Nigel's stamp of approval
Celebrity photographer endorses Cinnamon's Signature
CSR initiative - Project Leopard:
Celebrity photographer, reality TV host and philanthropist, Nigel
Barker, who is currently being hosted in Sri Lanka by Cinnamon Hotels &
Resorts, personally endorsed the hotel chain's signature CSR initiative,
'Project Leopard' by donating the 55th steel cattle pen to the local
farmers. This worthy project was launched to support the livelihoods of
local dairy farmers whilst preserving the endangered leopard species, so
that the two could co-exist in harmony. Nigel Barker is as famous for
his philanthropy as he is for his photography and other creative
ventures.
 'Project
Leopard' is the single most effective means of addressing a pressing
issue that shatters the micro economies of the poorest layer of the
community in the Yala, Kirinda area. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts strives
to expand on this simple and effective measure, which protects young
cattle, thus ensuring a continuous milk flow in the cows. The farmers
depend on their cattle and milk production for a steady income and as a
result of this initiative, the friction they may have with leopards in
the neighborhood is greatly reduced.
Message
Barker leverages on his prowess as a photographer and director to
spread his humanitarian message to vast audiences. He has made films for
The Humane Society of the United States, The Humane Society
International, The Make A Wish Foundation, The Do Something
Organization, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation and The
Edeyo Foundation. He has used his lens as mode of expression for
numerous causes. Barker is a celebrity ambassador for the Make-A-Wish
Foundation, the Do Something organization, campaign shooter for Fashion
Targets Breast Cancer and the only male Champion for the United Nations
Foundation's Girl Up initiative. He was awarded the 'Film Heals' Award
for Humanitarianism at the 6th Annual Manhattan Film Festival for
'Dreams Are Not Forgotten'. Nigel Barker is reputed for getting
personally involved in most of the projects he supports.
"Sri Lanka is gaining ground as a unique destination for its rich bio
diversity and resplendent flora and fauna. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is
doing its utmost to help position Sri Lanka as an eco tourism hotspot
and a top wildlife location in the world.
Research
The brand is entrenched in exploring how the right balance can be
struck between preservation of the endemic species and wildlife tourism,
so that there is no negative impact on the island's wildlife." Said Mr.
Sunimal Senanayake- Sector Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives Resorts at
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
The brand is currently conducting extensive research on the big three
in Sri Lanka, namely; leopards at Yala, elephants based around the
annual gathering of Minneriya and the Blue Whales through a scientific
identification technique.
The nature arm of the hotel chain, Cinnamon Nature Trails and its
team of naturalists are spearheading Project Leopard. Visitors to
Cinnamon Wild Yala can also participate in Project Leopard by visiting a
dairy farm with the naturalist team based at the hotel and contributing
towards more pens which are needed by farmers in the vicinity.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts' Project Leopard has made a huge
contribution to eliminating friction between the community and the
endangered leopard species and this project has appealed to the
humanitarian in Nigel Barker, who personally endorsed the initiative
during his trip to Sri Lanka.
The celebrity's visit to Sri Lanka was made possible by Cinnamon
Hotels & Resorts and has been a week filled with unique and memorable
events. |
