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Club Med Ignites Eco-Enthusiasm: Unveiling Pioneering Sustainability Plans

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Robert Tavares

April 3, 2024 - 17:23 pm

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Club Med Commits to Expanding Sustainability Efforts in Celebration of Earth Month

MIAMI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

As Earth Month commences, Club Med, the originator of the all-inclusive resort model, has unveiled a series of substantial corporate sustainability responsibility (CSR) pledges in conjunction with its laudable 'Happy to Care' initiative. Firm in their stance that the principle of sustainability is integral to the vacation experience, Club Med is reinforcing its dedication to environmental conservation. This effort includes the initiation of programs centered on safeguarding natural habitats and the advancement of both sustainable and regenerative tourism. Moreover, Club Med is actively engaging guests, alongside local young people, in entertaining and informative workshops aimed at raising environmental consciousness.

"During this momentous observance of Earth Month, it is with immense pride that we reassert our devotion to the cause of sustainability via our 'Happy to Care' endeavor," proclaimed Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. "Deeply ingrained in the ethos of Club Med is the belief that stewardship of our planet extends beyond obligation—it is an honor. By way of pioneering initiatives such as 'Happy to Care,' we are unwavering in our pursuit of imparting a potent and enduring influence on both the human and natural communities we are fortunate enough to impact. Each sojourn to our resorts signifies a meaningful stride towards a more sustainable and resplendent future. It's a future where we collectively contribute to our noble mission, all the while basking in the sheer splendor of our destinations."

Biodiversity Protection in the Dominican Republic

The esteemed Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda has joined forces with local bodies and environmental entities to pioneer cutting-edge biodiversity protection measures, promoting ecotourism and shielding the Dominican Republic’s ecological gems.

The Protortuga Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program stands as a testament to the collaborative effort between PROMICHES (Hotel and Tourism Association El Seibo-Miches) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Established in 2023, Protortuga is committed to facilitating optimal conditions for the reproduction of sea turtles in Miches and La Vacama. In its foundational year, the program meticulously surveyed a 30-mile coastal stretch, witnessed the safe release of 728 juvenile turtles, and engaged upwards of 380 participants in its eco-educational workshops. Tasked with the protection of three sea turtle species – the Leatherback, Green, and Carey – Protortuga plays a pivotal conservation role. Moreover, it underscores the symbiosis of environmental conservation with the tourism sector in the Dominican Republic, registering 1,399 turtle eggs thus far.

To glimpse these extraordinary efforts led by Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, images can be found here (Credit: Club Med).

Club Med's alliance with The Peregrine Fund is another sterling example of its unremitting biodiversity preservation endeavors. This partnership allows guests and staff at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda to gain firsthand knowledge about the endangered Ridgeway Hawk during engrossing workshops. The resort session shed light on the fundamental role these raptors play in the Dominican ecosystem and the outstanding efforts by The Peregrine Fund to protect them. Participants even developed personal connections with two rescued hawks, further heightening the awareness of avian conservation. The collaboration has already garnered close to $4,000, reflecting Club Med’s ongoing financial support to the organization.

For visuals linked to The Peregrine Fund's conservation programs, click here (Credit: Club Med).

Empowering The Next Generation: Sea Camps and Coral Protection in the Bahamas

In the picturesque Bahamas, Club Med Columbus has undertaken a collaborative initiative with Only Blue Diving to roll out a '3-day Mini Sea Camp' for the youth of San Salvador Island. This marine reserve, safeguarded by the Bahamian government since 2002, offers a platform for teens to immerse themselves in activities that include snorkeling with marine creatures, coral identification, and insightful lessons on the archipelago's most critical resource. The aim is to cultivate a deep-rooted understanding of reef conservation and marine systems amongst local youth. Club Med Columbus pledges to host this enriching camp on a monthly basis in 2024, broadening its conservation and education horizon.

Alongside nurturing awareness through these camps, Club Med Columbus is escalating its ecological support through an enduring partnership with Only Blue Diving. The diving center is proudly launching as an official NGO: Only Blue for Reef. This collaboration promises the construction of three coral nurseries and the restoration of vital fish habitats—experiences accessible to novice divers that emphasize the vital importance of preserving these exquisite underwater realms. Additionally, divers are provided the unique opportunity to participate in an 'Adopt a Coral' initiative under expert supervision, thereby directly contributing to coral reef conservation.

