The Anguilla Tourist Board says, “ Sustainability is not only a major consideration for today’s travelers, but also essential to our own survival as a destination. Anguilla aims to become the most sustainable island in the region, and there are a wide variety of sustainable initiatives currently underway.”
Development of the Blue Economy
In February 2023, Anguilla joined the Blue Belt Initiative to improve the governance of marine and coastal ecosystems that would restore and conserve biodiversity.
The administration has since introduced legislation to allow for the sustainable management of its marine resources, increased product offerings (motorized water sports) and related job creation.
Environmental Stewardship Programme
Introduced by the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, this public-private sector partnership encourages tourism-based businesses to integrate climate and environmental consciousness into their everyday operations.
A gold, silver, or bronze Environmental Steward Seal designates the establishments that are a model of marine and terrestrial environmental sustainability, awarded to businesses that successfully participate in the programme.
Promoting Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment
A major emphasis is on fields where women are underrepresented. A prime example is boosting women’s participation in farming, by providing capacity training and making them beneficiaries of shade houses.
Approved Legislation
The administration has introduced a series of tax incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and hybrids, as well as the design of a green bloc with an EV charging station.
Food Security and Nutrition Programmes
Starting in the schools, Anguilla is investing in health and social development by educating students and changing behavior through the use of hydroponic systems.
Aquaponic systems are being introduced in residential communities across the island as an alternative method of rearing and harvesting fish and vegetables at home.
Protecting the Island’s Biodiversity
In collaboration with the Anguilla National Trust, efforts are underway to mitigate the impacts of invasive plant and animal species by identifying and removing plants and animals that are harmful to Anguilla’s natural environment, as well as the agriculture and fishing sectors.
The Anguilla Renewable Energy Advisory Service
This unit within the Department of Natural Resources was created to mitigate and adapt to climate change impact by implementing sustainable energy sources. The unit is tasked with addressing the decarbonization pathway for Anguilla.
Creation of National Green Spaces
This is the result of another public-private partnership collaboration that provides a clean and safe location for relaxation and reflection for residents and visitors alike in areas across the island.
Zemi Beach House’s Solar Farm
This major project is the most visible of the resort’s multiple sustainability efforts and takes the resort off the grid during the day. The objective is to make the resort completely energy independent.
Aurora Anguilla’s Hydroponic Farm
This sustainable resource is redefining the farm- to-table experience and proving that the cost of growing vegetables is about the same as importing them.
Another major project under construction is the creation of a high-capacity reverse osmosis plant that will provide the entire resort with desalinated water.
