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Zero Carbon Offset Program At Paradise Bay Resort and Spa Grenada |
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LA TANTE, WEST INDIES, Aug. 21 -/E-Wire/--
Paradise Bay Resort and Spa in Grenada was the first resort in the world with a utility grade windmill as well as the first resort to provide all guests - free of charge - with a certificate for a carbon free vacation, whereby the carbon emission for guest's flights and stay are fully compensated.
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Initially the resort planned to purchase carbon credits from existing offset companies, but after researching found that these programs are not always as transparent and accountable as they should be, while claims for carbon credits are often far too optimistic.
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James Post, Managing Director Paradise Bay: "The calculation of carbon offsets should be accessible to be able to judge them on their merits and transparency. But even NPO's keep this as a secret. We considered to become a member of the reputable Chicago Climate Exchange -and were principally approved- but the complex procedures were just too much for us, being a small organization. So we decided to select our own projects which proved to be more time consuming but simpler and less costly to implement".
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Small scale projects in the Caribbean that may not have a major contribution in the total offset package, but work motivational and therewith involve more people in the fight against global warming are currently under evaluation. A good example is a waste paper recycling program, undertaken by a local NGO. In the Caribbean, recycling is a new concept and Paradise Bay is proud to be in the position to stimulate such development.
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The main compensation project is the planting of trees in Ethiopia, which not only helps to offset carbon emissions, but also has significant social and ecological advantages:
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30 years of disastrous development strategies and unsustainable land use have left only 3% of the country's forests standing. With more than 80% of the population dependent on wood for their basic energy needs, there is a real crisis in their fuel supply - women and children must walk miles every day to gather a few twigs to cook with, and fuel wood is very expensive. Replanting the trees therefore improves the living conditions of the poor population.
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Ethiopia loses large amounts of topsoil every year because deforestation is allowing massive soil erosion into the Nile River system. Ethiopia was once known as the Bread Basket of Africa. It is obvious that replanting is a high priority, in order to avoid food security problems
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The trees are planted by local people, trained and coached by volunteers and agro-specialists. This sustainable approach motivates the beneficiaries to help themselves.
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Paradise Bay believes this approach is the best possible and hopes the traveling public will acknowledge this.
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The Carbon Free Vacation Program is not optional and applies to all guest's flights and stays, including provisions for local transport and guest activities. However, the resort did not increase their prices.
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About Paradise Bay Resort and Spa - Grenada is a Caribbean tropical island with friendly people and gorgeous nature. Paradise Bay Resort and Spa features 9 Caribbean tropical villas on 8 acres amidst 1000's acres pristine nature with great ocean and beach views, offers gourmet cuisine, personal service, (beach) massage, a small gym. Relax...no TV or traffic noise. Revive your senses in a hammock or ocean kayak. Dance at the beach, watch whales/dolphins, do a Catamaran trip, scuba diving, island tour or walk/hike. All meals, drinks and activities are included with the $ 94.50 pp Super-Inclusive add-on. The first resort with a windmill, guarantees all guests a Carbon Free Vacation, is a sustainable destination with local, organic food and amenities. Contact Info:
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James Post
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Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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Tel : (++1) 473-405-8888
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E-mail : Info@paradisebayresort.net Website : Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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