Sandals Grande awarded for marine friendliness

SANDALS GRANDE Ocho Rios Beach and Villa resort was recently granted the title of eco-operator by Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness Responsibility Education).

The Project AWARE foundation, based at Rancho Santa Margarita, California in the United States, is the dive industry's leading non-profit environmental organisation.

It works in partnership with divers and water enthusiasts across the globe conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

"As part of our commitment towards sustainable development, we provide pre-dive briefings on responsible dive practices, display environmental public awareness materials and offer Project AWARE speciality courses that teach about ecology and conservation," said Sandals Grande
environmental manager Kay-Ann Williams.

"We participate in local conservation efforts and support established parks and reserves such as the Ocho Rios Marine Park, through Friends of the Sea."

UNDERWATER ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

Project AWARE recognised the hotel's commitment to working with one of the highest levels of underwater environmental standards after Sandals Grande Ocho Rios made the commitment to provide dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment.

Ms. Williams continued, "We are also very concerned about the preservation of our fauna and flora and as such we do not sell items made from endangered species, threatened species, corals or tropical hardwoods."