Destination Trinidad & Tobago and Asclepius Green team up to implement Blue Flag

Two of Trinidad’s most popular beaches are on their way to prestigious Blue Flag environmental certification following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tourism Developm

Two of Trinidad’s most popular beaches are on their way to prestigious Blue Flag environmental certification following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TDC) and Caribbean non-profit organization Asclepius Green.

The MOU outlined that the non-profit will be responsible for the implementation of the Blue Flag program at the Maracas and Las Cuevas beach facilities on Trinidad’s North Coast. Both facilities are managed by the TDC.

Speaking following the signing of the MOU, Yolande Selman, TDC’s acting CEO, said “We are pleased to move forward with Asclepius Green in the implementation of the Blue Flag program as this initiative would positively impact the environmental sustainability and long-term development of two of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading attractions.”

“This program,” Selman added, “demands strict adherence to environmental standards and Asclepius Green has the required technical expertise, experience and is equipped to implement the Blue Flag program in Trinidad and Tobago.”

An internationally-recognized environmental certification program, Blue Flag promotes sustainable development of coastal areas through monitoring and management of Bathing Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, Safety, and other services.

The program is owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) which awarded TDC affiliate membership status in 2008, however only a non-governmental organization (NGO) can implement the Blue Flag program and act as the FEE National Coordinator.

In keeping with these guidelines, the TDC undertook a program last year to identify and select a suitably-qualified and experienced NGO to implement the Blue Flag program. The selected organization, Asclepius Green, comprises of trained medical, management, and sustainability professionals.

Recent programs undertaken by Asclepius Green include Village-to-Village, a companion and domestic animal health program for rural communities with limited access to veterinary care and the monitoring of the health and disease status of key wildlife species and ecosystems.

For more information on the signing of the MOU or the Blue Flag program in Trinidad and Tobago visit www.tdc.co.tt or the TDC’s Corporate Communications Department at [email protected]

Trinidad & Tobago is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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