NIHI Sumba’s partnership with The Sumba Foundation demonstrates how long-term commitment, local collaboration and responsible tourism can help break the cycle of malnutrition and poverty.

Since 2008, the school-based Community Nutrition Programme has addressed child malnutrition at its roots. Through consistent and carefully planned support, the programme has reached 23,117 students and delivered more than 1.8 million nutritious meals to children who need them most. 

Each meal is thoughtfully prepared to provide balanced nourishment, combining fresh vegetables with plant-based proteins, alongside animal protein sources including eggs, chicken or fish. This sustained approach has led to measurable impact, with 1,753 malnourished children rehabilitated to reach World Health Organization recommended weight standards.

The benefits extend far beyond physical health. With reliable access to nutritious food, children are better able to concentrate, attend school consistently and engage more fully in the classroom. Over time, this strengthens educational outcomes and builds resilience within families and communities, helping to secure a more stable future for the next generation of Sumbanese children.

Guests at NIHI Sumba are invited to become part of this story through voluntary donations or guided visits to programme sites. Those who choose to participate may assist with meal distribution and witness the impact of the initiative first-hand, creating a meaningful connection between travel and positive social change. 

This model illustrates how tourism, when rooted in respect and responsibility, can be a powerful force for good.

Food security is further reinforced through NIHI Sumba’s commitment to local and sustainable sourcing. Fresh produce, fish, chicken, eggs, spices and other agricultural products are purchased directly from local farmers and vendors, strengthening local food systems while supporting livelihoods. 

An on-site organic garden supplements responsible sourcing, ensuring freshness while reducing environmental impact.

The hotel also prioritises waste reduction as part of its holistic approach to sustainability. Suitable food leftovers are taken home by employees to feed livestock, supporting household food systems and minimising waste. Organic food waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, is transformed into eco-enzymes or liquid organic fertiliser, which is then reused in the hotel’s organic garden. This closed-loop approach reflects a deep respect for resources and reinforces responsible consumption and production practices.

Beyond nutrition, NIHI Sumba actively supports poverty reduction by prioritising local employment. Around 85 per cent of employees come from the local Sumba community, providing stable jobs and strengthening the local economy. The hotel also supports local micro, small and medium enterprises by partnering with artisans and showcasing traditional Sumba woven textiles and sarongs in the boutique, while purchasing local produce directly from surrounding communities.

Through CSR initiatives and guest donations, NIHI Sumba contributes to wider community needs, including access to clean water, free medical services and ongoing nutrition support. Nutritious meals are also provided for employees during their shifts, further contributing to overall food security and wellbeing.

Together, these efforts form a powerful and enduring response to hunger. By addressing immediate nutritional needs while strengthening local food systems, livelihoods and education, NIHI Sumba’s work with The Sumba Foundation stands as a compelling example of how long-term partnerships can create lasting impact. It is a reminder that achieving Zero Hunger is not only about food on a plate, but about dignity, opportunity and hope for generations to come.

In West Sumba, access to clean and safe water has long been a defining challenge, influencing health, hygiene and the resilience of entire communities. 

NIHI Sumba takes a holistic approach to water stewardship, recognising that responsible water management is fundamental to both human well-being and environmental protection.

Across the hotel’s operations, water conservation is embedded into daily practice. Careful monitoring ensures that water used by guests and staff is clean, safe and treated to the highest standards. Wastewater is responsibly processed and reused for irrigation, reducing pressure on freshwater resources while sustaining gardens and landscaped areas that support local biodiversity.

Through daily tracking of water usage, rapid leak repairs and ongoing staff education, water is treated not as an unlimited resource, but as a shared responsibility.

Through guest donations and ongoing support of The Sumba Foundation, NIHI Sumba helps deliver access to clean water for nearby villages where reliable supply remains limited. These initiatives reduce waterborne illness, improve hygiene and offer communities greater dignity and security in their daily lives.

High standards of sanitation and hygiene are maintained throughout the property, creating a safe and healthy environment for both guests and employees. This focus on clean water is closely linked to wider health and wellbeing initiatives, including nutritious meals for staff, a supportive working environment and preventative healthcare measures. Monthly malaria blood screening for all employees, access to a dedicated SOS doctor and support for Sumba Foundation clinics through CSR programmes all contribute to improved community health outcomes.

Water stewardship at NIHI Sumba is inseparable from environmental care. 

Waste reduction practices ensure that water systems are protected from pollution, with organic waste composted, food scraps transformed into eco-enzymes and materials such as glass, cardboard and used oil repurposed or recycled. These practices help safeguard local waterways while reinforcing responsible consumption and production.

By engaging local suppliers, farmers, artisans and organisations, and by inviting guests to participate in sustainable practices, NIHI Sumba creates a shared sense of responsibility for water and sanitation. Through this integrated approach, clean water becomes more than an operational priority. It becomes a foundation for health, cultural preservation and long-term resilience, proving that when water is protected, entire communities can thrive

NIHI Sumba integrates marine conservation, education and community partnership to ensure that the surrounding seas remain healthy for generations to come.

Responsible coastal tourism sits at the heart of this commitment. NIHI Sumba carefully controls all activities along the shoreline to minimise impact on marine ecosystems and takes a firm stance against illegal or destructive fishing practices. When such activities are identified, the hotel works directly with local authorities to protect nearby waters. 

All seafood served at the resort is sourced locally from community fishermen and verified as hygienic and sustainably caught using non-destructive methods such as traditional or line fishing, ensuring that marine habitats and protected species are respected.

Marine conservation is brought to life through the Turtle Hatchery and Community Conservation Programme, launched in 2015 and continuing today. Through this initiative, turtle eggs are purchased at a fair price from local residents to prevent illegal sale or consumption, safely incubated in a protected hatchery and released into the ocean once hatched. 

On average, around 150 eggs are collected per cycle from approximately 15 nests, with a hatching success rate of 65 to 80%, resulting in up to 125 hatchlings returning to their natural habitat. Around 90% of programme activities involve local community participation, creating alternative livelihoods while reducing reliance on turtle egg harvesting.

Guests are invited to participate in turtle release activities, offering a powerful educational experience that highlights marine biodiversity, the vulnerability of hatchlings and the importance of protecting life below water. These moments foster a deeper connection to the ocean and encourage long-term stewardship beyond the stay itself.

Through partnerships with educators, fishermen, artisans and local organisations, NIHI Sumba demonstrates that marine conservation is strongest when communities are empowered through knowledge and opportunity. By uniting education, responsible tourism and hands-on conservation, NIHI Sumba is helping to ensure that Sumba’s oceans remain vibrant, resilient and full of life for generations to come.