Environment
Tobago is remarkable for its environmental diversity. The coral reefs around Tobago teem with spectacular tropical fish and corals. The leatherback turtles make their annual journey from the northern Atlantic waters to nest. Birdwatchers are astounded at the 220 species in Tobago and even more in Trinidad. The soil is rich and fertile and the saying goes “stick a twig in de ground’n feed a family”. The air is clean and water is plentiful flowing from the western world’s oldest protected rain forest.
However this diverse eco system is under pressure in so many ways: poachers of turtles and iguanas, quarrying, development and illegal logging, bathers destroying sea corals and illegal dumping.
Top O’ Tobago has made a commitment to Green Globe 21 over the past two years.
Green Globe 21 is an international benchmarking and certification program designed specifically for the Travel and Tourism Industry as a tool for achieving sustainable tourism. It is based on Agenda 21 of the United Nations Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The standards examine social and environmental criteria and certification examines annual performance based on annual audits of data in key areas:
- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – collect data of vehicle fuel and LPG
- energy efficiency, conservation and management – collect data on electricity use
- air quality protection and noise control – control noise of loud machinery
- management of fresh water resources – collect data on potable water use and meter
- ecosystem conservation and management – erosion prevention, compost, landscape and garden enhancements
- land use planning and management
- waste water management – implement grey water and waste water filtration systems – grey water used for irrigation
- chemical use and awareness of hazards to people and environment
- waste minimization, reuse and recycling – collect data on solid waste disposal
- management of social and cultural issues in nearby villages including
- poverty reduction
- promoting social equity
- raising standards of living
- local participation
- sensitivity to local culture and customs
Top O’ Tobago believes that by advocating continuous improvement in these key performance areas and participation in Green Globe this will lead to a more responsible approach to tourism development and sustainability. There is also an improvement in operational/ consumption efficiencies, improved community relations and reputation, improved staff morale and most of all our guests receive a continual improvement in services and management.
Please see our Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy signed by the Management, Staff and Directors on September 4, 2006 as part of Environmental Systems Manual. Data was collected for our application to benchmarking from January 1, 2006.
Top O’ Tobago is a member of the NGO Environment Tobago which needs your support.
