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Hello ASTB friend!

We’re delighted to introduce not one, but a pair of Asia’s Sustainable Travel Changemakers this week. It’s a dynamic husband-and-wife team, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa, who runs Southeast Asia’s first B Corp certified hotel, Mana Earthly Paradise. We have been following their work since 2020 when Mana Earthly Paradise had just opened. We hope you enjoy reading about their story as much as we did.

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Meet Aska and Tomo Hamakawa: The Husband-and-Wife Team Running SE Asia’s First B Corp Certified Hotel

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Bali's picturesque landscapes, just beyond the bustling streets of Ubud, lies Southeast Asia's first B Corp-certified hotel: Mana Earthly Paradise. What sets this eco-conscious sanctuary apart may surprise many – it's not operated by a traditional hospitality conglomerate but rather by an NGO, Earth Company.

Steering Earth Company's multifaceted endeavors, including Impact Academy and Impact Heroes, are the dynamic husband-and-wife team, Aska and Tomo Hamakawa.

Here are the key takeaways on the ethos and aspirations that drive Aska and Tomo’s transformative work from our Co-Founder Jeremy Tran’s conversations with them.

“People who lead one of the most sustainable ways of living are at the frontline of the climate crisis.”

During her time living in Samoa, Aska was confronted with a stark reality: despite emitting minimal carbon emissions by leading one of the most eco-conscious ways of living, the people of low-lying islands like Samoa found themselves disproportionately impacted by the ravages of climate change.

That transformative experience prompted Aska to embark on a career dedicated to sustainability and climate action. She set out to amplify the voices of those on the front lines of environmental adversity and advocate for solutions that protect both the planet and its people.

“Mana Earthly Paradise is the physical embodiment of Earth Company’s vision on regeneration.”

Central to their vision was to demonstrate that a regenerative business model can be profitable.

With no prior hospitality management experience, they set out to lean on the Balinese Tri Hita Karana Approach – harmony between people, the Gods, and the environment – to build Mana Earthly Paradise.

Redefining Profitability in the Sustainability Equation

Aska explains, “Running a responsible business is not easy because it's not just up to one individual and one company. Building and running a green hotel depends heavily on many external factors. Sustainability can easily take a back seat to profit margins if we are not conscious.” 

Recognizing the imperative of minimizing their carbon footprint, Aska and Tomo made the bold decision to invest in solar panels, despite the higher initial cost, believing that it would pay off eventually. For them, it was not merely a matter of financial pragmatism but also a moral imperative and environmental responsibility.

North Star: Authenticity, Humility, and Honesty

For those seeking to champion climate action within the hospitality sector, Aska emphasized the pivotal importance of three guiding principles: Authenticity, Humility, and Honesty.

Family Business, Family Legacy

In the early days of running Earth Company before starting Mana Earthly Paradise, Aska and Tomo took their children with them on work trips to remote places and marginalized communities.

Aska recounted a poignant moment when her children expressed admiration for their parents' life-changing work.

“Kaasan (mother in Japanese), when I grow up, I want to be like you. You change many people’s lives.” 

While accolades and recognition may abound for their professional achievements, for Aska and Tomo, the greatest reward may not lie in external validation but in the admiration and respect of their most cherished audience: their children.

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