Volume 2 March - Sept 2015
ecco Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
BLUE MAGIC The Phenomenal Eco System of Café Blue
Story DON’T DISTURB: & Myth
AN UPDATE ON GOAT ISLANDS
Give A Blessing, Get A Blessing, Protect the Environment
ECOADVENTURE AT MYSTIC MOUNTAIN
Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Shelly Ann Dunkley Guest Editor: Latoya West-Blackwood Writers in this Issue: Zoe Chang Graham Hodges Kate Chapell Emma Lewis Rudo Udika Latoya West-Blackwood Bruce Grayson Yee Contributing Photographers: Sabriya Simon (Story and Myth) Cecile Brown (OUR Jamaica) Nathan Patrick (CafĂŠ Blue Cover) Robin Moore Max Earle Makeup: Tru Shade Mineral Makeup Special thanks to Nettle & Moss
Advertising Sales ECCO Magazine Tel: (876) 378-1257 info@eccomagazine.com Distribution Fontana Pharmacy (visit MAPCO’s Complimentary Stand), Jamaica Tourist Board & online at www.eccomagazine.com Printers MAPCO Printers 71-73 Montgomery Ave Kingston 10 Tel: (876) 929-2623 ECCO Magazine Limited 26 Collins Green Ave Kingston 5 Tel: (876) 378-1257 Email: info@eccomagazine.com Facebook: ECCOMagazine Twitter: @ECCOMagazine www.eccomagazine.com
The information in this magazine is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional advice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of materials published in the magazine, the Publisher can accept no responsibility for the claims made by contributors and/or advertisers. Copyright of all material published in ECCO Magazine remains with ECCO Magazine Limited.
ecco Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
CONTRIBUTORS Emma C. Lewis Independent blogger, writer and social media activist, with wide-ranging experience in the field of public affairs and communications. Working closely with the NGO sector, she is a social media trainer advocating for human rights and the environment. A London-born Oxford graduate, she arrived in Jamaica 27 years ago and is currently working on a book of short stories.
Rudo Udika is a water resources engineer and climate change resilience advocate. She also lectures at the University level in Civil Engineering Programmes. She is keen on multidisciplinary approaches for merging science and technology with local knowledge and experiences. Rudo is very passionate about education and development, particularly for improving the lives of vulnerable groups within the Caribbean Region. ARTICLE ONLINE
Kate Chappell is a journalist in Kingston, Jamaica. Her work has appeared in publications in the U.S., Canada and Jamaica. She holds a Master's degree in political science and enjoys running, photography and traveling.
Gavin Campbell is currently in his second year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology at The University of the West Indies and has a strong passion for writing, science, the natural world and insects, especially bees. He hopes to become an Entomologist. ARTICLE ONLINE
Bruce Grayson Yee is a freelance writer whose work can be seen in local publications and commercial and tourism based material. His creative passion drives him ever onward in his pursuit of literary perfection.
CONTENTS ECCO Magazine March - Sept 2015
Eco Tourism: 17. Sandals Foundation Turtle Conservation Programme 19. The Best Kept Secret 23. Eco-Adventure at Mystic Mountain 25. This is Jamaica
Main Features: 06. Blue Magic 09. Don’t Disturb! 13. Meatless Mondays Movement 15. Miracle on Fleet Street
Health & Wellness: 27. Six Tips for Running a Successful 5K Race
Eco Leisure: 29. Jakes Resorts
Natural Beauty:
News & Reviews:
31. Story and Myth
22. Recommended Reads
Read full issue online at
www.eccomagazine.com
In this Issue:
E C C O the Call! The Caribbean region is home to several Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which, in spite of the global nature of issues such as global warming, natural disasters and pollution, are perilously positioned on the front lines of the battle for a sustainable future and healthy environment. Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations (ECCO) Magazine sees its mandate extending beyond the generic disseminating information to playing a critical role in influencing change. The content for each issue is carefully compiled with the intent of awakening or heightening the consciousness our readers and advertisers to the urgency of taking steps to ensure we all play our part in protecting the environment whether it be at home, at work (Green Your Biz) or in recreational and learning spaces. Here at ECCO, we pride ourselves on providing up-to-date and accessible information regarding current issues, places, and people connected by the environment and development issues of global significance and local concern. A new feature starting this first issue of 2015, will be the inclusion of one peer-reviewed article from a local or regional researcher, group or lobbyist always ensuring culturally relevant perspectives. Though our main focus is lifestyle, we feel it is important to share updates and
reviews of major policies and reports which impact and shape our communities, nation and region. This issue, Emma Lewis, well known advocate for human rights and the environment, provides an update on the Goat Islands debate. This first issue for 2015 features the very important topic of Ecotourism. There is a growing consciousness that has positively expanded our understanding of being environmentally-friendly. This has in turn led to an increase in travelers and domestic tourists opting to explore the natural wonders of various destinations in a responsible way that ensures conservation, sustainability and the general well-being of communities and the people who live in these areas. We are excited by this! Our feature on Jakes Resort, located in the mecca of culture and cool that is Treasure Beach, is truly inspiring. Soon that community and the resort will become the first area in Jamaica to lay claim to being fully sustainable by way of renewable energy. This is a major development and we will be keeping in touch with Jason Henzell and the Breds Team to provide you with updates on the project and benefits to the community. If you’re a coffee lover you’ll be especially happy to read our cover story on Café Blue and the magnificent work being put in to ensure that each sip is even more fulfilling knowing that they
are taking such excellent care of the environment. Don’t miss the behind the scenes look at one of our favourite eco-parks, Mystic Mountain, courtesy of Managing Director, Max Patchen. Lastly, do join us online at www.eccomagazine.com where you can access the full issue and connect with our team digitally. Get reading! There’s something for everyone in these pages.
Blessings, Latoya West-Blackwood Guest Editor
BLUE MAGIC The Phenomenal Eco System of CafĂŠ Blue By Zoe Chang & Graham Hodges
The Sharpe brothers, Richard and Jason, have made it their personal mandate to make the brand Café Blue as environmentally friendly as possible. They believe in a naturalistic approach in creating a modern brand of Jamaican coffee. It fits into their overarching vision of a sustainable business model and protecting the island’s unique and natural mystic. The Café Blue brand has grown and continues to expand as one of the most recognizable brands of coffee Jamaica has to offer today. After interviewing Richard Sharpe, the man responsible for the actual production of the coffee beans used in Café Blue’s rich brew, the ECCO team got a chance to embark on what we call the Cliffton Farm experience. Unknown to most, Café Blue’s staff is comprised of approximately 4,000 men and 600 women. This makes them one of the largest urban employers on the Island. All farmers and workers are required to take precautionary measures to limit their
contact with pesticides used by Café Blue during the farming process. Some examples of the safety requirements include; wearing clothing that prevents and minimizes direct contact with certain chemicals, attending workshops on how to clean themselves properly avoiding prolonged contact with pesticides that may cause permanent damage with persistent long term exposure. In addition farmers are also required to have a physical exam twice a year. ECO BLUE Café Blue takes pride in its employees and the farm itself is entirely self-sufficient. By creating all energy on the farm using generators and recycling water they are able to produce enough energy to do everything they need to. They use the water that they accumulate from the run off from the roof and add it to the water bank. For the rain that is missed by this system they have created another system comprised of man-made stone drains, which carry the water to each section of land
once the previous plot has been sufficiently saturated. As for the water used in the factory process, none of it is wasted; instead it goes through a hydro-sieve to be recycled and repurposed. Some of the recycled water can be very acidic thus making it unsuitable for all tasks, however Mr. Sharpe has found an environmentally friendly way to get around this issue. He runs the water underground through a channel that is released into specific plot of land. This section grows a type of grass called African Star that thrives much more acidic water. The grass serves as a natural filtration system and ultimately cleans the water, later releasing it through by way of transpiration and evaporation. This is one example for how Café Blue has created an independent eco-system. Another crucial part of the Café Blue eco-system is the California Earth Worms, which are used to eat the skin of the coffee bean, which would otherwise go to waste. The worms excrete a pulp that is used as a
ECCO MAGAZINE 7.
