Cayman’s Botanic Gardens achieves green accolade
(CNS): While the Cayman Islands has faced considerable criticism in numerous quarters for its lack of green credentials, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is flying the flag in the region for genuine commitment to the environment. The park has become the first attraction of its kind in the Caribbean to attain Green Globe Certification, a travel, tourism and hospitality industry award that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and sustainable operations and management. The park has achieved 133 standards, implemented several environmentalbest practices and undergone a detailed third party audit to attain the green accolade.
Andrew Guthrie, General Manager of the Botanic Park, said the certification would enhance the already existing green initiatives being implemented in the facility. “The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is extremely pleased to have received Green Globe Certification. The Botanic Park has always been a green facility and the certification process has made us look at all of our practices and procedures to see where improvements could be made. These changes have enabled the Botanic Park to become even more ecologically sound, which furthers our conservation goals,” he added.
The installation of a drip irrigation system and high efficiency toilets to reduce water consumption, the use of recyclable paper and the disposing of garden waste onsite were some of the initiatives that helped the park gain certification.
The goal was reached through the park’s participation in the Cayman Islands Environmental Project for the Tourism Sector (CEPTS), a joint pilot project between the Departments of Tourism and Environment and the tourism private sector, according to a statement from the DoT.
“Concern for the environment continues to grow among consumers and companies alike, and we’re finding that tourism businesses are seeking new and creative ways to lessen their carbon footprint,” Oneisha Richards, the Department of Tourism’s Deputy Director, said. “Travellers are becoming more aware of their direct impact on the environment and are actively planning their vacations with businesses that are going the extra mile to become environmentally and socio-economically responsible through green initiatives, such as those participating in CEPTS.”
Other establishments undergoing the process for Green Globe Certification include Cobalt Coast Resort and Compass Point Dive Resort in Grand Cayman; and Little Cayman Beach Resort and Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman. All businesses certified by Green Globe receive a variety of promotional opportunities. Businesses are recognized by AAA (American Automobile Club), British Airways Holidays, Air Canada Vacations, Travelocity, and other tour operators. Certified businesses are also promoted across all Green Globe websites, including www.greenglobe.travel, and in the popular travel magazine Islands.
Category: Science and Nature
Great news this! I love the Botanic Park- always thought it an under-appreciated threasure.
I was proud see the accolades for the park, it is well deserved. Of course we had to have the one critisiser after all it would not be Cayman if we did not! XXXXXXXX
Signed:
46 year resident and drum beater for Cayman now slowly becoming disillusioned.
Some good news out of Cayman…finally!
Congracts to park members….Park looking so cool and I like greenary. It’s a tourism spot for every one.
Congrats Andrew and his dedicated team
I love the Botanic Park. But it is such a shame that the Blue Iguana pens are now boarded up and you can’t see them. I have taken some visitors around recently and as this is at the end of the trip it left them with a real sense of disappointment.
Take your friends on the 11:00 am Blue Iguana Safari. You will not be disappointed!
The result of crime against our precious Blues! Sad but they have to be protected from the criminals who would harm these beautiful, innocent creatures.
It was a dog that got in. It was not a criminal act.
It’s highly unlikely that it was just a dog that got in. A dog may have been involved but the animals had massive internal injuries consistent with being stomped on.
Congrats to the Park staff and to Mr. Guthrie’s efforts. As a local tour operator, my company has always supported and promoted the Park despite the general feeling in the industry that it is ‘out of the way’. I have never had a client who did not find the Park an excellent attraction.
Pity the Park finds itself under the umbrella of the poorly run Tourism Attractions Board; it would do better to promote itself, if it were budgeted accordingly. Sadly, I don’t think that is the case.
CNS – Speaking of the TAB, how about doing a ‘look-see’ into its mandate and evaluating if its providing value for money? Might be interesting investigating.
Some great news….the Botanic Park needs as much exposure as possible. I think it is a very underutilized attraction here on the island. The annual orchid show last weekend, and the new orchid boardwalk is a great new feature.
Congrats to all the staff of the Botanic Park….keep up the great work there!!