KEP, CAMBODIA – Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West has announced a landmark sustainability initiative for the 2026 calendar year, directly linking luxury tourism with environmental restoration. Titled “The Regenerative Stay,” the programme transforms every guest booking into a tangible contribution toward Cambodia’s coastal health by funding the planting of ten mangrove seedlings per stay.
The initiative, which is automatically integrated into all 2026 bookings at no extra cost to the guest, aims to demonstrate how the hospitality sector can drive measurable environmental outcomes while maintaining a premium guest experience.
A Science-Based Approach to Blue Carbon
The resort’s commitment focuses on the long-term sequestration of carbon through one of the world’s most efficient natural carbon sinks: mangrove forests. According to data provided by the resort, the environmental impact of each booking is substantial:
- Carbon Absorption: A single mangrove tree is estimated to absorb approximately 308 kilograms of $CO_2$ over a typical 25-year lifespan.
- Total Sequestration: With ten seedlings planted per booking, each stay supports the eventual sequestration of over 3 metric tons of $CO_2$.
By focusing on “blue carbon”—the carbon captured by ocean and coastal ecosystems—Knai Bang Chatt is prioritizing a system that can store up to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests.
Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Community
The plantation work is being executed in partnership with Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) and local community groups in the Kep coastal region. The initiative addresses three critical pillars of coastal health:
- Biodiversity Support: Mangrove roots provide essential breeding grounds for fish and marine species, supporting local food security and marine life.
- Natural Barriers: These forests act as critical shields against storm surges and rising sea levels, significantly reducing coastal erosion.
- Community Livelihoods: By collaborating with local groups for planting and maintenance, the programme strengthens climate resilience for the nearby communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Redefining the Future of Travel
The launch of “The Regenerative Stay” marks a shift from traditional sustainability—minimizing harm—to regenerative tourism, which seeks to leave a destination better than it was found.
“Regeneration only works when people are invited to be part of it,” said Jef Moons, Founder of Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West. “With this programme, each booking becomes a tangible contribution to coastal renewal. It is a way for guests to enjoy the beauty of Kep while actively supporting the ecosystems that make it special.”
The initiative comes at a vital time for Cambodia’s coastline, which has experienced significant mangrove degradation due to development and climate-related impacts. Through this model, Knai Bang Chatt aims to set a new benchmark for destination stewardship in Southeast Asia.
About Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West:
Located in Kep, Cambodia, Knai Bang Chatt is a pioneer in regenerative travel. The resort blends mid-century modernist architecture with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, wellness, and community empowerment.
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