Port Antonio Jamaica

The United Nations defines Sustainable Development as “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations.” In other words, it is enhancing the economic growth and overall quality of life of an area while protecting the community’s environmental and cultural integrity.

Recognising this, the Port Antonio Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association has lobbied for support to assist Portland and Port Antonio to become Jamaica’s first “Green Destination” through certification by Green Globe 21.

Green Globe 21

The Green Globe 21 Community Standard certifies the environmental and social sustainability of entire destinations, which are first benchmarked based on 12 performance indicators and organisational requirements.

This is a relatively new programme with only ten destinations worldwide, including Portland, Port Antonio, currently seeking certification.

Programmes to achieve this important international recognition are funded by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and administered through the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) project. EAST oversees various community programs that preserve and protect both the cultural fabric as well as the precious environment – both marine and land.

The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) are also part of the collaborative effort. The EAST project has officially registered the Parish of Portland as a benchmarking community and it joins destinations from Australia, Bali, Dominica, Iceland, Mexico, New Zealand and Portugal in the race to be the first Green Globe certified community.

Documents

Portland's Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy

Portland's Green Globe 21 Sustainability Strategy

http://www.jbs.org.jm/---ems/sponsors/east/documents.html

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