BVI nurturing the golden goose
Territory embraces a sustainably green economy
Maura Curley
Sometimes we destroy the things we love. Unfortunately here in the Caribbean it often includes our natural resources and cultural heritage - the golden geese that attract tourism the region’s leading industry.
Over the years we've 'developed’ our islands with little regard for sustainability, but now visionary leadership is embracing conservation and preservation. We are finally realizing bigger is not necessarily better, and an island's authenticity is everything.
The premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. The Honorable Orlando Smith is leading the way to a greener tourism economy. His address at the opening ceremony for " Greening the Economy: Sustainable Development for the BVI" a two days seminar in Tortola, February 23, and 23, demonstrated a growing sense of history and a wise perspective.
The premier outlined how it is crucial to preserve the islands' remaining resources observing, "We have probably done more harm to the earth in the last two hundred years than in all the previous eras combined."
Smith outlined the role tourism began to play in the 1950s, indicating that its unprecedented benefits and new challenges " raised the vulnerability of our ecologically sensitive areas."
He contends the British Virgins” must be aware of the capacity of beaches, historical sites, and national parks. He told staekeholders in attendance " We are very conscious of our need to protect the golden goose that makes the BVI so attractive to visitors... "
Smith said his government is determined to help tourism partners be 100 percent in sync with the criteria established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council within the next two decades. These criteria include minimizing negative impact and maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community, cultural heritage and the environment. This was not the usual poli talk, but based on a commitment to a greening of the Territory.
This effort is already visible with the BVI's annual events this spring, which include the Caribbean Arts and Crafts Festival in Trellis Bay March 9 to 14 showcasing authentic island made products. The BVI Saiilng Festival March 26 to April 1 will be a study in green practices on the beautiful BVI waters. Prizes for winning sailors will even be crafted from recycled glass.
Stakeholders in the BVI are raising environmental awareness about the ecological elements that attract tourists and generate the income that has helped the British Virgins top the list on quality of life issues among the islands in the Caribbean.
Smith cited the many attributes of the Territory’s flora and fauna, land and seascapes, and promised to protect them while discovering ways to create opportunities for "enviropreneurs". He said “the environmental crisis faced by the world must be met by a reassessment of our history and culture and of our values” and stressed the need for locally sourced food and other products created within the BVI or by Caribbean neighbors to reduce the carbon footprint from imports.
He emphasized that governments of the Caribbean must begin to work together for “heightened cooperation, and turn the challenges posed by economies of scale to our advantage”.
Let’s hope other leaders are listening.
virignvoices.com photo of sunset in Tortola by D.B. Bostdorf
Maura Curley is editorial director for virginvoices.com
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