natural fertilizer for both coffee and flowers. One crop of coffee pulp they create can last for up to four months. This vermaculture cuts down the use of harmful and toxic fertilizers on the farm. Another form of fertilizer used on the farm is chicken manure, which, when coupled with the by-product of the Earth Worm helps to keep the over 3,500 Juniper coffee trees healthy. The minimal used of pesticides used on this farm makes it one of the least toxic found not only in its individual market but the global market as well. In order to decrease the amount of pesticides used that make home-made traps set to capture the BerryBurer an insect with the capability of destroying hundreds of pounds of product by making its way into the seed of the coffee beans and eating them) they are made by cutting a hole in the middle of old bottles and placing the essence of coffee which lures them into the bottle where pesticides kill them. This decreases pesticide run off that
8. ECCO MAGAZINE
pollutes our rivers and causes algal bloom in many of our stagnant waters and gullies in addition to destroying soil. Unknown to many, Café Blue is the largest producer of freshly cut flowers islandwide. Clifton Farm uses this as an additional source of income but more importantly to keep the land fertile by using a farming method known as crop rotation. Each type of flower adds different nutrients to the soils by constantly rotating them. This creates soil rich in the perfect amount and combination of nutrients for growing coffee! Even though water is needed for coffee growth, it is not as essential as good soil. Coffee trees will actually bear more beans when the plant is under stress due to water shortage. This survival method exists as the plant’s way of increasing the level of reproduction right before possible death. It is for this reason that during the drought in the summer of 2014 the yield of coffee was 10 times better than the previous year.
The Sharpe brothers place a huge important on being eco-friendly and sustainable with all farming practices that their company is affiliated with. They live by the following motto,
“Be conscious from the beginning and you can’t farm properly without taking care of the environment” it is for these reasons that their business has seen such huge growth and will continue to in the future.
DON’T DISTURB:
AN UPDATE ON GOAT ISLANDS By Emma Lewis
During the summer of 2014, a floating platform During the summer of this year, a floating platform appeared on the calm sea in Galleon Harbour in St. Catherine. The platform near Goat Island, in the Special Fisheries Conservation Area of the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA), apparently carried a rig to drill boreholes into the foreshore and the floor of the sea – what is called a “geotechnical investigation.” It was there for approximately six weeks, although there was no activity there at the time of writing this article. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) had issued a Special License on March 24, 2014 under the Beach Control Act to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the holes to be bored in 26 spots on and around Little and Great Goat Islands. What is happening here? As we are all aware by now, the Government of Jamaica is negotiating with CHEC for the construction of a large transshipment port in the PBPA. And
what more do we know? Well, that is a large part of the issue. The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), which has been at the forefront of the campaign against the proposed location of the port, says that the Jamaican public still does not know enough about what is going on. “From the beginning we have been asking for more transparency,” Diana McCaulay, JET’s Executive Director, told ECCO Magazine. There have been repeated legal roadblocks. It is still not clear what kind of Framework Agreement has been signed between the Government and CHEC (is it non-binding?) JET requested further information under the Access to Information Act. As the organization waited for a hearing date the Government, in a rather unusual move, issued a Certificate of Exemption (signed by the Minister of Finance) preventing the release of information on economic grounds. JET has filed for a judicial review, and the trial dates are (at the time of writing) set for October 23 and 24. We are not likely to know the judge’s
decision immediately; it will be made in writing. The struggle in the city of Kingston to obtain basic information from the Government of Jamaica on the proposed mega-port continues. Meanwhile, down at Old Harbour Bay, ECCO Magazine learned, the local community is slightly confused and uncertain. Some are fatalistic, adopting a “wait and see” attitude. Neither the residents nor the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM) have heard anything from the Government or CHEC recently (C-CAM is the non-governmental organization that works in the PBPA and manages the fish sanctuaries there). There are many unanswered questions. How many jobs will be available? Will these jobs go to local people? Will residents be relocated? Ports are always high-security areas; will local people have any access to the area if the port is built? How would a port affect local recreational activities – sport fishermen, kayakers and others who enjoy the area for leisure ECCO MAGAZINE 9.
activities? C-CAM’s Executive Director Ingrid Parchment told ECCO that residents of Portland Cottage are worried. Dredging the seabed, which would be necessary on a large scale at Goat Islands, caused great flooding in their own community in the past. One thing is certain: Such a development would cause unavoidable and mostly irreparable damage to a Protected Area created in 1999 by the Jamaican Government itself. The area includes at least one of the three fish sanctuaries formally established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the PBPA less than four years ago. It would also close the door on a proposal to turn Great Goat Island into a wildlife sanctuary and reserve for flora and fauna unique to the dry limestone forest, as outlined in NEPA’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (you can find this document on the savegoatislands.org website – turn to page 61). The development would be a serious setback for the highly 10. ECCO MAGAZINE
successful and internationally acclaimed Jamaican Iguana Recovery Plan, which is about to celebrate its twentieth anniversary and in which so many scientists, locally and abroad, have invested so much. It would open access to the western edge of the Hellshire Hills, where the iguanas have been released. The port development – including the possible construction of a coal-powered plant to generate electricity – would not only cast doubt on the Jamaican Government’s sincere commitment to the preservation of this fragile habitat. The Government is currently framing its National Climate Change Policy, frequently stressing its determination to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The thick mangrove forest that fringes Goat Islands provides a strong buffer against damaging storms and is an incredible carbon store – protection against global warming. The PBPA includes about one quarter of Jamaica’s remaining mangroves.
