News
Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort awarded Green Globe Certification
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.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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