Greater Good Grants

Our Belief

Stemming from a belief that all businesses have a duty to do good, Banyan Group funds projects that benefit local communities and the natural environment in areas where our hotels and resorts operate.

In 2020, the Banyan Global Foundation introduced the Greater Good Grants to further support these endeavours.

30 Projects to Celebrate 30 Years

To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Foundation called on all associates to share in the celebrations, funding 30 associate-led projects that support the Group’s overall direction in addressing the material topics of Climate Action, Waste, Water, Biodiversity, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Our associates responded enthusiastically with a wide range of deserving projects in partnership with local communities, governmental and nongovernmental organisations in China, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Projects were selected based on the following criteria:

Long-term social, environmental, welfare and/or financial benefits to the stakeholder community where our property operates

Alignment to our focus areas, group goals and UN SDGs

Transparency and sustainability of the project

Experience of the project leader

Location of the project (outside the hotel but within 50 km)

2 Cimate Action
4 Waste
4 Water
5 Biodiversity
15 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Initiatives

Examples of these initiatives include wildlife conservation, construction of water infrastructure and waste disposal facilities, and programmes empowering marginalised communities:

Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan supports the conservation of migratory birds at a national wetland park

Banyan Tree Yangshuo constructs water infrastructure for a nearby village

Banyan Tree Bangkok helps a neighbouring community to improve waste management

Banyan Tree Mayakoba provides solar panels for a school off the power grid

Banyan Tree Yangcheng Lake installs solar photovoltaic seats to meet local needs

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui improves a school’s access to drinking water

Banyan Tree Dongguan Songshan Lake organises a biodiversity-themed summer camp for rural youths

Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong revitalises a hydroponic farm for the community

Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô empower people with disabilities through hospitality and handicrafts

Garrya Xi’an Lintong upgrades a services station for people with intellectual disabilities

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Migratory Bird Conservation

Bird migration is an example of the interconnectedness of our world when it comes to biodiversity. With its proximity to the impressive Taihu National Wetland Park, Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan pledged its support to the conservation of migratory birds in the area.

As of December 2024, some 177 species of wild birds have been recorded at the park, including the Lapwing and Falcated Duck, both of which are IUCN World Near Threatened Species, and the nationally protected Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl and Chinese Hwamei. With funding from a Greater Good Grant and close coordination with the park authorities, volunteers observed and studied the birds, cleared typhoon-damaged vegetation and have built seven large bird nests.

Improving Access to Clean Water

A small village near Banyan Tree Yangshuo relied on potentially unsafe karst cave water and groundwater for drinking and farm irrigation. With support from a Greater Good Grant, the village was able to construct the infrastructure to establish a water supply network from a nearby town, providing clean and convenient water access to its 600 villagers.

The project also provided employment for 40 of the villagers who were trained to carry out the construction, generating income and transferable vocational skills. Through this, the resort was able to promote environmental awareness among the villagers, equipping them with skills to improve their health and livelihoods.

Supporting Waste Management Initiative

With a Greater Good Grant, Banyan Tree Bangkok is lending its support to a resident-led waste management initiative at Ban Mankong Suan Phlu Community Housing, a nearby working-class residential district.

The community of nearly 1,000 residents implemented a waste management system that separates general, hazardous, food and recyclable waste—aiming to divert waste from landfill, and encourage responsible consumption and recycling. The hotel was able to support by purchasing a bottle pressing machine for the community, aiding in its recycling efforts. Proceeds from recycling would be re-invested into improving community spaces, contributing to sustainable urban development.

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