And the burning of fossil fuels is well documented as one of the most harmful human activities contributing to the climate change crisis. So, what else is happening now? While the court actions continue, C-CAM, with funding from the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund recently hired a U.S.-based economist from the Conservation Strategy Fund with expertise in port development to prepare a cost-effectiveness study for an alternate site for the transshipment port. The study is now complete and C-CAM is planning a national workshop to present its findings very soon. International partners, says McCaulay, continue to offer “fantastic support”; conservation photographer Robin Moore recently visited the area and produced stunning photographs for National Geographic. Scientists from the University of the West Indies, funded by the Waitt Foundation, are currently conducting a survey of the PBPA’s coral reefs, which they hope to publish around the end of the year. C-CAM’s
Scientific Officer Brandon Hay says the scientists have seen improvements in the reefs, although some might be in the way of the current proposed entry channel and would need to be protected. And while there are always some who try to break the rules, C-CAM’s Parchment says most fishermen continue to abide by the fish sanctuary regulations, and C-CAM has the support of the Marine Police in enforcing them. One more thing: As local environmentalists also point out to ECCO Magazine, the decision to build such an environmentally destructive development in a protected area would send a strong message to scientists and international partners. Funders would be most reluctant to commit to environmental projects in the future that might be deliberately destroyed by development a few years later. “If the port goes ahead, it will drive a stake through the heart of the Protected Areas system in Jamaica,” McCaulay told ECCO Magazine. Nowhere will be safe, and the way will be opened up for other areas (such as the precious Cockpit Country and elsewhere) to be exploited. In fact, a precedent was already set when a large section of the Palisadoes-Port Royal mangroves (along the airport road) – designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar
Convention – was destroyed by CHEC’s bulldozers during road improvements. Although promises were made to replant the mangroves and dune vegetation on the other side of the road, this has not been done. That Ramsar Site is now, simply, concrete. The threatened PBPA wetlands and cays are also a Ramsar Site. While C-CAM’s dedicated staff continues to work hard in the PBPA community (with a Heritage Village, interpretive wetlands center and eco-tour project with local and international funding and partners, all in the works), JET’s McCaulay sees her role as “trying to mobilize people” and holding the Government accountable. “My job is to raise these issues - and keep raising them,” she muses. “But in the end, it is all about the people of Jamaica – and the Government of Jamaica.” Ingrid Parchment and Brandon Hay of C-CAM reinforce her point: “We are optimistic that the people of Jamaica will ask the Government to consider an alternative site or activity…We continue to hope that public pressure will convince the Government to depart from this heavy handed approach and pursue a path of genuine consultation with stakeholders and with local environmental scientists, who are in the best position to understand the true value of this area.”
To find out more about the Portland Bight Protected Area and issues surrounding Goat Islands, go to savegoatislands.org and visit the Jamaica Environment Trust on Facebook and at www.jamentrust.org. Tel: (876) 960-3693; email: jamentrust@cwjamaica.com C-CAM has an excellent and detailed website at www.ccam.org.jm. Tel: (876) 986-3344/ 289-8253; email: ccamfngo@gmail.com
Let us hope someone is listening.
ECCO MAGAZINE 11.
Photography Credit (in order of appearance.) Seashell beach (Goat Islands) ‌ by Max Earle Man - Portland Bight Protected Area ... Baby mangrove - PBPA - Robin Moore Baby iguanas - Robin Moore
12. ECCO MAGAZINE
with Jacqui ‘Juicy Chef’ Sinclair View recipes online: www.eccomagazine.com
What is Meatless Monday? Some of you may have heard the term, or noticed the hashtag on social media, but still not clear on the purpose of Meatless Monday. Meatless Monday is an international healthy movement which encourages health and environmental awareness. The main premise is to encourage individuals to increase their consumption of environmentally friendly meat free meals. If Monday does not work for you, it is encouraged that you choose a convenient day of the week that suits your lifestyle. The reason Monday was chosen is due to the fact that research showed in Western cultures, most people began new habits such as exercise and diets as it is the beginning of the week. Why go meat free? The message is simple, “one day a week, cut out meat”. Studies have shown that the production and consumption of livestock has contributed to adverse climate change as well as higher risk of certain lifestyle diseases. By lowering livestock production and eating
less meat, this is one of the most practical ways to save the environment and encourage wellness. Let us break it down: going meatless occasionally can reduce your risk of chronic preventable health scares such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some forms of cancer and obesity. Diets higher in plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes naturally protect against disease. Secondly farming practices for plant based foods have less impact on the environment which brings us to the next point, climate health. Our environment is vulnernale to greenhouse gas emissions which accelerate dangerous climate change such as unpredictable weather conditions. Livestock farming produces more emissions than transportation does and uses up more water, a precious and increasingly vulnerable resource. For example, in production, one pound of beef requires between 1800 to 2500 gallons of water in comparison to tofu which only needs 220 gallons of water per pound. Who is Meatless Monday Jamaica?
Many of the campaigns around the world have been started by individuals passionate about healthy eating, like entertainer Sir Paul McCartney in the UK, the Fry family in South Africa who are major food producers and TV celebrity Miki Haimovich in Israel. The Meatless Monday message was first introduced to the island in 2011, when Jacqui “JuicyChef” Sinclair, was approached by the fast growing international movement who took notice of her former weekly JuicyChef column in the Jamaica Observer and fell in love with her meat free recipes. They asked her to become a spokesperson. At the time, Sinclair was unable to get the mission off the ground, but not for lack of trying via her column and appearing on Smile Jamaica. Jacqui approached some of her friends to help form a committee, but sadly due to different life events, migration and job demands, it was hard for each individual to commit fully. They started a blog and a twitter account, but these became dormant. Undaunted, JuicyChef took it to a grassroots social media level and became a one woman show via her personal Twitter and Facebook ECCO MAGAZINE 13.
wonderful food stories Sinclair stressed and she wants to continue to tell those stories like Mount Pleasant Chocolatiers, who plant organic sustainable cocoa plants. She believes we are blessed and able to feed ourselves with proper management.
accounts and subsequently through retweets, posts and other exchanges, Jamaicans on social media were sharing what they ate with her and asking for help with recipe ideas and planning meat free meals. When Jacqui formed the culinary lifestyle company Kingston Kitchen with her two partners, one of the requests she had, was for Meatless Monday to be featured in their blog and magazine. Through this venture she had another outlet to spread the message. The company now creates and publishes free recipe cards each month for Progressive Grocers islandwide, one of which is a dedicated Meatless Monday card. International Meatless Monday continued to watch Sinclair’s progress and admired her efforts. During the recent NYC Climate Week in conjunction with the UN Climate Summit, Sinclair joined other Meatless Monday partners from across the world to attend the first Meatless Monday Global Conference. Jamaica was the only Caribbean country represented. Nations like Taiwan, South Africa and Israel have massive campaigns and they shared knowledge and tips for fledging movements like Jamaica, Denmark, Kuwait and Italy amongst others. Fresh from her trip, Jacqui approached Mike Robinson from the Nucleus Creative to partner with her to form a national campaign. She feels the time is now ripe for the message to be spread island wide as people are becoming more health conscious. Sinclair states she was often met with ridicule when she spoke to some individuals about giving up meat one day a week. Now she laughs with joy as those exact people are sharing
14. ECCO MAGAZINE
with her how much they enjoy meat free meals and she has noticed that a few wellness centers and health professionals are pushing the meat free message to their clients. Vegetables have become sexy. It is her hope that restaurants around the island will increase their meat free options on menus from high end restaurants to cook shops. Sinclair, a practicing flexitarian, stresses she is not anti meat or a vegetarian and the campaign is not about forcing folks to become vegetarian or vegan but to be conscious about animal protein consumption. She admits that the campaign she and Robinson have discussed and strategized will come from a better health angle while highlighting the wonderful food projects taking place around the island. Jacqui shared how proud she felt amongst the UN crowd during the UNDP Equator Awards when the Jeffrey Town Farmers Association from St. Mary copped one of the prestigious prizes. Jamaica has
What to expect from Meatless Monday Jamaica? Sinclair and Robinson will first begin with a website www.meatlessmondayja.org which they will launch in January 2015 and from there they hope to branch out and partner with doctors, nutritionists, educators, local celebrities, farmers and chefs to spread the message. The team will be reaching out to sponsors to help fund the campaign as it is not for profit. Our aim, Sinclair says, is to see Jamaicans embrace Meatless Monday as a long term lifestyle change, it is not meant to be a fad. Jamaica is vulnerable to climate change as we saw with our recent drought and from past storms. Our import food bill is also too high. We need to find creative ways of eating local. Many times people feel helpless when they read the news and hear these horror stories about our environment, or they want to eat better but don’t know what to cook from boredom or limited budgets. We aim to assist. This is an easy way for individuals to contribute to the cause and fight for the preservation of quality of life on our planet. If your business is interested in becoming a Meatless Monday partner, you can email meatlessmondayjamaica@gmail.com. Follow Meatless Monday Jamaica on their Facebook page and on Twitter @MeatlessMonJa.
