Matinabad Eco Resort
Matinabad desert eco resort and organic farm, the first and only eco resort in Iran, established in 2008, about 60 km south of Kashan, is recognized as one of the most unique practices in Iran. It is the practitioner of the universal codes of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and SRB (Socially Responsible Business) to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
Activities & Entertainment
This award-winning Eco resort provides its nature lover guests with exciting outdoor desert activities, such as camel riding, bike riding, desert trekking, sand surfing, star gazing and bird watching, all in line with ecotourism, in the unique desert natural environment. It provides children with a safe educational playground as well. Desert tours and visits to the nearby historical and cultural attractions are available too.
Sustainable Ecotourism Goals
One of the main goals of Matinabad Eco-resort is to help protect the local environment, improve the quality of life of local communities, preserve the local society culture and promote sustainable economic benefits for the local community, including employment and training. All the staff comes from local society. This has caused a great decline in rural to urban migration. As a result, agriculture and farming have been developed. Matinabad Eco-resort has played a major role in inhabitants’ employment, education, hospitality training and some other aspects of life. Local products, such as handicrafts and herbs are sold at Matinabad eco-resort souvenir shop to support local community.
Energu Supply & Waste Management
In Matinabad eco resort and organic farm, green technology is used to preserve the fragile environment of the desert. 70% of the energy needed for heating and cooking comes from solar energy- the sustainable, renewable, inexhaustible non-polluting free source of energy, with no emission of carbon dioxide or any greenhouse gases- rather than fossil fuels. It can provide enough energy for heating water for about 100 people per day. In cold seasons, Korsi, the Iranian traditional heating system, is available in tents and koomehs for those who are interested in experiencing Iranian traditional culture. The energy-efficient buildings and eco-friendly lighting are an attempt to promote environmental sustainability. The water for irrigation and drinking is provided by qanats (the sustainable old system of water supply). Moreover, drip irrigation system is used on the farm to save water and minimize evaporation. The rehabilitation of Dehzire Qanat has been one of the greatest achievements of Matinabad eco-resort in making desertification process slower.
All staff has been trained in recycling waste and reducing garbage by: classifying different kinds of waste, such as plastic, glass paper, organic waste; buying in bulk with minimal packaging; and minimizing use of paper, plastic, tin containers and suchlike. All the waste is exported out of the area.
Our guests are kindly requested and educated to manage their energy consumption to reduce oil/gas usage and carbon dioxide emission; accordingly, they are provided with a limited number of energy-efficient appliances.
Accommodation
Accommodations in this unique eco resort in the heart of the desert, built with local materials, have been designed in three different styles to satisfy different tastes; Safavid caravanserai style rooms, traditional village style rooms named Koomeh and tents, all equipped with modern eco-friendly facilities. Koomeh is a mud and brick single room with a dome shaped roof as the best natural way of air circulation. Wi-Fi is available in its traditional café.
During about seven years of existence, Matinabad eco-resort has had a major positive impact on desert environment and wildlife and in locals’ life, especially on education and employment.
