Regenerative Agriculture is the way
Regenerative Agriculture is the proper implementation of organic farming to cover its gaps and achieve sustainability.
It reduces production costs, increases the profitability of the crop, and turns the producers into "Observers," providing them with global knowledge of agricultural practices.
Regenerative Agriculture requires:
- Minimum soil disturbance
- Crop rotation to maximize biodiversity in the fields
- Ground cover for natural protection
- Keeping the soil alive all year round
- Integrating livestock into the crop, where possible
We deeply believe that progress can only come through Sustainable Development. That's why, at Creta Maris, we assume our responsibility toward the hospitality industry.
We take action to reduce our environmental footprint, prevent exacerbating climate change, and contribute to a resilient, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system, starting with soil health.
At the same time, we remain true to our philosophy of creating unique experiences that "feel like Greece" through direct experiences with the culture, customs, gastronomy, culture, and history of every place we operate. Thus, we seek to connect sustainable food production with gastronomy, offering healthy food options to the local community & our guests.
Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a Sustainable food destination
At Creta Maris, we pioneer and innovate once again. We think about global challenges and act locally, practically and purposefully.
We have designed and planned the implementation of the program "Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a Sustainable Food Destination”, which considers global challenges and prioritizes the environment, local community and economic development.
We lead the way for the transition to Regenerative Agriculture, believing that production in the Lassithi Plateau ecosystem can become sustainable, commercially viable for the producers themselves, and meaningful and supportive for the people of the Plateau.
Collaboration is a prerequisite for the implementation and success of the program.
At Creta Maris, we chose the Lassithi Plateau as the ideal destination for the planning and implementation of the program for a good reason.
The Resort's relationship with the Lassithi Plateau is deeply personal and has been encapsulated in the word "family" for decades.
At the same time, the Resort's long relationship with the Plateau is further enhanced, through the Agricultural Cooperative and the producers of the area, who supply the Group's hotels with local products.
We recognize the potential of the region's ecosystem and want to protect it. We believe that the Lassithi Plateau can develop into a protected spatial system that merely relies on the carrying capacity of plant and animal production.
In this program, we proceed with the support of local authorities and agencies.
The program is implemented in collaboration with the Lassithi Plateau Agricultural Cooperative. The Cooperative also participates in the Resort's "Sustainable Supplies" Program. With this new initiative, this collaboration becomes even more strong and meaningful.
The planning and implementation of the Program is achieved with the contribution of Local Food Experts; the Group's external partners as regards to sustainable development matters for more than 30 years.
The Program's Milestones
The participation of the agriculturalists - members of the Lassithi Plateau Agricultural Cooperative is a prerequisite that will enable us to take steps towards a new and sustainable form of cultivation. It is the first time such initiative is being carried out in the region.
After the parcels are selected, together with the producers, we will carry out actions for their inclusion in the European regulation 2018|848 concerning organic crops.
In collaboration with the producers, supply and catering departments of the Creta Maris, a cropping plan will be decided, including quantities, products and delivery times.
Participants in the program are trained on the implementation of regenerative practices, starting with organic farming in the fields of the Lassithi Plateau.
At the same time, there is a continuous evaluation during the course of implementing regenerative practices and products so that, if needed, changes or redesign of the practices used can be decided.
As previously agreed upon, the quantities of the products produced by the regenerative practices are supplied to the Group's hotels to be offered to our guests.
Environmental Benefits
The " Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a sustainable food destination" Program, benefits the environment in many ways.
Environment:
- We reduce our environmental footprint to prevent exacerbating climate change and contribute to a resilient, healthy and environmentally friendly food system.
- We allow cultivated land to regenerate so as to perform the essential ecosystem services that provide us with clean air and water, healthy plants and animals, balance and quality.
At Creta Maris, we aspire to accomplish a turning point in Sustainable Development for the hospitality industry.
We take initiatives because we believe that by changing how we cultivate, we improve the quality of the products we consume.
We are sure that the Lassithi Plateau and its people can be an example of Regenerative Agriculture.
We organically connect local production with hospitality services. As a result, the guests of Creta Maris, have been enjoying holistic sustainable hospitality since 1975.
Social Benefits
The " Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a sustainable food destination" Program, benefits the society in many ways.
Society:
- We highlight Crete as a pioneering destination with Regenerative Agriculture practices, promoting a form of agriculture that benefits the environment and represents our philosophy.
- We highlight the Lassithi Plateau as a sustainable food destination.
- We educate producers and inspire younger ones in new, innovative, yet effective regenerative practices.
- We enable the producers of the Lassithi Plateau to receive more recognition through sustainable practices in their crops.
At Creta Maris, we aspire to accomplish a turning point in Sustainable Development for the hospitality industry.
We take initiatives because we believe that by changing how we cultivate, we improve the quality of the products we consume.
We are sure that the Lassithi Plateau and its people can be an example of Regenerative Agriculture.
We organically connect local production with hospitality services. As a result, the guests of Creta Maris, have been enjoying holistic sustainable hospitality since 1975.
Economic Benefits
The " Regenerating Lassithi Plateau and its People | Towards a sustainable food destination" Program, benefits the economy in many ways.
Economy:
- We invest in changing the mindset and business culture of the region, enabling the offer of sustainable food products.
- We directly support the local community financially by absorbing the products in our hotels, thus ensuring the producers' income.
- At the same time, the transition to Regenerative Agriculture will connect participating agriculturalists with food production and the hospitality industry, creating better income opportunities.
At Creta Maris, we aspire to accomplish a turning point in Sustainable Development for the hospitality industry.
We take initiatives because we believe that by changing how we cultivate, we improve the quality of the products we consume.
We are sure that the Lassithi Plateau and its people can be an example of Regenerative Agriculture.
We organically connect local production with hospitality services. As a result, the guests of Creta Maris, have been enjoying holistic sustainable hospitality since 1975.