MINTED CHERRY T O M AT O E S & BEETS RECIPE Inspired by Coronation Market in downtown Kingston, this dish combines sweet cherry tomatoes with a hint of heat from local scotch bonnet peppers paired with earthy beets and cooling mint. This beautiful side dish serves 4. INGREDIENTS: • 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil, divided • ½ scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and finely minced • 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes, halved • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 medium beets, peeled, boiled and cut into chunks • Mint leaves, finely chopped METHOD: 1. In a large frying pan over medium low heat, gently warm one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and add scotch bonnet to infuse oil. 2. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly softened. 3. Mix in the beets, season with salt and pepper, toss in the mint and serve immediately drizzled with the extra tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
MEATLESS MONDAY JAMAICA RECIPES
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large ripe banana • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk • ¾ cup plain fat free Greek yogurt • 1 – 2 tbsps Jamaican raw honey • Handful raw pecan halves • Ice
PUMPKIN PECAN SMOOTHIE This smoothie was created when I had some leftover boiled pumpkin and an almost empty bag of pecans. It tastes like pie in a glass. Serves two.
METHOD: 1. Place all the ingredients in the blender with some ice and puree until smooth. 2. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish with extra nutmeg or cinnamon.
Foodie Love, JuicyChф xoxo
INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup pureed boiled pumpkin • ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
MEATLESS MONDAY JAMAICA RECIPES
Female farmer using the A-frame to contour her farm properly.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (EHF): Climate change is one of the most significant threats to achieving sustainable communities and promoting eco-tourism, and it also threatens the resilience of our natural resources and population. Climate change is not just a long-term issue; it is happening today, and it entails uncertainties for policy makers trying to shape the future. The impacts of climate change are being felt all over the world, and the irony is that it is those countries that are the least able to adapt to the impacts of climate change related hazards, are likely to experience, more severely, the threats to economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development. In Jamaica, Agriculture accounts for 20% of the labour force and represents approximately 5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture is especially vulnerable to global changes in the climate and deterioration of this sector has severely impacted rural farming communities and threatens national food security. As a result, community based approaches are integral to building local climate change resilience and thus, national adaptive capacity. The community of
CREATING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN CEDAR VALLEY, ST. THOMAS
Cedar Valley in St. Thomas provides a good example of a rural farming community, which is vulnerable to climate change. The community displays characteristics which make it highly vulnerable in this regard, such as scarcity of water, increased incidence of fires, significant levels of poverty, and high dependence on agriculture. Moreover, the community faces a number of problems, including limited availability of alternative livelihoods, poorly maintained infrastructure, such as roads, as well as limited knowledge of hazards risks, climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. The Environmental Health Foundation (EHF) conducted several baseline studies in the community and gathered sufficient information to prepare a project proposal, which was submitted to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding. Based on the successful proposal, the project secured funding from USAID in March 2011. The partnership between EHF and USAID gave birth to a three (3) year project on Climate Change Adaptation in Cedar Valley, from April 2011 to
Hilda Matthews on receipt of her 650 gallon water tank to assist with rainwater harvesting.
• sowing seeds in seedling trays, which allows for relocation to a safe area, in the event of a hurricane; • carrying out slope stabilization (to prevent or minimize soil run-off and erosion during flooding/heavy rainfall) using crops that can serve as value-added produce, such as pineapple and Vetiver; • planting tree crops to stabilize soil and serve as additional income earners; • sowing seeds in furrows, as opposed to the traditional broadcast method, which minimizes loss of crops due to soil run-off, and also increases yield as crops thrive better; • conducting soil tests to ascertain the fertilizer needs of each farmland; • installing off-farm distribution system (OFDS) pipelines to link farmers of common boundaries; • introducing new technologies, such as row covers, to protect crops from excess rainfall, diseases, pests and ultimately, crop damage; and • implementing a community composting programme for the composting of organic waste. 4. The Fire Management training taught Disaster Risk Reduction/Management best practices, including:
March 2014. The overall goal of the project was to build climate change resilience and adaptation in Cedar Valley, as well as boost and secure livelihoods and quality of life through agriculture, water storage and conservation, and protection of natural resources. The project targeted over five hundred (500) residents, the vast majority of which were farmers. The overall achievements of the project were improved land and water management, and increased climate change resilience and adaptation. More specifically, major outcomes were as follows: 1. One hundred and sixty five (165) farmers received water tanks (for rainwater harvesting), irrigation equipment, farm tools, crop seeds, forest trees (for reforestation), fruit trees (for added income), pineapple suckers (for contour barriers and additional income) and vetiver (for slope and soil stabilization). 2. Over five hundred (500) farmers (including the aforementioned 165) benefitted from training in the areas of climate change adaptation, sustainable agricultural practices, irrigation, fire management and livelihoods diversification. 3. The Irrigation best practices for good land and water management included:
• livelihoods security by the creation of fire safety zones around homes and farm lots by clearing all excess bush and vegetation that can act as a fuel to fires; • identification of the nearest water sources in the event of a fire; • making sure roof and rain gutters are clean and free of leaves and branches; • avoid piling dead leaves, branches, paper, empty paint cans, gasoline containers, spray cans, etc., close to your homes or farm lots as these items fuel fires; • planting fire-resistant plants, such as cacti, around your homes or farms; • buying only the quantity of fertilizer needed at a given time, to avoid having a large quantity stockpiled, as this is highly flammable; • installing affordable smoke detectors/alarms in your home and/or farm shed to quickly discover and alert the presence of a fire; • getting a professional to safely remove any tree branches that are touching electric power lines because this can spark and start fires; and
• remembering that ultimately, life is more important than property, and so, if a fire is out of control, know how to escape safely. 5. The Livelihoods Assessment Diversification training included:
and
• the utilization of dual purpose crops, such as
pineapples and Vetiver, for income generation (for example, pineapples, which are used for contouring, may be sold for profit); • identifying alternative crops (such as fruit trees, which can be more resilient to weather events such as flooding); • developing value-added products from crops already cultivated (for example, producing baked goods, jams, jellies and wines from carrots); and • identifying new markets; and building local capacity. 6. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies identified included: • installing live barriers at boundaries to break wind, thereby reducing wind damage; • conducting strip cropping to break water flow down slopes; • placing trash barriers along contours; • retrofitting zinc roofs with hurricane straps, and • planting forest trees on slopes to assist with soil stabilization. The success of the project would not have been realized without the cohesive implementation by the project team, the support and guidance of EHF’s leadership, the buy-in and support of the Cedar Valley community, and the guidance of the project steering committee. Additionally, the specialists, suppliers and service providers who fully supported the project throughout its course are also acknowledged and commended. Through EHF’s partnership with USAID, well needed interventions were brought to a vulnerable, rural community that has seen extreme adverse effects brought on by climate change. The management and staff of EHF acknowledge and thank USAID for their support, and encourage them to continue to build capacity and enable enterprising entities to contribute to Jamaica’s sustainable development. For the continued, sustainable growth of small island developing states (SIDS), like Jamaica, all stakeholders need to work together to identify and implement solutions to mitigate against, and/or adapt to the effects of climate change. At the same time, we have never had better know-how and solutions available to avert the crisis and create opportunities for a better life for people all over the world. Accordingly, the successes of this project should be noted and replicated in other vulnerable communities, not just in Jamaica, but the wider Caribbean as well. In addition, local and regional entities need to actively seek avenues to garner funding for climate change related projects and programmes, which will assist with reducing our vulnerability while enhancing our adaptive capacity.
