The Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment (MIS), under the leadership of Minister Quincia Gumbs-Marie, has launched an Environmental Stewardship Programme to encourage tourism-based businesses to be good environmental stewards. The launch was announced during the special press conference for Blue Week on Monday, January 23.
Minister Gumbs-Marie said that the initiative is a move towards “getting the private sector involved in environmental conservation efforts – part of the global call for partnership in tackling climate change and promoting ecosystems health.” She noted that research indicates that third party investors are attaching more importance to businesses’ environmental, social and governance efforts in their decision-making. It further indicates that people are changing their consumption habits because of their environmental priorities and are demanding more environmentally sustainable products and experiences.
“It is in keeping with the global goal of ocean and terrestrial health as important components of Anguilla’s environmental agenda that my Ministry launches the Environmental Stewardship Programme geared towards tourism-based businesses,” the Minister said.
MIS Permanent Secretary, Mrs Chanelle Petty-Barrett, explained that the programme requires collaboration between Government, NGOs, communities and the private sector and is about the management and preservation of ocean and terrestrial resources.
“Through this programme,” she said, “Government seeks to encourage businesses to become beacons of sustainability by integrating climate and environmental consciousness into their everyday operations.”
She said that businesses that participate in the programme successfully, will receive a gold, silver, or bronze Environmental Steward Seal of Approval from the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment of the Government of Anguilla. That seal will be valid for a two-year period.
“The seal will be a national recognition that the business operations are a model of marine and terrestrial environmental sustainability.”
She said that business must meet certain criteria in order to be part of the programme.
“They should have a management plan in place to reduce waste and engage in green operations practices such as using biodegradable material, conserving water, integrating renewable energy technology in operations as well as demonstrating efforts to reduce environmental footprint or mitigate the potential impact of operations on wildlife.”
Businesses that choose to participate in the programme would be expected to raise awareness among guests about the importance of healthy ecosystems and about Anguilla’s endangered species, as well as involve guests in environmental activities. They would also be expected to support local communities and facilitate their access to and use of coastal resources or terrestrial habitats.
Additionally, businesses would be expected to support national environmental efforts by providing tangible support to environmental programmes, facilitate guests’ involvement in these activities and train relevant staff in the importance of healthy ecosystems and conservation efforts. They must also have a disaster resilience business Continuity Plan for mitigation, preparedness and recovery in the event of a disaster.
PS Mrs Petty-Barrett said that all tourism-based businesses are eligible to participate in the programme, and noted that participation in the programme is voluntary and businesses must register for the programme.
