A Green Hotel With Biodiversity
At Árbol de Fuego Eco-Hotel, biodiversity encompasses the genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity present in our environment. Its conservation is fundamental 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 parakeet sanctuary , where the green parakeet (Aratinga strenua) comes to roost. We are committed to its conservation through community counts and the planting of fruit trees for its food.
Photograph
by Funzel, taken at UCA
Interurban biological corridor
Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego committed to the protection and conservation of biodiversity
Therefore, we sponsor the research “Proposal for an Interurban Biological Corridor” for the conservation of the Green Parakeet (Psittacara strenuus) and the Yellow-naped Amazon (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 guarantee their long-term conservation.
Garden with native and flowering species
Bio-garden
In our Bio-Garden , the hotel's natural water treatment system , we have planted heliconias, whose roots naturally aid in the treatment of greywater . Thanks to their nest-like root system and the filtration provided by stones, these plants purify the water for reuse in garden irrigation, thus closing a sustainable cycle.
Our green roof with climbing plants covers the roof sheeting and provides natural shade, reducing the hotel's temperature. Measurements show a difference of 60°C between the sheeting and the plants , compared to 30°C , thus reducing the urban heat island effect and improving energy efficiency.
Green roof
Water-saving plants
We replaced the lawn with low-water-use ground covers , such as pennywort and forage peanut, and implemented xeriscaping with native plants and stones to reduce irrigation. The main garden is watered with recycled washing machine water , previously treated in our bio-garden, preparing us for water scarcity and climate change.
Everything is respected in the garden; we take care of 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 compost to produce natural fertilizer. The presence of earthworms in the soil is an indicator of healthy, pollution-free soil, which also promotes biodiversity and supports birdlife .
Floral Biodiversity of the Garden
Árbol de Fuego
The Flame Tree gives our hotel its name because of its beauty and symbolism. Naturalized in our lands , it blooms with red flowers that symbolize warmth and life, and welcomes us at the entrance with the warm hospitality of El Salvador. It is also known as Flamboyant or Malinche.
Pollinating flowers
Attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees is essential, as pollination is vital for life. Therefore, we cultivate adapted flowers that encourage their daily presence in the garden. We also have a nest of wild bees (chumelitos) , attracted by the diverse 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. These include creeping daisies, five blackberries, chichipince, chaya, and kites.
Fruit trees
Fruit trees are a must, including two varieties of mango and two of avocado, which provide food for birds, opossums, and squirrels. We also have plants that store water , providing hydration for the 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) .
