Limpopo-Lipadi pioneers green construction technique in Botswana
In keeping with Limpopo-Lipadi’s ethos as a sustainable and environmentally conscious game and wilderness reserve, the eco-friendly sandbag construction technique is being implemented for the first time in Botswana.
A popular construction method in neighbouring South Africa, the sandbag technique requires no electricity on site and minimal amounts of water; the materials are lightweight and make use of local resources and communities can learn the simple technique quickly. Homes built using the sandbag technique are waterproof, offer thermal stability remaining cool in summer and warm in winter and hold sound absorbing properties.
On the award winning Limpopo-Lipadi game and wilderness reserve which covers some 32,000 hectares of eastern Botswana, the shareholders have elected to utilise sandbag construction for the staff village in which some 50 local people live.
Alan Marneweck, Founder and Shareholder of Limpopo-Lipadi, comments, “One of the cornerstones of Limpopo-Lipadi’s comprehensive sustainability model is corporate social responsibility. The reserve works in close conjunction with the local communities, providing employment and training to men and women. We feel that it is important to provide quality accommodation on the reserve for our employees as well as empowering them with new, transferable skills such as the sandbag construction technique.”
He goes on to say, “It is essential that we focus on every aspect of the sustainability of the reserve and that includes the resources for our building materials. Using sandbag construction limits the use of carbon emitting building products and subsequently reduces our carbon footprint.”
The sandbag homes in the staff village are nearing completion with the external plastering work and roofing using natural materials being undertaken. The first residents are expected January 2009.
For more information about the Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness reserve please call 00 27 12 349 2437 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com
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About Limpopo-Lipadi Game & Wilderness Reserve
A unique investment opportunity found in the heart of the African country Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi covers an expanse of over 32,000 hectares. With various lodges throughout the reserve the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers. As an investor into the reserve you will be contributing to a unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model that Limpopo-Lipadi founders hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century.
As an investor into the project you own the game and wilderness reserve which is at an exciting point in its development; you will be able to visit the reserve as often as you like, be part of the decision making process of the reserve or just simply enjoy the many diverse ecosystems when you visit., Your capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges, camps and two (only one) commercial tourism properties for the introduction of paying guests to the reserve.
You can choose to stay at the Island Lodge, River Camp, Kirkia Forest Camp, Mountain Rock Lodge, Marula Tree Tented Camp or Wilderness Tented Camp. These lodges and camps enable you to enjoy the reserve through the diverse seasons in different locations and cater for your every bush experience need.
There are different levels of investment involvement that you can commit to – from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is $195,000, but in terms of the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy, they are limitless.
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