Anguilla, a British Overseas territory in Eastern Caribbean, part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, highlighted by a vibrant culture, an idyllic atmosphere, a stunning natural setting, pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and a unique culinary offer, is betting on tourism with social and environmental impact.
The Caribbean territory is transforming its tourism model to prioritize cultural, economic, environmental and social impact, aiming for sustainable growth by 2026.
The government is pushing for eco - conscious practices within the hospitality sector to protect fragile coastal ecosystems and promote sustainability, aiming to move beyond just economic gains, balancing growth with environmental limits, focusing on high - value, and low - impact visitors rather than mass tourism.
The strategy includes a new Environmental Stewardship Programme for hotels, marine conservation under a Blue Economy initiative, and community - focused “volun - tourism” allowing visitors to participate in community projects, to ensure local engagement and social initiatives that are part of life on the island and that can also be incorporated into visitors’ itinerary.
Activities such as shopping in small shops, visits to spas, boat trips or participation in cultural experiences help to keep the local economy active, directly benefiting Anguillan artists, artisans, small businesses and community organizations.
Among the institutions that act in this area is the Anguilla National Trust, an organization responsible for the protection of natural areas and the historical heritage of the Caribbean territory.The preservation of historic homes, coastal habitats and threatened species, many of them restricted to small islands around the territory are the pillars of the organization.
Conservation projects are financed through donations and fees charged on tourism activities.The resources are allocated to habitat restoration initiatives, protected area management, biodiversity research and environmental education programs for local people.
One of the most recent results involves the iconic Ground Lizard Hat, a species of lizard that had fewer than 100 individuals recorded in 2018. After conservation actions, the population exceeded the 1600 mark.
Another ongoing project seeks to protect a species of land snail considered one of the most endangered on the island, with the support of the international Darwin Plus program, a UK government grants scheme providing funding to protect and enhance biodiversity and build climate change resilience within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) .
The program supports projects focusesd on environmental research, conservation action, and capacity building, offering four distinct grant schemes : Local, Main, Strategic, and People & Skills, to support local and international partners.
Tourism in Anguilla has also been linked to animal welfare initiative. The Anguilla Animal Reserve Foundation (AARF), a volunteer - run organization, maintains a shelter for dogs and cats, as well as promote adoption drives in partnership with the Morris Veterinary Clinic.
In addition to the rescue and care of animals, the foundation carries out educational activities in schools, with a focus on responsible ownership and control of the population of abandoned animals, which is identified as one of the main local challenges.
Visitors can get to know the shelter and interact with the animals, contributing to their socialization, in addition to supporting the institution through donations.
Another initiative is Second Chances, a charity store run by the Anguilla Animal Reserve Foundation in The Valley, the Anguillan capital. The space sells clothes, books and other items in good condition and the proceeds go to cover vaccinations, sterilizations, veterinary care and the maintenance of the shelter.
The organization also encourages tourists to donate objects that they do not wish to take back from their trip, expanding the collection for animal protection actions.
By bringing together environmental conservation, social projects and appreciation of local culture, Anguilla seeks to reinforce a tourism model in which the visitor not only knows the destination, but also contributes to the preservation of the territory and the community.
The proposal is to demonstrate that the Caribbean island experience can go beyond leisure, including ways to explore, preserve, and support local initiatives that help keep the destination’s identity alive.
Link
https://infoturlatam.com/isla-caribena-apuesta-por-el-turismo-con-impacto-social-y-ambiental/
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