Biodiversity
At Árbol de Fuego Eco-Hotel, biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity present in our environment. Its conservation is essential in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change, two of today's greatest environmental challenges.
Parrot sanctuary
Located in Antiguo Cuscatlán, Árbol de Fuego Eco-Hotel is part of a natural parrot sanctuary, where the green parakeet (Aratinga strenua) comes to roost at night. We are committed to their conservation through community counts and the planting of fruit trees for their food supply.
Photograph
by funzel, taken at the UCA
Interurban biological corridor
At Eco-Hotel Árbol de Fuego, we are committed to protecting and conserving biodiversity.
For this reason, we are sponsoring the research project “Proposal for an Interurban Biological Corridor” for the conservation of the Green Parakeet (Psittacara strenuus) and the Yellow-naped Parrot (Amazona auropalliata) in Antiguo Cuscatlán, as a basis for future projects to benefit the parakeet sanctuary.
Both species are endemic to Mesoamerica and are at risk, so their protection is essential to ensure their long-term conservation.
Garden with native and floral species
Organic planter
In our Biojardinera, the hotel's natural water treatment plant, we have planted heliconias, whose roots naturally help treat gray water. Thanks to their nest-like root system and stone filtration, these plants purify the water so that it can be reused to irrigate the garden, thus closing a sustainable cycle.
Our green roof with climbing plants covers the roof sheet and provides natural shade, reducing the temperature inside the hotel. Measurements show a difference of 60°C on the roof sheet compared to 30°C on the plants, reducing the heat island effect and improving energy efficiency.
Green roof
Water-saving plants
We replaced grass with low-water-consumption ground covers, such as pennyroyal and forage peanuts, and implemented xeriscaping with native plants and stones to reduce irrigation. The main garden is irrigated with recycled water from the washing machine, previously treated in our bio-planter, preparing us for water scarcity and climate change.
Everything is respected in the garden; we care for it as nature allows, always seeking a balance between the comfort of our guests and respect for nature.
Composting and biodiversity
Since 2009, we have maintained an organic garden without pesticides, using composting to produce natural fertilizer. The presence of earthworms in the soil is an indicator of healthy, pollution-free soil, which also promotes biodiversity and bird life.
Floral Biodiversity in the Garden
Árbol de Fuego
The Flamboyant Tree gives our hotel its name because of its beauty and significance. Native to our land, it blooms with red flowers that symbolize warmth and life, and welcomes us at the entrance with the warmth of El Salvador. It is also known as Flamboyán or Malinche.
Pollinating flowers
It is essential to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, as pollination is vital for life. That is why we grow flowers that encourage their daily presence in the garden. We also have a nest of wild bees (chumelitos), attracted by the diversity of plants that provide them with food and shelter.
Native plants
We implemented a plan to introduce native plants that consume less water, attract beneficial insects, and are used in natural medicine. Among them are creeping daisy, cinco negritos, chichipince, chaya, and chichiguas.
Fruit trees
Fruit trees are a must, with two species of mango and two of avocado, which provide food for birds, tacuazines, and squirrels. We also have plants that store water, providing hydration for wildlife during the dry season.
We are the first hotel in El Salvador to implement this tool promoted by the German government, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
