Development of Environmental Management, Energy and Water Conservation and Efficiency Standards for the Tourism Sector
A Climate-Resilient Marine Spatial Plan will guide the protection and sustainable use of the Virgin Islands’ marine environment. It will define key zones for conservation, fisheries, recreation, and development—supporting climate resilience while enabling a balanced blue economy.
Introduction
As global sensitisation about climate change increases, more and more, tourism markets are demanding “green” destinations. The Virgin Islands tourism sector, like those across the region, currently has a high environmental footprint.
The forthcoming Virgin Islands National Tourism Policy (2026-2036) outlines a comprehensive framework for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism. The vision includes protecting natural assets and achieving a low water and energy footprint, with a sector largely powered by clean, renewable energy.
Development of standards to guide environmental management as well as energy and water conservation and efficiency in the tourism sector will be a critical step towards achieving change on the ground.
The Impact
This project will result in a comprehensive suite of Environmental Management and Energy and Water Conservation and Efficiency Standards for the tourism sector.
The Standards will be delivered in a format suitable for inclusion in the Regulations to support the forthcoming Environment and Climate Change Act. The Standards will also be packaged in a user-friendly guide for distribution to tourism sector stakeholders, including property and restaurant owners, charter yacht companies and tour operators. The Standards will be complemented by a series of training workshops on how to implement the Standards to ensure industry uptake and compliance.
The Problem
Yachts washed down by a marina
The Solution
Mock of cover for publication titled: “Environmental Management, Energy and Water Conservation and Efficiency Standards for the Tourism Sector”
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