Conservation and consideration of environmental issues have been a priority in the formulation of the overall development strategy for Nikoi. A comprehensive study of the local flora and fauna has been conducted by a renowned naturalist and this study has been used as the basis of a program to safeguard the island as a sanctuary for the wide variety of birds, animals and marine life (including sea turtles that nest on the beaches). The conservation blueprint is as diverse as it is far ranging.

One major component of the environmental strategy for Nikoi is the involvement of the local Indonesian community. Not only has the local community been involved in the development of Nikoi but also in the ongoing operation of the island. By being involved in the management of the island, the local Indonesians whose livelihood depends on the preservation of Nikoi will be best equipped to protect it in the future.

In building Nikoi we have sought to minimise our impact on the environment by using driftwood and alang alang grass roofing as our primary building materials. Driftwood has been recovered from nearby islands and the alang alang grass grown locally. We have almost exclusively used building materials bought locally and local tradesman training many of them in the process. All construction has been undertaken in such a way as to avoid the removal of any trees and we have planted a large number of indigenous palms and trees. By using large vaulted roofs our accommodation has been designed so that air conditioning is unnecessary. Fans have been incorporated inside mosquito nets so as to maximise their efficiency. The result being we find guests often use the blankets provided. Even on a hot still night it is surprising how effective this design can be and coupled with the sound of waves gently lapping the shore it is a very relaxing way to go to sleep.

In operating Nikoi Island we minimise our day to day impact by recycling our waste, using solar panels to provide hot water. We minimise our electricity consumption by using low voltage LED and CFL lighting and limited landscape lighting. However in order to provide guests with water to shower, cold drinks and fresh food we have not been able to avoid the need to run diesel generators to power our pumps and fridges. We do however buy these generators second hand and endeavour to run them as efficiently as possible. We live in hope that renewable energies will become more affordable, simpler to operate and not need vast banks of lead batteries to store power. Wave and tidal powered renewable energy we believe will one day be the solution for Nikoi. We avoid the use of plastic by using refillable bottles for toiletries. Our food is purchased in local markets and whilst not certified as organic, the use of pesticides and fertilisers is uncommon due to the cost and the small scale of the farming. We avoid the use of processed food and make our own museli, bread, pastries and fresh juice.

For many hotel operators asking guests to reuse towels and turn off the air conditioning is considered sufficient to label themselves as "eco-friendly" or "green".  We avoid using such labels as we feel their use has been abused and our approach is to take our environment and social responsibility one step further.  Specifically we are working with the local community to help the local villages on Bintan. The focus of this effort is to establish village village development programs that are based on the very successful model established by the Population and Community Development Association ("PDA") in Thailand.  These programs are designed to help the community to establish businesses that are self sufficient.  We have established a foundation and employed a full time director to run these programs.  This is not just about handing out money but rather about helping the community to help themselves.  In addition we are working on ways to improve the local health facilities and educational facilities.  Whilst this part of Indonesia is by no means the poorest, the wealth divide between it and its very close neighbour, Singapore, is stark.  If you are interested in helping us or would like to know more then please do get in touch or visit our foundation website.  Either way, by simply staying on Nikoi you will have already contributed.  Our efforts have been recognised by being selected as a finalist by Wild Asia for their annual Responsible Tourism Awards.  They carried out a detailed review of Nikoi which you can read on their blog.