Beyond Eco Tourism: Inspiring the next Generation of Conservationist
Creating experiences that inspire the next generation of nature lovers
What is it about nature that attracts us? How does working in line with nature make good business sense? And why is it so necessary to protect it for future generations?
NDA Group’s philosophy to always think beyond the status quo compels us to answer these questions and more.
So when we are approached to create ecotourism projects, we don’t just provide a simple holiday experience, rather we imagine immersive worlds that inspire, compel, and educate.
Sustainable design has been in our DNA since our inception, and has been recognised on the global stage, like how our Dalian World Expo Centre was chosen to host the 2009 Summer Davos session focusing on climate change.
Explore with us how NDA Group’s approach to ecotourism helps protect the present and create a better future.
Seed Planet
“ Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
——Benjamin Franklin
Seed Planet is an impressive exercise in world building as we design the space, plan activities, and create IP to bring a nature inspired theme park and learning centre to life.
For us, the difficult to develop terrain is a blessing in disguise. Instead of disrupting nature by developing it too much, we are guided by nature to use the provided space as a natural playground, where the power of activity planning and IP creates an impactful learning space.
The design of the Fairy Garden illustrates this perfectly. Here we preserve the terrain of the garden by adding mechanical farming devices and irrigation channels so that learners can enjoy the hands on fun. All this whilst getting hands on experience with the vegetation lifecycle, gold panning and Archimedes technology too!
We truly believe that learning is most effective through interactive experiences, and so here at Seed Planet, we give learners an unforgettable experience whilst also planting within them the seed of environmental protection so that the next generation can continue to protect our precious planet.
Zhuhai Sanjiao
“ I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ”
——John Burroughs
Our vision of Zhuhai Sanjiao Island is entirely transformative. Abandoned for decades, this island was previously an industrial mining site, and we simultaneously realise three unique opportunities here: environmental regeneration, revenue generation, and environmental education.
We lead the entire project, meaning we drive a singular vision across strategic planning, conceptual planning, regulatory detailed planning, and architectural design.
Thus, we deliberately highlight the island’s industrial history, both for its incredible design aesthetic but also for its stark educational value. Our design aesthetic then, is a mix of hard rock, bronze browns, and lush greens to emulate the island’s industrial story in this nature rich context.
We then turn to the activity planning where our planning team envisions eight distinct worlds that immerse visitors with experiences like glass bottomed walkways, hiking trails, and education centres, giving them a newfound appreciation for nature.
Finally, we ensure low impact operations by using renewable wind power and a seawater desalination plant to provide energy and drinking water for the island, while the concentrated seawater runoff will be used for creating an artificial Dead Sea for holistic treatments.
Ba Ria Eco Town
Ba Ria Eco Town in Vietnam is a Transport Oriented Development where the railway station and central entertainment island form a core from which the commercial, retail, and residential space emanate from, all within minutes walking distance from each other.
This project is precisely what a sustainable masterplan should be. It combines the essential elements of walkable living, eco-education, and immersion in nature into a town that truly represents LOHAS living.
We extend this LOHAS living to tourists also, who share in the natural resources that residents enjoy. Here we emphasise education through enjoyment, inviting visitors to experience the mangrove resort, waterfront promenades, and the mangrove educament centre.
Finally, we complete the sustainable loop by implementing a solar plant that comfortably meets the energy needs of the entire town and introduce wastewater treatment that allows spent water to flow back into the constructed wetlands, bringing everything back full circle.