Female farmer on receipt of her farm tools, fertilizer and cash crop seedlings.
Irrigation system built at the Cedar Valley Primary and Junior High School (use of row covers and drip irrigation for vegetable garden)
ecco Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
RECOMMENDED READS: Join us in reading these titles over the next quarter and \ read our reviews next issue!
Eco Barons and Force of Nature by Edward Humes (books contributed by Bookophilia)
LIQUID LIFE CRISIS:
THE CHALLENGE OF WATER MANAGEMENT & PROVIDING FRESHWATER FOR THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY By Rudo Udika
On the surface, it would appear that Mother Nature is not without a sense of humour regarding freshwater. On one hand, water covers about 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface. However, on the other hand, this so-called abundance of water does not directly correlate to available water for the requirements of the human population. Ironically, about 97 per cent of all the water on Earth is saline, but, humans require freshwater in order to survive. Furthermore, of the mere three per cent of all water that comprises the Earth’s freshwater resources, most of this water is locked away in ice sheets, glaciers and permanent snow. As such, only about a meagre one per cent of the Earth’s total water is partitioned between freshwater available from surface runoff, which feeds our rivers and lakes, and the groundwater which supplies our aquifers. To further complicate the situation, the available freshwater supply is not evenly distributed due to wide variations in seasonal and annual precipitation patterns occurring globally. As such, the freshwater crisis is an abstract concept for some and a stark reality for others. Overall, the freshwater management crisis has three key components: water quantity, water quality, and water delivery. As such, the critical questions that society must answer are:
• Is there sufficient water available? • How much treatment is required before the water is suitable for use? and • Are adequate systems in place to transport water to users? Thus, the overarching challenge facing society is how to effectively conserve, manage and distribute the available freshwater to supply the competing population demands across varying geographic locations. Jamaica, like all other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to increased stresses on the freshwater resources. SIDS characteristics such as small landmasses, rapidly increasing populations and associated urbanisation, coupled with the need for economic development and social well-being, against the backdrop of imminent climate change impacts, place burgeoning demands on water use planning and management. Thus, a crisis in the management of freshwater for the various population demands highlights a foreboding situation that results from myriad environmental, social, economic and political forces.
The foremost reason for the reduced availability of adequate water supplies is usually attributed to the depletion of traditional sources, such as wells and seasonal rivers. This decline in both quantity and quality of traditional sources is largely credited to increasing population and their related water demands. Notably, while the amount of freshwater on Earth remains relatively constant, population growth means intensified competition for a clean, copious supply of water for drinking, cooking, bathing, irrigating crops, supporting industry and any other life sustaining activities. Furthermore, inappropriate and unsustainable practices have often resulted in the degradation of many traditional freshwater resources. Lamentably, population increases are often concomitant with increased quantities of waste products. In this regard, human populations have become both the victims and culprits of degradation of freshwater resources. Notably, although human populations have made great advances in the use of modern infrastructure for withdrawal of freshwater and disposal of waste products, these investments have often lagged behind population expansion in developing countries. As a result, many settlements and related industries utilise inadequate waste disposal practices which lead to substantial pollution of water resources. Thus, although the water cycle allows most of the withdrawn water to eventually be returned to the environment at some later period in time, after it has already been used, the quality of the returned water may be significantly less than the quality when it was originally withdrawn. This situation is further compounded by the unprecedented hydrologic features that will result from climate change. Reductions in the available freshwater are anticipated in cases where climate variability and change result in cyclical shortages in precipitation which in turn reduces the freshwater supply, as in times of drought conditions. Additionally, sea level rise is expected to result in the salinization of vulnerable coastally located aquifers. Thus, climate change impacts are expected to magnify issues related to freshwater availability in all Caribbean SIDS. Notably, even after addressing issues of available water of suitable quality, water managers must design and implement cost effective measures to distribute water to the places required. This has posed a perennial challenge and in many cases the existing infrastructure already suffers from considerable loss of water due to leakages in the aged and degraded infrastructural networks. Furthermore, given the expensive costs associated with replacing and upgrading such infrastructure, the situation is viewed as a severe
handicap to water management in both urban and rural locations that are challenged to find adequate measures to finance improvements in the infrastructure. With the recognition that many factors contribute to the freshwater crisis facing society, there is an urgent need for an integrated water resources management response to resolve these interconnected factors and promote an equitable distribution of freshwater resources. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare in a reasonable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. As such, IWRM highlights the interconnected nature of hydrological resources and promotes a cross-sectoral policy approach, designed to replace the traditional sector-by-sector and top-down management style. Typically, the withdrawal of freshwater from the natural ecosystem is partitioned between municipal (including domestic), agricultural and industrial uses. Notably, the major portion of freshwater goes towards supporting the agricultural sector. Globally, the freshwater withdrawal ratios are approximately 70 per cent agricultural, 11 per cent municipal and 19 per cent industrial. These figures are fairly similar for that of Jamaica, where the Water Resources Authority (WRA) indicates that water withdrawal is currently distributed between 75 per cent for agricultural sectors and 25 per cent for non-agricultural sectors. Furthermore, the WRA indicates that water use for agriculture is projected to increase to 79 per cent for the agricultural sector with 21 per cent to the non-agricultural sectors by 2015. However, contemporary water demands require water managers to look beyond sectoral biases and implement creative strategies to address the multifaceted problems facing freshwater management. In this regard, IWRM does not prescribe any one ‘cookie-cutter’ approach towards managing the available freshwater resources, but instead seeks to promote a comprehensive and collaborative approach taking the various water users and resources constraints into consideration. To this end, a suite of measures can be implemented as part of a water resources master plan in order to contribute to the overall objective of freshwater management, based on the unique scenarios and constraints occurring within the specified geographic areas. Such approaches should explore a scientifically supported mix of strategies to support a water master plan, including the use of adequate water storage facilities such as reservoirs and dams, improved distribution systems to cost effectively meet the demand
through reduced leakage and wastage of water; water harvesting devices; use of treated effluent in irrigation; and improved efficiency of water use in buildings through contemporary infrastructure and technologies. Undoubtedly, the challenge of providing adequate freshwater to users should not be neglected until times of severe water stress and/ or drought conditions which force restrictions to the available water supply. Such foreboding scenarios can affect every aspect of society. Some say we only miss the water when the well runs dry, but in the case of the freshwater crisis, the daunting feeling of sorrow would only be the tip of the iceberg. The freshwater crisis can cripple economic development by limiting the productivity of every sector, endanger many life sustaining processes and reduce public health and safety by unleashing countless unforeseen ripple effects as the population is forced to cope with such damning change. As such, the looming freshwater crisis should be proactively addressed and adequately managed through the application of contemporary state of the science approaches facilitated by an integrated response to water resources management. Undeniably, resolving the crisis in the management of freshwater requires an integrated and multi-perspective approach supported by proactive research and technological investments.
