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Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort awarded Green Globe Certification

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Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, the “Nature Island’s” landmark, waterfront “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” resort on the edge of Dominica’s capital, Roseau, is pleased to announce it has been awarded Green Globe Certification, one of the highest standards for sustainability worldwide. Only the second property in Dominica to earn the accolade – the first being Fort Young Hotel’s sister property, Secret Bay, which just re-earned Green Globe Certification – the resort has been recognised for its multiple community initiatives and committed management team.

“The resort should be commended for its management during the pandemic, choosing to dedicate its staff and resources to a number of community efforts, including Koudmen Kitchen, an initiative where the hotel donated meals to healthcare workers, and packaging food for the Care in Crisis programme,” said Green Globe’s Chief Executive Officer Birte Pelayo. “Our independent audit review has found the management team to be very forward looking and dedicated to continuous improvement across all sustainability indicators.”

“We’re thrilled to receive our inaugural Green Globe certification, an honour our entire team has worked hard to achieve,” said Dinesh Kissoon, Fort Young Hotel’s general manager. “Every staff member has been committed to this endeavor and this is a huge step in our journey as we continue to expand and evolve our sustainability practices.”

To earn Green Globe Certification, Fort Young Hotel demonstrated it operates in accordance with Green Globe standards and employs various Environmental Impact Assessments. Among the resort’s eco-friendly practices are:

  • Garbage sorting programme, including waste specific bins to easily categorize waste
  • Guest and staff education on waste disposal best practices including reusing and recycling
  • Zero-waste in food production
  • On-property organic tomato and herb garden
  • Reduction in the use of plastic water bottles with the introduction of in-room glass water pitcher
  • Staff involvement through education including training on the hotel’s Sustainability Management System and in the areas of health, safety, service level and culture
  • Guest education through eco-messages and other person-to-person interactions pre-arrival and throughout stay
  • Installation of energy monitoring system
  • Implementation of waste management monitoring system

Initiatives planned for the near future include installation of a modern refrigeration system, assessment of operations to establish reusable systems, energy and water conservation efforts, and exposing staff to cultural experiences like art, music and local entertainment, as well as historical exposure through storytelling about the resort’s dynamic history. The hotel also aims to achieve carbon emission reduction through the implementation of fuel monitoring systems.

The Green Globe Standard covers four key themes: Sustainable Management; Social/Economic; Cultural Heritage; and Environmental. The standard includes 44 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators. To guarantee compliance with the highest international standards, a third-party independent auditor is appointed to work with clients on-site.

In late 2021, Fort Young Hotel became the Caribbean’s first-ever “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” resort experience. With this, guests enjoy two 60-minute massages at the new Zemi Spa, as well as access to activities and offerings beyond the hotel — from a lionfish catching expedition to regulate this invasive species, to hiking and exploring some of the island’s best attractions like Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge, to enjoying tropical beaches — providing a truly unrivaled, immersive and memorable Nature Island experience.

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort recently unveiled its Zemi Spa, the island’s first and only waterfront day spa, and oceanfront 24hr Compass Gym, along with fully refreshed Oceanfront Rooms, Oceanfront Deluxe Rooms and Oceanfront Suites. Replete with panoramic seaside views, exceptionally stylish furnishings and a bright colour palette, the reimagined guestrooms are designed to make guests feel even more warmly welcomed while expressing Dominica’s vibrant spirit. The resort also introduced six Junior Suites, a new category of elegant and modern guest rooms featuring kitchenettes. Future enhancements and additions will include 60 Fort rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring eco-friendly equipment; a business center; a new bar and lounge; a 200-seat conference room; a 250-seat sun deck for weddings and other events; an art gallery; a wine and rum cellar; a gift shop; and three new meeting rooms.

For more information visit www.fortyounghotel.com, call 767-448-5000 or email info@fortyounghotel.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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