What is it you do?
‘The Kaleo gîte is a CRH (Centre de Rencontre et d'Hébergement) and a Youth Organisation. We welcome school groups, groups of friends, individuals and all types of residents. We operate a participative system, which means that residents are involved in everyday tasks, for example. Located in the heart of the village of Han-sur-Lesse, our Kaleo gîte is the ideal starting point for discovering the Geopark, its unmissable Han caves and nature reserve, its geologically specific relief dotted with lookouts and limestone lawns, its unique flora and fauna, as well as its cultural and historical heritage. The gîte team will be delighted to welcome you and advise you on how best to discover all these treasures!
What prompted you to seek "Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark Partner" status?
‘We want to become a real host for the Geopark. We're looking to develop themed holidays departing from Han-sur-Lesse with the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark educational team. We want to anchor and perpetuate the steps taken by the gîte and remain part of an evolving dynamic, thanks to the Geopark label.
What is your approach to sustainable development and environment friendly practices?
‘We are sorting our waste and, among other things, have decided to ban the big brands such as Coke, Nutella, Jupiler, etc. We are looking to save energy and are introducing more balanced and sustainable meals. We're looking at introducing vegetarian meals (and no longer making meals simply without meat, we have to create them in such a way as to respect the protein intake) twice a week and using more and more local products. This has the effect of reducing our carbon footprint and plastic packaging. The surplus of our meals, when they are without pork and for at least 10 people, is given to the Famenoise canteen to allow the migrants from the Villers-sur-Lesse woods to have meals and to spare the citizens who cook for them every day. We also want to set up a place to communicate and raise awareness of what we are doing."
Elodie Odier - Chargée de Projets
Contact details :
Rue du Gîte d'étape, 10
5580 Han-sur-Lesse
084 37 74 41
han@kaleo-asbl.be