ecco NEWS Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
Winnifred Wins! The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has been ordered by the court to grant public access to Winnifred Beach in Portland, ending a five-year legal battle between the residents and the entity.[Photo of Winnifred Beach]
ecco Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
TREATS
With Jamaica's insatiable sweet tooth and high number of health conscious and lactose intolerance consumers, Debz Soy Ice-cream presents the perfect alternative to the dairy ice-cream and frozen yogurt that currently dominate so much of dessert market. Debz has been up and running for eight years and in that time gone from a small operation in the backyard of the founder Debbie Belcher's home in Kingston, to being widely available in many major supermarkets islandwide. The owner and mother of two has devoted her time to creating a true Jamaican brand of ice cream that reflects her love of Jamaican flavours while creating a healthy alternative with 'love in every scoop'. She's done this by always sourcing ingredients locally where available and coming up with flavours that give you a real taste of the island. In the eight years Debz has gone from only a handful of flavours to over 13, ranging from the staple favourites such as chocolate and vanilla to the more 'exotic' and experimental flavours such as coconut-pineapple, honey toast almond and sorrel sorbet. There are even unique seasonal specials that are only available during certain times of year. Why Soy? Soy is a reliable and easily incorporated base for the ice-creams that is also readily sourced, allowing for consistent production of the delicious frozen goods. By having soy as a base it also opens up the frozen dessert market to many people that could not have it before as the ice creams are both lactose and allergen free. This opens the market to all those who are lactose intolerant which is quite a large proportion of the Jamaican population. Those who are health conscious will also be happy as most of the flavours are also vegan friendly, cholesterol free and have reduced sugar content compared to normal ice-cream.
DEBZ:
Love in Every Scoop by Zoe Chang
So what does the future hold for Debz? Debbie is always working on new flavours. Current experiments include a new line of sorbets with local flavours such as naseberry and ginger. There are also plans in place to expand with other bases for their frozen treats such as coconut milk and coconut oil.
Miracle on Fleet Street: A Story of Hope and Renewal By Kate Chappell Boarded-up, abandoned buildings; zinc fences; stray dogs; piles of garbage and graffiti. Unfortunately, this is the appearance of many of Kingston’s, inner-city communities. However, wind your way downtown on a little-known street called Fleet, and you will come across an explosion of colourful art on your right and a vibrant, thriving, creative community on your left. This is a trio of initiatives called Paint Jamaica, Plant Jamaica and the Life Yard Family respectively. These projects are intended to bring sustainability, beauty and hope to the community of Parade Gardens on Fleet Street. Shane Morgan and Ikuma Carl are two young Rastafarians who steer the Life Yard Family, a collective that is involved in many activities, including farming, cooking, making furniture and jewelry and juices. The Life Yard Family occupies a narrow, modest piece of property that holds several small structures and a plot of land that is growing a bounty of vegetables (callaloo, breadfruit, ackee, cabbage, pumpkin, squash, banana, parsley, beans, cherries, lettuce, mangoes, plums and peaches). ‘We want to have a space in terms of giving back to the community,’ says Morgan. ‘We want to make a living from basically anything we can make,’ adding that the mottos for Life Yard are ‘Kill poverty through agriculture and education,’ and ‘We have a sustainable vision,’ and ‘It’s an “each one help one” basis.’ Life Yard is gaining in
popularity after a decade in operation and has even begun to attract celebrity attention, such as Kabaka Pyramid, Kelissa, Jah 9 and Tessanne Chin. The collective includes certified plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Eventually, Life Yard hopes to provide school lunches for up to 20 students at a nearby school, as well as entertain field trips to educate children about gardening and other endeavours. Andrew Bruce is affiliated with Life Yard, as well as Paint Jamaica, and shares this vision. ‘We have a vision to plant and create a green, sustainable area,’ he says. ‘Plant Jamaica is the first project that is a sustainable farm in inner city communities.’ Bruce envisions a project in which ‘feeding trees’ – ackee, breadfruit, mango, etc – are planted in these communities. ‘There are so many countries where people look at farms [and the activity of farming] in many different ways. People on farms are not starving,’ he says, adding that Jamaica’s climate and rich soil make it an ideal candidate for inner-city farming. The larger goal, Bruce says, is to make farming and caring for the environment ‘cool.’ ‘Why can’t we make the environment cool in a transformational way? And farming does provide therapy as well as food and a source of income.’ In addition to farming, Bruce envisions the creation of an ecotourism venue: tourists could visit the Life Yard Family, do some farming, buy the products, help out a little, interact with residents of an inner-city
community, learn about dancehall, and ideally, spend some money. Just across the way, at 41 Fleet Street, is another attraction – over a dozen vibrant, colourful murals are painted on what used to be blank concrete walls. The creative mind behind this project, called Paint Jamaica, is Marianna Farag, a New York City native who came to Jamaica in April, 2013 and fell in love with the island. ‘I always had a dream of merging street art and social causes, and Kingston had the perfect ingredients: a rich, creative culture, and a huge disparity between rich and poor.’ So Farag’s idea was born. ‘We are a collective of creative people who really want to do something, to make change without waiting for the government to step in.’ Farag’s first step several months ago was that she reached out to the community. She was careful to consult with leaders and determine what it was they wanted. ‘I understand the need in these inner-city communities for jobs and food and running water,’ she says, adding that there is also a need for upliftment. So three months ago,
a group of artists got together to paint the blank walls with an array of intricate murals that depict various beautiful, inspiring scenes. ‘We talked to the community and asked them what they wanted. There has been no vandalism and they were very involved in the pre- and painting process.’ Farag hopes that this project inspires the community to further beautify itself. ‘A visual space can have an impact on the community,’ she says, adding that the youth in the community are displaying more pride in their surroundings. Paint Jamaica’s next step, Farag adds, is getting involved with the nearby school. ‘Education is a big issue. We want to change the conversation around education, to motivate the staff to take more pride in their school.’ Farag would also like to see the problem of garbage tackled. ‘We would love someone to come and take it up, we’d love for someone to step in and help with this.’
