Meg: I know that Tobago’s ecotourism includes protection of its turtles. Tell me more about this.
Ean: Trinidad and Tobago has the highest level of protection worldwide. What may have started as conservation project is now eco tourism product.
The main turtle that could have become endangered was the leather back turtle– it’s extremely large, as long as 3 feet-plus. It’s like a prehistoric monster coming out of the sea. It lumbers up onto the beach and then it has to dig this big large hole with its back flippers. It will take maybe an hour and half, two hours to lay its egg and then close back the nest, which is dug in the sand and make its way back to the sea. If you ever experience it, it’s something you’ll never forget for years to come.
When we opened Grafton Beach Resort in 1989, followed by Le Grand Courlan Resort and Spa we started the first actual turtle conservation in Tobago in front of the hotel. We had a watchman at night and he would look out for turtles. Once he sighted a turtle we would call all the guests down. We use to see as many as 14 turtles a night. So that was the first step in avoiding the turtles being slaughtered on the beach and that spread to other hotels and organizations like SOS and Save the Turtles. Now young people maybe in their 20s and 30 are looking after the turtles and they’re really committed.
Meg: Can you tell me about any green energy features to the property?
Ean: We have solar panels on the roof, which is primarily used for the laundry, the hot water system. It has saved us over a third in our energy costs. It’s not just about saving energy costs, it’s about setting the example for others to follow. We now know solar water works.
We would not have been able to afford solar energy, so we got a grant from three different organizations. We’ve had a lot of teething problems because it was new technology but I am pleased to say that all the problems have been solved and everybody is extremely happy with what we’ve achieved.
Meg: I find fascinating that eco tourism exists here alongside the oil and gas industry.
Ean: Trinidad and Tobago has an oil-based economy and it’s been like that maybe since the ’20s. But it’s not a renewable, sustainable form of energy. So it’s important as a nation that we look at other avenues to sustain us when that’s finished. And to me ecotourism makes logical sense. Ecotourism benefits everybody.
