today.

Treetment Project tree planting activity in Nabaoy

The Treetment Project is a continuing commitment by Mandala Spa to the environment. It will continue to plant trees for as long as guests come for treatments and stay at its villas. It has generated much interest from other sectors and will involve large corporations in the future, all committed to the preservation of the environment and to corporate social responsibility.

Big things come from small beginnings, they say. Forests, too, will sprout from one small but revolutionary idea. An idea to give back to mother nature, an idea to connect luxury to reforestation. An idea with a lifetime of benefits, just one spa treatment at a time.

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” 
                                                                                    – Martin Luther