Turtle Conservation There are seven species of sea turtles and four of the seven types are native to the Caribbean. These are the Loggerhead, Green Sea, Leatherback and Hawksbill; all of which are listed as endangered species. The Sandals Foundation has made a commitment to sea turtle conservation in the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation works with two different turtle conservation organizations in Jamaica – Bluefields Bay Fishermen’s Friendly Society in Westmoreland and Mel Tennant on Gibraltar beach in Oracabessa, St. Mary. Mr. Tennant is particularly talented at tracking turtles on Gibraltar beach and can usually predict when turtles will lay nests, and when nests will hatch within the
turtle hatching season.
The Sandals Foundation has also works with The Antigua sea turtle conservation. In the 2014 nesting season they recorded over 200 nests. With turtle nests averaging at 130 eggs each, that’s 26,000 eggs.
fisheries 14 Special Fisheries conservation areas (SFCA) have been created. SFCAs are an attempt to help save Fisheries from collapse. They are no catch zones in which no fishing activity is allowed. With the reduced fishing pressure these areas become breeding grounds for marine life and become replenishment reserves for the surrounding areas. The SFCAs are meant to enhance the lives of local communities by increasing fish stock and by providing additional jobs and income to the local communities.
Marine Sanctuaries Jamaica’s coastal waters have been overfished for years. This has led to a much depleted fish stock and almost a collapse of Jamaican fisheries. In order to help replenish Jamaican
The Sandals Foundation has entered into a partnership with the Government of Jamaica, to manage the Boscobel and Whitehouse special fisheries conservation areas, which were gazetted by the Government of
In 2013 Bluefields Bay Fishermen’s Friendly Society released 2,499 live turtles, and preliminary reports from 2014-2015 show 1255 live turtles released with 26 nests to hatch in the months of January and February.
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Jamaica (GOJ). The Sandals Foundation has also in partnership with Caribsave, which helps to pay operational costs, such as warden salaries, cost of gas for patrols, and administrative costs. In the SFCAs, local fishermen are hired to police and protect the areas as game wardens. The Sandals Foundation also takes pride in
increasing the abilities of our hired wardens by providing them with literacy training, scuba diving training and other invaluable lessons. Reef assessments are scheduled each year. Cliff monitoring, which measures fish biomass by weight and length, is also conducted twice a year through Caribsave. This provides an overall gauge of the SFCAs’ success, which from
preliminary reports show increases in fish biomass. Monthly community meetings are also held to engage local stake holders such as fishermen to address concerns of the community. The SFCAs also facilitate community workshops which are helping local fishermen to establish a formalized group and have a stronger collective voice.
THE BEST KEPT SECRET IS OUT! Secrets Wild Orchid & Secrets St. James lead the Way in Green Stays
By: Latoya West-Blackwood
The ECCO team set out from Kingston on a bleak and rainy morning on a journey to the West to uncover one of Jamaica’s best kept secrets. To our delight we got much more than we bargained for and some sun! While Secrets Resorts & Spas are known for their upscale unlimited luxury experience many guests are not aware of the extent to which environmentally friendly practices are interwoven into the brand. At Secrets it’s never a mere matter of keeping up appearances though they do a great job at it! A TripAdvisor.com survey of 1,300 U.S. travelers released in April 2013, revealed that nearly two-thirds of travelers or 62 per cent, are often conscious of the environment when choosing hotels, transportation and meals. The survey also revealed that
69 per cent of that group planned to make eco-friendly travel choices in 2014 and beyond. This survey is a peak at the emerging face of eco-tourism and Secrets Resorts knows it. Hence when the nearly 5 year-old property was being constructed on premiere beachfront heaven in St James, there was a deliberate plan to ensure that most, if not all aspects of their operations would not only fulfill basic eco-friendly requirements but surpass them and seek to be a beacon of innovation in Jamaica and the region’s tourism and hospitality industry. At the core of all design and construction activities was the need to conserve energy while protecting and promoting the environment. Sadiq Miller, the Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Secrets, says Secrets has fully
embraced eco-tourism as the foundation of a sustainable future not only for its brand but for the industry. In keeping with this recognition, they have embarked on a strategic path to ensure the development and successful implementation of programmes which serve to strengthen their environmentally friendly status. “Secrets is formally recognized as a green property from our compliance and achievements with international bench marking authorities such as Rainforest Alliance, Travel Life Gold and we are currently pursuing the EarthCheck certification as well.” Sadiq sees these initiatives “both from a sustainability point of view and as the way forward to globally compete while satisfying discerning clients who have come to have very high expectations. With the rising trend of vacation travellers wanting to learn ECCO MAGAZINE 19.
more about the destinations culture, geography and customs and that their hotel/resort of choice has a sustainability program. To stay alive in the business having best practices is a must!” Sustainable Partnerships Secrets has had some key help in remaining on the competitive edge while staying a cut above the rest. Team ECCO was introduced to Craig May of ECHOS Consulting Limited, one of a trusted pool of partners working with the resort since 2012. His brother and principal of ECHOS, Richard, is no stranger to ECCO having been featured in our last issue for his pioneering work as an energy and sustainability consultant. It is therefore no surprise to us that ECHOS is behind one of Secrets’ most successful programmes to date – eCristal. This proactive risk 20. ECCO MAGAZINE
management programme is geared towards ensuring the highest environmental health and safety standards possible. The benefits of “tearing the place apart’ as Sadiq puts it is not only beneficial to the quality of guests” food, rooms and general amenities but has a real and positive economic impact for Secrets. “It’s risk [quality checks are thorough and unforgiving] and lots of work but it’s also marketing especially for the European market which recommends clients based on this certification. Some of the real benefits include capturing most of the 85 per cent of clients who come through travel agent bookings.” May added that, ‘What we strive for is international standards and therefore we don’t implement based on local agency requirements only. This helps Secrets and ECHOS’ other clients to
constantly remain ahead of the game. Environmental certification is not just the status you get, it’s ensuring that you actually comply and put the proper systems and procedures in place.” The implementation phase was not without its fair share of challenges, chief among them being change. Some team members had to make a real mental adjustment to have the best practices become a way of life even when they leave the property. Community Outreach Secrets is big on giving back, sharing the spirit of excellence that is synonymous with their brand and teaching the wider community about how to help to take care of the environment. They recognize that all resorts have the potential to impact – negatively or positively - the natural
and Catherine hall basic school with renovations, painting, book drives, Christmas treats, vegetable gardens etc. “Discarded linen” – (linen that is usable but not at 5-star standards) is also donated to local police stations, old age homes and public health. That programme was recently extended to as far as the Spanish Town correctional department (Towels, sheets and rags).
environment in which they are situated. Most of these resorts are surrounded by natural resources that are both marketable and a necessary part of the eco-system – the sea, mangroves and wetlands are examples). Being able to minimize our carbon footprint (Reducing waste to landfills, utility conservation practices, recycle efforts, education, social and community development) protects these resources for generations to come. Empowering the local community and having the majority of the workforce employed from within a 20 mile radius also encourages sustainability. There is an active community outreach programme that sees the Secrets team extending hands and hearts on a monthly basis to the
neighbouring communities. Some of the initiatives to date include: beach clean ups and school projects – assisting schools such as Granville
It’s not often that large properties like Secrets really embark on a genuine and sustained effort to protect and promote the environment in which they operate. The management and team gets a huge thumbs up from Team ECCO for all the work that is being done to enhance the experience of guests while truly being environmentally friendly.