Only Blue Diving is a dedicated and ecologically responsible center, authentically engaged in the protection of the oceans and San Salvador's marine ecosystem. The center also offers expert-led programs in Coral Reef Conservation, Sea Turtle Awareness, Shark Conservation, and Dive Against Debris, among other eco-oriented services including dive packages tailored for Club Med guests.

For images related to Only Blue Diving and their conservation efforts accessible by Club Med guests, follow this link (Credit: Club Med).

Club Med's Affiliation with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Club Med has proudly declared its affiliation with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, showcasing their resolution to foster sustainable practices throughout the hospitality industry and strive for Net Positive Hospitality. The Alliance, an influential collective of over 50,000 hospitality properties worldwide, is set to leverage Club Med's vast expertise in sustainability to heighten industry-wide eco-friendly endeavors. Club Med's commitment to crafting travel experiences that merge seamlessly with nature is mirrored in their steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship, with many of their resorts adhering to BREEAM standards and attaining esteemed "Green Globe" certification.

The company's initiative, "Bye Bye Plastic,” is a prime example of their dedication to ecological care through the reduction of single-use plastics within their resorts. Club Med's reputation for cultivating employee welfare was also highlighted when they were recognized as the best hospitality tourism company to work for in 2023 by French economic magazine Capital. Club Med's engagement with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance reaffirms their pledge to promote sustainability throughout the hospitality sector, anticipating productive exchanges with peers to share insights and refine best practices.

A Snapshot of Club Med's 2024-2025 CSR Goals for North America

  • Green Globe and BREAAM Certifications: Highlighting ongoing advancements in environmental strategy, Club Med resorts, including Michès Playa Esmeralda, Punta Cana, Turkoise, Ixtapa Pacific, Cancún, and Québec Charlevoix, have achieved Green Globe Certification. Moreover, Club Med Québec proudly boasts BREEAM Certification.

  • Green Farmers: Nearly 30 local small farm producers are supported by Club Med to advocate for extensive agricultural practices within the Dominican Republic.

  • Renewable Energy: A solar panel farm at Club Med Punta Cana is estimated to provide 25% of the resort's clean energy requirements annually.

  • Environmental Partnerships: Initiatives such as the turtle monitoring and protection program at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Cancún, and Michès Playa Esmeralda highlight the company's pioneering conservation efforts initiated in 2023. The partnership with the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund brings interactive workshops on coral reefs to guests at Club Med Turkoise and Columbus.

  • Bye Bye Plastic Program: Aiming for the reduction of single-use plastics, Club Med North America is actively substituting biodegradable and glass options, with Michès Playa Esmeralda featuring an on-site water bottling facility, preventing the use of over 60,000 plastic bottles each year through their glass refillables provided to guests.

For more comprehensive information regarding Club Med's environmental efforts, access this link. To explore a gallery of related images, please visit here (Credit: Club Med).

ABOUT CLUB MED

On the ever-evolving landscape of the all-inclusive vacation niche, Club Med, established by Gérard Blitz in 1950, stands out as the pioneering force. Spanning a vast array of locales across North and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean, Club Med operates close to 70 deluxe resorts, each reflecting a distinct local aesthetic, married with the comforts of upscale lodgings. Club Med resorts are renowned for their extensive selection of sports and activities, culturally enriching programs for children, gourmet eats, and the trademark 'legendary' hospitable service delivered by worldly, skilled staff.

Club Med's global operations extend to over 40 countries on five continents, sustained by a dynamic international team comprised of over 23,000 individuals representing in excess of 110 nationalities. Driven by an innovative spirit, Club Med's growth trajectory anticipates the introduction or revamping of between three to five resorts annually, inclusive of a new mountain retreat each year.

To delve further into the world of Club Med, access their site at www.clubmed.us, dial 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or engage with a preferred travel specialist. For an exclusive sneak peek of Club Med, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For media inquiries, please reach out to Sydney Dixon, Public Relations & Partnerships Manager at [email protected], or QUINN PR at [email protected].

SOURCE

Club Med