Responsible Green Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sustainable Eco-Tourism in Saint Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts National Trust has a mission is to “preserve and promote the natural, historical, ecological and cultural heritage of the island of St. Christopher (St. Kitts)”. Local representatives have worked with the Living Oceans Foundation and The Nature Conservancy to establish a Coral Reef Monitoring and Management system (as part of the Global Reef Expedition). Additional information gathering also includes a Coral Reef Early Warning System implemented at Paradise Reef – This information is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Government of St. Kitts’ Departments of Environment and Marine Resources utilize this data to help drive coral reef conservation measures, including efforts to reduce pollution, implement environmentally friendly coastal development projects, as well as sustainable fishing practices.
For more than a decade, the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the Nevis Turtle Group along with the Four Seasons Resort Nevis have partnered on the sea turtle conservation program which includes fitting turtles with a GPS – This helps researchers study the migration patterns of endangered sea turtles on St. Kitts and Nevis beaches.
Tour Operators on the islands exemplifying Sustainable Eco-Tourism include:
- Beach Addiction – St. kitts & Nevis
- Have been involved in coral reef conservation initiatives, joining the Global Environmental Foundation and Living Oceans Foundation
- Have hosted Lionfish competitions / presentations to encourage people to manage this invasive species
- Have co-ordinated beach cleanups, awarding free sailing lessons to youth
In terms of accommodations, St. Kitts & Nevis offer the following “green” options:
- Oaulie Beach Resort in Nevis
- Has received Green Globe Certification
- Their many environmentally friendly items/activities include: solar power; solar water-heating; low energy lighting, water saving techniques, (wine)glass recycling and community development initiatives
Also note that Belle Mont Farm at Kittitian Hill in Saint Kitts offers guests a locally grown/caught organic farm to table dining option.
Energy Sustainability – Electrical Power Production in St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis have a target to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2020. The government is looking at renewable energy sources created from wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
To-date, the island of St. Kitts has two solar energy farms in production:
- In 2013, an 0.75 MW facility was built at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, resulting in the first “Green” Airport in the western hemisphere.
- A small 500 KW solar farm, located just east of the capital Basseterre, went on-line in 2015 as a first step towards it’s ambitious goals.
As of 2013, there was also a plan to build a 5.4 MW Belle Vue Wind Farm on the north-east coast of St. Kitts…
On Nevis, a 1.5 MW Wind Farm (Maddens) on the north-east coast started providing power in 2010. A planned 10 MW Geothermal Plant on Nevis is underway…
Back to Sustainability in the Caribbean
Back to Saint Kitts and Nevis Vacations
Back to the Active Caribbean Travel Home page
