Tiny St. John is ahead of the curve on environmental issues
No one would ever put the Caribbean on the list of
"usual suspects" when it comes to contributing to global
warming, but that hasn't stopped the islands in the region from
implementing rather aggressive sustainability programs. In
fact, since 2000, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has
been hosting the Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable
Tourism Development to make the islands even more eco-friendly.
Over the years, the conference has established three criteria
for sustainable tourism in the region: environmentally friendly
operations; support for cultural and natural heritages; and
direct, tangible social and economic benefits to local people.
At the conclusion of this year's conference, held in Guyana in
April, all 33 member states of the CTO were urged by the
organization's secretary general, Hugh Riley, to continue to
put a strong focus on safeguarding the sustainable use of
resources in the Caribbean Basin.
Though there are numerous examples of great initiatives in
sustainable tourism throughout the islands, perhaps the most
impressive is the hotbed of sustainable activity occurring on
the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tiny St.
John is a shining example of how to create exciting and
sustainable travel experiences fit for small meetings and
incentive groups.
An American Paradise
St. John is just 20 square miles in size. Villas perfect for
executive meetings amd small incentive groups are sprinkled
among the hillsides - one of which also serves as one of the
island's most interesting sustainable options.
Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, an eight-suite eco-friendly luxury
villa, opened on St. John last summer. It is the brainchild of
Harith Wickrema, CEO of the Philadelphia-based event production
company Harith Productions, an incentive planner who has won
numerous Site Crystal Awards for his programs.
He has created a luxury environment with a minimal carbon
footprint by incorporating sustainable practices, while also
providing an educational experience for guests. "The villa
demonstrates that it isn't necessary to sacrifice luxury and
modern conveniences to live a greener existence," Wickrema
says.
He put together a team of environment-conscious vendors to
create the resort. One partner, ESA Renewables, installed
Suniva rooftop solar panels, which significantly reduce the
villa's carbon emissions and energy costs. Eco Serendib also
features three 20,000-gallon cisterns to collect rainwater, a
saltwater resort pool, and outdoor furniture produced using
sustainable plantation management systems. Further sustainable
practices include energy-efficient kitchen appliances,
water-conserving bath products, and a gray water irrigation
system.
This spring, Wickrema launched the Eco Serendib Beach
Restoration Project to re-introduce indigenous trees and
shrubs, such as sea grape, at beaches throughout the island.
The program is also maintaining one tree per day of each
reservation in the name of guests who stay at the Villa. The
guests have the opportunity to become involved hands-on with
the green project and may also contribute directly to the
Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park Fund.
Resort Options
There isn't room for mega-resorts on St. John. Much to the
credit of the development community, most of the island's
acreage is devoted to national parks that feature some of the
most beautiful beaches and inspiring snorkeling experiences in
the world.
But there are three resorts: the 166-room Caneel Bay Resort,
the 60-room Gallows Point Resort, and the Westin St. John
Resort & Villas, which has 175 rooms and 146 villas.
The Westin's efforts illustrate how this class of accommodation
is approaching sustainability. The resort, which includes the
3,500-square-foot Great Cruz Bay Ballroom, has a three-pronged
approach to going green: reducing impact, developing
sustainable products and services, and creating a culture of
sustainability. All rooms, suites, and villas have low-flow
showerheads. Green transportation options are available, and
the resort offers paperless check-in and paperless meetings.
The Westin also participates in programs that help groups
staying at the hotel to get offsite into the countryside to
work with the community to help maintain the eco-system and
restore indigenous ruins.