Jamaica-based tour company wins recognition for measuring up to
the world’s highest environmental standards
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica, August 28, 2006 --- Chukka Caribbean Adventures has achieved certification under the prestigious Green Globe Certification Program which measures and ratifies tourism operations worldwide, and assesses their environmental practices by a rigorous system of audits. “At Chukka, we are very serious about our environmental responsibilities,” says Mark Hylton, the company’s General Manager. “The Green Globe Certified status is a confirmation of our development over the years as a team of dedicated, environmentally aware professionals, committed to providing quality adventure tours and services. We operate within a system which nurtures and enhances the environment for our guests and for the surrounding communities. Maintaining an environmental balance is of critical importance for the Caribbean, especially since so much of our livelihood is dependant on tourism. The management systems that we follow today will go a long way towards ensuring a fruitful future for our succeeding generations.”
At Chukka Caribbean Adventures, the commitment to the community is at its highest level, with 88% of the members of the Chukka team residing within a 20-kilometer radius. The company draws upon the surrounding communities for its staffing. Additionally, Chukka purchases local produce exclusively, wherever possible and the operator adopts and maintains community shops as refreshment stops for its tours. Energy-saving methods are de rigueur at Chukka and the utility equipment is constantly monitored for efficiency. Waste is separated and recycled, with an eye on limiting harmful elements in landfill, and Chukka vehicles are serviced regularly to keep fuel consumption and emissions in check. Most importantly, Chukka has ongoing educational programs for its team and the company is conscientious about raising the awareness level of its environmental mission among its guests.
Green Globe provides a benchmarking and certification system that responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including the greenhouse effect, overuse of freshwater resources, destruction of biodiversity, production of solid and biological waste and social issues. As a Green Globe Program participant, Chukka Caribbean Adventures had to successfully outperform set regional standards in a number of key areas, over a period of over two years. The final process, to attain the highest level of achievement, included a rigorous on-site assessment conducted by an independent auditor. Having met all the requirements of the testing process, Chukka Caribbean Adventures earned its designation as a Green Globe Certified tour operator.
