Footsteps Ecolodge, Gunjur, The Gambia Case Study

Location and Context

A peaceful retreat located close to the village of Gunjur and 45 minutes south of Gambia's main tourist area. It is located on the west coast of Africa close to the North Atlantic Ocean. Footsteps was built in 2002. The Eco lodge consists of 9 individual round huts with en-suite facilities, a bar and a restaurant. 

How is this an example of sustainable development?

• They make the camp as ecologically efficient as possible. This includes providing electricity by used solar power, which has considerably reduced the use of propane gas. 
• 9 huts made from sustainably sourced wood.
• All toilets are composting toilets - harmful substances are removed and waste is used as compost. 
• Water for use in the huts comes from  tube wells and stored in water tanks. Solar powered pumps fill up the water tanks. Waste water from guests rooms is called 'grey water' and is filtered and reused to irrigate the fruit and vegetables. Hot water for showers is provided by a coil of black pipe full of water built into the roof and heated by the sun.
• 55% of all the food is grown on site and the rest is sourced locally. 
• The swimming pool is fresh water and filtered naturally through reed beds to rid impurities and remove the need for chlorine.
• All the staff are from the local village of Gunjur. Staff receive training and are paid for a whole year, unlike most locally employed staff who are only paid out of season. They receive medical and dental care and can further their careers. 
• Guests are informed of local markets and crafts.