The lush Caribbean island Grenada is recognized for its impressive efforts to implement sustainable tourism practices.
Local farms, hotels, restaurants and more work together to support the community and the environment.
Agriculture meets tourism – Women are leading the charge
Much of Grenada’s sustainability success is due to female leaders such as Theresa Wedding Show, chair of the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers. Over the past decade, Marryshow and its network of more than 50 women farmers and producers have supplied fresh, organic produce to many of Grenada’s top hotels and restaurants.
The farm-to-table movement started with the Sandals resort in Grenada and has since expanded across the island. Travelers can now enjoy green salads, tomatoes, mangoes and more, just steps from the hotel kitchen. Visitors to Marryshow’s five-acre farm in St. David can even experience an immersive farm-to-table meal for themselves.
“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important on the island,” says Tricia Simon of Grenada’s Agro-Tourism Board. Simon, a Grenadian living in Toronto, was initially stuck on the island during the pandemic, but made the best of it by starting her own sustainable plantation – Mount Parnassus Plantation.
She then built a completely eco-friendly house on site and listed it on Airbnb. “You have a lot of people, including those who returned to the island after the pandemic, who have become involved in agriculture and sustainability,” she explains.
Resorts Jump on board
Other resorts in Grenada are also doing their part, such as Spice Island Beach Resort. They maintain a private garden that supplies fresh herbs and vegetables to the kitchen, even turning excess crops into a signature house-made hot sauce.
Renegade Rum Distillery takes sustainability one step further by partnering with local farms to ethically produce its cane juice rum. “You have a lot of people, including those who came back to the island after the pandemic, who have become involved in agriculture and sustainability,” Simon explains.
CTO conference highlights efforts
This growing trend has positioned Grenada as host for the 2024 Caribbean Tourism Organization‘Sustainable Tourism Conference from April 22 to 24. The island’s lush and fertile landscape lends itself to crops such as cocoa, nutmeg and bananas.
Locals claim that even the air here has its own unique, aromatic quality.
The CTO meeting will highlight Grenada’s sustainability success. Visitors can see for themselves the island’s eco-friendly approach – whether they visit farms for an authentic meal or stay at one of the eco-resorts that integrate community and ecology into the guest experience. The conference also gives participants ideas to implement in the Caribbean.
Tips for being an eco-friendly traveler
Being an eco-friendly traveler is becoming increasingly important in today’s world to preserve the beauty and integrity of our planet. Here are 10 tips for traveling more sustainably:
Reduce the carbon footprint: Choose transport methods with a lower impact on the environment. For shorter distances, consider taking the train instead of a plane, using public transportation, or renting electric vehicles.
Choose sustainable accommodations: Look for hotels or lodging with sustainability certifications. Many places now offer environmentally friendly practices such as solar energy, water conservation methods and recycling programs.
Limit single-use plastics: Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bags. Many travel destinations have water refill stations, reducing plastic waste.
Support Local: Whether it means dining at local restaurants, buying souvenirs from local artisans or choosing local guides, supporting the local economy helps reduce the carbon footprint and promotes sustainable tourism.
Respect wildlife and natural habitats: Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife and stay on designated trails during hikes and excursions to protect natural habitats.
Conserve resources: Consider the use of resources such as water and electricity, especially in areas where these may be scarce. Simple actions such as turning off the lights and taking shorter showers can make a difference.
Leave no trace: Make sure you leave places as you found them, or better. Dispose of waste properly and if you encounter litter along the way, consider picking it up.
Educate yourself: Before visiting a destination, learn about its culture, environment, and how to visit responsibly. Consciousness can have a major impact on the choices you make during your travels.
Take part in ecotourism: Whenever possible, participate in tours and activities that are known to benefit the environment and local communities.
Compensate your CO2 emissions: Consider purchasing carbon offsets for the unavoidable carbon footprint of travel, which will help fund sustainable energy and reforestation projects.
