Copal Tree: A Proud Symbol of Sustainability in the South
Copal Tree Lodge is a privately-owned Belizean luxury stay just outside of Punta Gorda Town. It has been in operation for several decades and a majority, if not all, of its workforce comes from communities across Toledo District. More recently, the investors in the company have ventured into another lucrative business on its property, the distillation of Copalli Rum, an award-winning spirit that is quickly making a name for itself in the industry. Tonight we look at the work that is being done at Copal Tree to ensure sustainability and environmental friendliness across its operations. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Copal Tree Lodge sits on a vast expanse of forested land in Toledo. It’s one of several concerns named after the hard resin obtained from various tropical trees found in the south. This luxury jungle resort is managed by Waluco Maheia, who also oversees a number of operations taking place on this sprawling property.
Waluco Maheia
Waluco Maheia, General Manager, Copal Tree Lodge
“Here on site, between Copal Tree Distillery, Copalli Rum, Copal Tree Lodge and Copal Tree Farms, we are the largest private employer of southern Belize. The lodge employing about eighty-six employees, another thirty permanent employees over at the distillery, so excluding the production season where we have temporary workers, and another forty to fifty employees over at the farm.”
Among them is Joseph Vanzie. He is the head gardener on the farm and has been employed by the company for the past fifteen years. His primary role is to ensure that what is consumed by guests at the lodge are one hundred percent organically-grown garden products.
Joseph Vanzie
Joseph Vanzie, Copal Tree Farms
“Whenever a guest comes around they like to know where the food comes from and how it’s grown and so, when I explain the organic operation to them, how it’s done, they are more than happy because they actually see the process. So we show them stuff like composting material, the process of actually recycling and so, they actually see that on the ground.”
It’s a firsthand experience that highlights the importance of maintaining ecological balance. Sustainability is the hallmark of everything that is done on the estate, including the distillation of its award-winning Copalli Rum.
Waluco Maheia
“Copalli Rum has been shining a lot of light on Belize and southern Belize, Toledo. It’s being made in a sustainable and environmentally sustainable way, while maintaining great taste and value as well.”
Deriving its name from the Nahuatl word meaning incense, Copalli Rum is a fresh take on a craft spirit.
Waluco Maheia
“I think, from the get-go, our operation was done with sustainability as the foundation. So, for the distillery, it was a little easier process because doing everything, we kept environmental responsibility at the center. But, even though, using cutting-edge technology and making a rum that is environmentally responsible and one that also tastes great, it also goes to show that you can make a world-class product while also keeping environmentalism and sustainability at core.”
The ability to exist and develop without depleting all of the natural resources needed to live in the future is a concept that is made clearly visible here. Maintaining healthy vegetation and animal life on the property is critical. At the lodge, the restaurant prioritizes where and how the food is grown, making the term “farm-to-table” a fashionable word about the compound.
Mark Edwards
Mark Edwards, F&B Manager, Copal Tree Lodge
“It’s a wonderful operation and job that we do here because we grow most of our food at the farm, so our service, we do a farm-to-table food, you know. Mainly, we look into organic food and making sure that our customers are happy. The number one thing is to make our guests happy, local and international.”
To achieve that goal, employees across all operations of Copal Tree must be satisfied with the jobs that they do. The principals of the company invest significantly in human capital, ensuring professional development at all levels of employment.
Elon Ranguy
Elon Ranguy, Adventure Desk, Copal Tree Lodge
“I feel very blessed and, you know, it’s an honor to be working here. I always give God thanks and praise, you know. Everyday we come to work we feel good. We have a great family relationship at work, working with the staff and management and that, you know, the guests, that actually come and visit, they notice how we operate on a day-to-day basis. And so, it has been a wonderful experience, especially with being an eco-friendly lodge, we help to emphasize the importance of taking care of our environment.”
All [this is] made possible by Copal Tree whose roots are planted firmly in Toledo District.
Waluco Maheia
“We are a privately owned company, all run by Belizeans. Everybody that works here comes from the surrounding communities, so a majority of the staff are from Punta Gorda Town or the surrounding communities like Forest Home and Yemeri Grove and Laguna Village, the list goes on. I think the farthest commute is maybe about a thirty-five minute motorcycle ride.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
