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Agricultural Revitalization Program At Paradise Bay Resort and Spa Grenada |
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LA TANTE, US VIRGIN ISLANDS, Oct. 17 -/E-Wire/--
Paradise Bay, a resort in Grenada, announces an agricultural revitalization program this World Food Day. The resort takes sustainability seriously in all aspects. Earlier this year, the Beach Resort and Spa was the first hotel in the world to install a utility-grade windmill and the first to announce a Carbon Free Vacation, whereby carbon dioxide emissions caused by flights, stay and activities are compensated for every guest.
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The agricultural revitalization program is the resort's major 2008 Community Service project.
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After hurricane Ivan (9/2004) many gardens became inaccessible by dead trees and debris. Many of those that could be accessed received assistance, notably from Oxfam, but many remote farms are still not in operation. Hurricane Emily (7/2005) was not a motivation to get started again and several farmers that had just rebuilt gave up and moved into construction, which was high in demand after Ivan, without realizing this was a dead end. Now that the reconstruction boom is over, many lost their jobs and do not have any reserves to start up their farm. Paradise Bay's revitalization program will assist them to clear their land, plough and provide basic tools seeds, nursery and other materials where needed.
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The revitalization program is aimed at crop farmers with the older farmers being a priority. Many farmers never restarted their gardens after hurricane Ivan and moved into construction work instead. Now that the reconstruction boom is over they find themselves without a steady job and typically have no reserves. This is not only a social problem for the farmers themselves: vegetables now have to be partly imported to satisfy the demand at sharply increased prices. The program helps the farmers back in turn, from clearing their overgrown land to providing manure and seeds, as well as advice how to produce more economically.
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The program will start November 1, 2007 by expanding the existing organic garden at the resort into a model organic farm, scheduled to be completed before Christmas. On April 15, 2008, after the dry season (many farms have no irrigation) the program starts by assisting individual farmers to clear their land, plough/fork, apply organic manure and provide seeds.
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In January 2008, the resort also starts a social/community service project and a green energy/conversation programs.
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Since local volunteers are barely available, the resort has introduced the Volunteer Vacation offering a balance between volunteer work (4 hours on week days) and enjoying the island. Volunteers only pay for meals, drinks and services accommodations are free. Volunteers work every weekday morning and enjoy a high-end activity program, including social contacts with locals.
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After the resort joined responsibletravel.com, they found that many volunteers prefer a certain degree of luxury. However, volunteers can also choose a simpler, more economic program.
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For more information about volunteering e-mail Info@paradisebayresort.net or call Paradise Bay Resort and Spa at (++1) 473-405-8888.
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About Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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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 and a small gym. The resort broke ground by including expensive Spa treatments and excursions and called it Super Inclusive. All meals, house drinks are included with the $94.50 pp Super-Inclusive add-on, but also whales/dolphins watching, a Catamaran trip, scuba diving, island tour, horseback riding, walks and/hikes. The first resort with a windmill and flight carbon offset program offers guests a Carbon Free Vacation, is a sustainable destination with 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 : the Paradise Bay Resort and Spa
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