Green Globe recertifies sustainability of Palm Island Resort

LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe announced re-certification of Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines.

LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe announced re-certification of Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines. For the past few years this exclusive private-island resort in the Caribbean has taken a proactive role in preserving and protecting its untouched natural surroundings. Palm Island Resortโ€™s green initiatives and social responsibility programs did outstanding work, promoting awareness and sustainable practices on all levels.

โ€œWe are honored to receive this recognition from Green Globe and to be placed among our most respected colleagues in the industry, who understand the importance of preserving our environment,โ€ said Elite Island Resortโ€™s President Steven Heydt, โ€œEco-friendly practices are crucial to protecting and preserving Palm Islandโ€™s untouched surroundings. Through the combined efforts of our staff and guests, the property is able to seamlessly blend environmental initiatives with luxury service, creating an authentic private island experience that can be enjoyed for generations to come.โ€

A long-term sustainability management system is in effect at Palm Island Resort, and a dedicated eco-team monitors the progress of green measures, shaping, and realizing environmental goals set forth by the property. Conservation methods currently being utilized include the use of solar units to provide energy and hot water throughout the resort, the collection of rain water for reuse, and the introduction of a lift station water reuse program, refining sewage water to be used for irrigation. Waste is minimized by staff and guests alike, and sorting actions have been implemented such as composting organics, crushing and burying glass, and donating wet food to local farmers for use as feed.

Guests are invited to learn about the history and eco-system of the island as they slow down, recharge their batteries, and gradually discover the wonders of nature. Palm Island Resort also offers a number of eco-friendly activities both on- and off-island, including an adventurous boat tour to the nearby Tobago Cays where guests can swim among sea turtles in their natural habit.

Palm Island Resort supports WIDECAST, the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network. Through this program guests and staff members are sensitized to Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles laying their eggs in proximity to the resort. A catch-and-release training is held, and as a result, the resort has seen turtles returning to their birth spot to lay eggs as adults. In 2009, because of the catch and release program, the Hawksbill population at the Bequia Sanctuary grew from 2,000 to 3,500.

Green Globe Certificationโ€™s CEO, Guido Bauer, commented: โ€œWe are extremely pleased to award re-certification to Palm Island Resort. The resort, which sits on 135 acres, is home to many species of plants and animals and serves as a habitat and sanctuary to tortoises, sand pipers, turtles, and more. I am impressed with the propertyโ€™s environmental preservation and wildlife conservation efforts. Palm Island Resortโ€™s dedication to a sustainable development in the Caribbean sets benchmarks.โ€

ABOUT PALM ISLAND RESORT

This idyllic tropical hideaway is situated near the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an archipelago of 32 tropical islands and cays known for its stunning natural beauty and clear, warm waters. Five white sand beaches that lay on these natural, untouched surroundings complement the resortโ€™s charmingly tailored 43 guest rooms, suites, and villas. The property features two restaurants โ€“ the Royal Palm Restaurant and the Sunset Grill, serving Caribbean and international specialties. Iguanas and interesting birdlife are natives along the panoramic walking trails, while authentic island life is portrayed through yachts and traditional beach homes. Yachtsmen and divers from around the world gravitate to this strand of unspoiled Caribbean islands, lured by exotic sea life, rainbow-colored reefs, and fascinating ship wrecks.

Media Contact: Cheryl Andrews Marketing Communications , Claire Kunzman / Shannon Oโ€™Malley , [email protected] / [email protected] , Phone: 305.444.4033, Fax: 305.447.0415, 331 Almeria Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 USA

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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