Sustainability

Mother Nature’s bounty must be treasured and protected by world-leading sustainability practices around the world. Photography: Mandy Choi.

Golden Rock’s Caribbean island of innovation

By Tiffany West

Briefly …

Perched between volcano and sea, Golden Rock Resort has earned Green Globe certification for its island-wide commitment to sustainability, showcasing how small islands can lead big on sustainability.

Born out of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, Green Globe was created to help the tourism industry measure and reduce its environmental impact. Within just a few years, the program grew from a pioneering idea into a global network endorsed by travel industry associations across 74 countries. Through partnerships and pilot programs, Green Globe extended sustainable principles to embrace entire communities, establishing international standards that aligned with the UN’s ‘Agenda 21’ – an action designed to achieve global sustainable development by integrating environmental protection with economic and social considerations.

Green Globe members commit to the highest standards of sustainability, managing energy and water use while promoting reuse and recycling. They protect the culture and heritage of their host destinations, uphold global compacts on equality, health and human rights, and prohibit child exploitation. Members also foster diversity and inclusiveness within their workforce, guided by a sustainability plan encompassing more than 300 measurable activities across all levels of operation. Today, Green Globe continues to advance sustainable tourism practices and has expanded its reach to more than 80 countries.

Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort. Image supplied.

Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort in the Caribbean awarded its inaugural Green Globe certification

Renowned for its breathtaking landscaping and serene ambiance, the Golden Rock Resort lies perched where the majestic Quill Volcano meets the Atlantic Ocean. The eco-conscious resort is a vibrant lush tropical paradise spread across 40 acres with over 140,000 plants, flowers, and trees.

Located on the beautiful island of Sint Eustatius (Dutch for Saint Eustace, and known locally as ‘Statia’), Golden Rock Resort has always been committed to a vision of holistic sustainability. The oceanfront property’s dedication reaches beyond simple eco-friendly practices, sustainability is a fundamental part of its design, operations, and guest experience. The resort has invested in three key initiatives – water management, solar energy, and sustainable agriculture to create self-sufficient and climate resilient operations, testament to its commitment to a greener future.

“We’re officially Green Globe certified, and that’s something to be proud of!” Anna Warner, Sustainability Representative for Golden Rock Resort, told The Solo Traveller. “My deepest thanks to the entire Golden Rock family – your dedication, your passion, and your integrity made this happen. And just between us, saving the planet looks pretty good to us. But this isn’t just a Golden Rock win, it’s a Statia win. Sustainability is island business, and we’re proud to show that even a small hidden gem like Sint Eustatius can shine bright on the global stage. When one of us rises, the whole island rises.”

“Sustainability is island business, and we’re proud to show that even a small hidden gem like Sint Eustatius can shine bright on the global stage. When one of us rises, the whole island rises.”

The cornerstone of Golden Rock Resort’s self-sufficiency is its innovative water management system. To address the challenge of freshwater being a finite resource in an island environment, a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis plant transforms seawater into drinking water. The plant produces 240,000 litres of clean water daily, a significant supply that is then stored in underground bunkers. This not only provides guests with pure drinking water straight from the tap but also drastically reduces a reliance on external sources, eliminating the need to import plastic bottled water.

Furthermore, the resort’s commitment to a closed-loop system ensures that not a drop of water is wasted. All grey water is meticulously treated through advanced helophyte filters and reused to irrigate the property’s extensive gardens and lawns. Native and adaptive plant species suitable for the local climate are maintained by the landscaping team, with scheduled irrigation during cooler hours to minimise evaporation and optimise water use.

The solar park is a prime example of Golden Rock Resort’s commitment to energy independence. Image supplied.

The solar park is a prime example of Golden Rock Resort’s commitment to energy independence. Featuring 2,240 solar panels, this system produces 0.9 megawatts of electricity per day, covering almost all of the resort’s energy consumption needs. This sustainable power source enables the resort to be nearly fully off the grid with excess energy stored in batteries.

The resort’s farm-to-table philosophy is realised at the resort’s 20,000 square-foot organic greenhouse. Image supplied.

The resort’s farm-to-table philosophy is realised at the resort’s 20,000 square-foot organic greenhouse. By cultivating its own produce without the use of pesticides, Golden Rock Resort not only grows the highest quality ingredients for the two on-site restaurants but also reduces a dependence on imported goods. In addition, there is a chicken farm that produces fresh eggs daily.

You can find out more about Green Globe here, and The Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort here.

Tiffany West is The Solo Traveller’s Editorial and Pictorial Assistant Lead. This feature includes information provided by international news agencies and public relations representatives, published here with editorial oversight. You can read The Solo Traveller’s editorial policy regarding external sources here.