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Hamanasi Becomes Belize’s First Beachfront Property to Achieve Green Globe Certification
Hopkins, Belize – April 19, 2010 – It’s official – Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort has just earned the prestigious title as Belize’s first-ever Green Globe Certified beachfront property. Based in Hopkins, the eco-resort has been dedicated to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards since its inception in 2000. The Green Globe recognition, which is a highly regarded and selective certification process, is an epic benchmark in Belize’s steadfast effort to build itself as a responsible tourism destination.
“In an effort to avoid the travel industry’s ‘green washing’ label, we felt passionately about being part of a program that was serious and reputable,” said Dana Krauskopf, owner of Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort. “That passion ultimately translated into Hamanasi earning the coveted Green Globe Certification. Not only does our new achievement exemplify that Hamanasi puts the environment first; it also shows the staff, guests and public that Hamanasi is deeply committed to its green/sustainability initiatives.”
From the beginning, Hamanasi owners David and Dana Krauskopf’s number one priority was protecting the environment. In fact, one of their early efforts included developing a mission statement to include their commitment to the environment, which eventually evolved into Hamanasi’s eco-mission statement. That initial pledge to Mother Nature was followed by the immediate implementation of efforts including hiring and developing local staff, keeping as much of the native plants and eco system as possible, including an 11 acre nature reserve, and designing to ensure maximum natural light and air flow. Over the years, Hamanasi has steadily strengthened its eco and sustainability initiatives, and continues to do so.
“Hamanasi will continue to aggressively pursue its environmental and sustainability goals,” commented Krauskopf. “We plan to introduce solar power in our new guest units, invest in a new grey water system and implement other earth friendly, energy saving efforts. Beginning this June we’ll expand our organic garden, and our efforts to actively engage in activities that support the surrounding communities will continue.”
Hamanasi’s specially appointed “Green Team” implements and oversees every eco-friendly effort, every step of the way. From facility, food & beverage and office accomplishments, to special efforts regarding tours, marketing and the community, the Green Team is dedicated to ensuring that the environment surrounding Hamanasi remains protected.
“Becoming Green Globe Certified has been a challenging and rewarding journey, ever since we set it as the Green Team’s primary Goal back in January 2007,” said Andrew Usher, General Manager of Hamanasi. “We look forward to improving upon and extending our green efforts into sustainable, long term goals for Hamanasi’s staff and guests alike.”
As a part of Hamanasi’s new continuing education and engagement efforts for staff and guests, the Green Team is making plans to launch new guest education programs to include topics like the importance of being green and sustainable, background on wildlife and nature, Mayan history, and Belizean cultures. The property is also working on developing onsite displays which provide more information about the diverse eco habitats on-property, and has already revealed an improved pond habitat, which serves as home base for crocodiles, turtles, fish and birds.
Hamanasi officially started working towards Green Globe Certification on September 3, 2009. The eco-resort was officially certified on April 7, 2010. For more information about Hamanasi’s community involvement and efforts to keep Belize green, visit www.Hamanasi.com.
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability certification based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA and operates in over 83 countries. Green Globe is the only certification company to be an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and a member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) governing council. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com.