This resort encourages guests to support Inle’s unique cultural and natural identity by buying locally made arts and crafts, enjoying Inthar cuisine, and learning how to cook it. It also is an active contributor to the Inle Heritage Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to preserve the Inle region, and help it to thrive as a place to visit, work, and live.

The foundation offers vocational training for Inle residents, advocates conservation of lake wildlife and is re-introducing Burmese cats to the region. It also works towards environmental solutions like waste and wastewater treatment, monitoring the lake’s water quality, encourages traditional lake architecture, offers exhibition space for local artists, and has a shop selling locally made arts and crafts. The foundation uses the proceeds from the businesses to fund other heritage projects that do not make money. To date, this covers around 60% of current expenses. Private contributions and support make up the rest, and their goal is to be fully self-sufficient by 2020.