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As millions worldwide unite to celebrate Earth Day today, April 22nd the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding our environment.
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970 and seeks to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
This year, the spotlight is on the threat that plastic poses to our environment with the theme ‘Planet vs Plastics.’ The theme seeks to serve as a rallying call for us all to advocate for widespread awareness of the health risks of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, urgently push for a strong United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion. A 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040 is the end goal of organizers.
Saint Lucia has taken major steps in the fight against plastic pollution, and in 2019, legislation was enacted to prohibit the importation, use, manufacturing, sale, and distribution of all Styrofoam and selected single-use plastic food service containers. The SLHTA’s extensive advocacy on environmental matters is well documented, and this move was wholly supported.
Our member companies are cognizant of the need to fervently protect the island’s rich biodiversity. Through participation on the Association’s Environmental Committee, policymakers are engaged and best practices are shared. In March the committee, chaired by Carl Hunter, participated in a workshop for the project "Testing of Guidance on Development of Plastic Waste Inventories and Testing the Technical Guidelines on the Environmentally Sound Management of Plastic Waste.” This timely project seeks to develop a national inventory of plastic waste generation in Saint Lucia, and address the management of plastic waste more efficiently.
Through the use of biodegradable products, energy reduction initiatives, and water conservation, countless properties on island are leading from the front. These environmentally friendly and sustainable practices have earned many accommodation providers international certifications from reputable organisations like Green Globe, Earth Check, LEED to Trip Advisor Green Awards and Travelife Gold Certifications.
The SLHTA, through its philanthropic arm the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), contributes to the sustainable development of Saint Lucia. Clean-up campaigns, coral reef restoration, and most recently the creation of the Marine Health Alliance together with the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund, have been some of the targeted interventions. Later this month, the TEF will bolster the anti-littering campaign of four schools through a donation of waste disposal bins: Millet Primary School, Roseau Combined, Dennery Primary School and the Faux A Chaud community.
The tourism private sector pledges to continue playing its part in protecting our environment. Together, we can make a meaningful difference through collective action and sustainable practices.
The SLHTA wishes all stakeholders a Happy Earth Day.
Paul Collymore
President
Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association
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