ECOADVENTURE AT MYSTIC MOUNTAIN By: Latoya West-Blackwood
Who knew that the saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ would come to so aptly describe the world renowned Jamaican gem that is Mystic Mountain. The former illegal dumping ground has been totally transformed in its over 6 years of existence, into an environment haven with much to offer local and international visitors alike. With Max Patchen’s vision and the upcoming launch of the Rain Forest Foundation, the attraction is strategically positioned to become one of the regions finest eco-parks.
In the beginning though, things were a lot less glamourous at this former illegal dumping ground. During the mid-1980s, the approved solid waste collection point in Priory was relocated to Moneague and haulers at the time simply refused to travel the distance. With no proper enforcement, the site that is now home to Mystic Mountain was overrun with garbage. In fact, Max Patchen, managing director, shared that over 26 truckloads of debris were removed when the initial phase of work on the site started in 2009. Visitors today have now idea as to tedious efforts it took to magically reclaim this piece of paradise.
Visitors are immediately captivated by the serenity and awe-inspiring layout of the park and that’s exactly how the team at Mystic Mountain wants it to be. However they also want visitors to the park, especially those who are environmentally conscious to know that they are constantly thinking of the impact of everything they do. This influenced the design and layout of Mystic Mountain from the very beginning and continues to drive operations at the attraction. Ride Sustainably! A little known fact for instance is that the world famous Bobsled ride was
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designed into an eco-system which was careful to down as few trees as possible. The German designers were briefed accordingly and had to do their very best to ensure there was minimum impact on the environment. The Sky Explorer is another favourite and represents a breakaway from the standard T-design used internationally for ski lifts which go up to 20 to 700 feet above sea level. The version at Mystic utilizes an F-design which again has a minimal impact and utilizes the advances in ski technology which promotes sustainability while providing the breathtaking views expected. Believe it or not, all foundation for towers were dug by hand! The commitment to the environment isn’t a concept at Mystic, it’s a way of life. We were delighted to see that our national bird known to buzz about the park, is never kept in captivity. Mystical Outreach Max Patchen and
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his
team
understand that in spite of their best efforts to leave a minimal footprint on the environment at Mystic Mountain, they are a part of a larger eco-system which involves their community. Patchen points out that he sincerely believes that sustainability is very much dependent on the attitudes of citizens. ‘Much more emphasis is needed in the area of education and behavior change. How we dispose of solid waste has the potential to impact all of us very negatively if not properly managed.’ He believes that while the National Environment and Planning Agency does a good job of giving oversight to issues of protection and public awareness, citizens are yet to grasp the importance of caring for the environment on a personal level. This led to plans to launch the Rainforest Foundation later this year. The Foundation will aim to increase Mystic Mountains’ current outreach in schools from as close as Runaway
Bay to as far as St Mary. ECCO definitely recommends this eco-adventure and commends the Mystic team for their passion and genuine love of the environment.
Quick Mystic Conservation Facts: • Mystic Mountain is 100 per cent off the Jamaica Public Service grid. • The property is run by solar powered batteries and generators which also keep essentials running at night. There are battery banks throughout the park. • The property accesses water from the Jamaica Bauxite company and is huge on general water conservation. The water composting toilets
This is Jamaica:
Where Hidden Adventures Await By: Emma Lewis
Tamia Harker is an environmental biologist with a spirit of adventure, and a genuine love for her country. “I have such a passion for Jamaica,” Harker tells ECCO Magazine. “We have it all, right here. Even the locals don’t know the island!” But that’s not all. The 30-year-old Branson Centre graduate confides with a warm smile, “I have always wanted to start my own business.” And so she did, in May 2013, after working with CL Environmental and the Urban Development Corporation for a total of eight years. With this blend of expertise, experience and enthusiasm, Harker founded This is Jamaica Co. Ltd., offering personalized, unique tour packages of the island she loves. And she seems to know Jamaica inside out. With a Masters
degree from the University of the West Indies in Zoology and conservation, Harker especially enjoys finding unspoiled places off the beaten track, avoiding the commercialized tourist hubs. It might be a hidden waterfall, a small cove or a mysterious cave that only local people know about. She has always been an outdoor girl with a taste for adventure – environmentalists love to be out in the field - and she goes out looking for a “new” attraction or venue every month. The young entrepreneur strongly believes in community tourism; she uses local guides as much as possible. A “perfect example” of community-based eco-tourism, she says, is the Accompong Maroon Village in St. Elizabeth. The Maroons offer an all-round cultural experience, including hikes into the surrounding countryside. Harker assures ECCO Magazine that her guides
are all approved and certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board as “Team Jamaica” representatives. Her love of exploring is always tempered by the necessity for safety and security. This is Jamaica tours are all customized, personally designed to meet the needs of the client. “They are real, authentic,” Harker stresses. This is very important to her. The personal touch is important, and her clients are happy to know that they are experiencing the “real Jamaica” – something the guests at all-inclusive hotels will not be able to enjoy. Harker arranges private transport and overnight stays where necessary in local guesthouses and small hotels. The tours might be rural, seaside, mountains, city – or a combination. So is there a typical This is Jamaica adventurer? Most of Harker’s clients are from ECCO MAGAZINE 25.
overseas – including many Jamaicans living in the United States or Europe, who have a great love for their native island but may not know where to go. She caters for a lot of couples (honeymooners, too) and small family groups of three or four. She also provides packages for people traveling alone. Sometimes they are business people who have a free day in their schedule and who want to see a little more of the island than the inside of a hotel or meeting room. Some are single backpackers; yes, there are solo travelers all over the world. The average age is 20 to 35 years. What was her most unusual tour? Harker laughs. “The largest group I have had so far was a group of fifty Hondurans last year,” she recalls. “They were here for a football match.” She arranged day tours for them, and provided an airport shuttle. She had to use interpreters, of course. What a handful they must have been! All adventurers encounter unexpected challenges, and flexibility is essential. So is a good sense of humor. “Clients do change their minds,” says Harker. They suddenly decide they want to do something different, to stop and buy something, take a detour. Sometimes they are enjoying a place so much they want to stay an extra night. Harker is always sensitive to their needs; she adjusts. “Whatever they are
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happy and comfortable with,” says the entrepreneur. This is Jamaica packages embrace many aspects of Jamaican life, and Harker is happy to design a city tour. “People forget that Kingston has a lot to offer,” she says. Travelers who love music will enjoy the Bob Marley Museum and Tuff Gong, for example, or a live show. Others will enjoy art and architecture tours downtown – the National Gallery, the historic churches. And of course, there are always the “foodies.” Harker researches the most interesting and authentic restaurants. So what are her personal favorite places? “I love the Blue Mountains,” says Harker. One of her favorite spots is the laid-back Mount Edge guesthouse in Newcastle, which has wonderful mountain views and an excellent restaurant. And her favorite parish? It’s hard for her to choose: “Every parish is different and unique,” says Harker. But her favorite has to be Portland. “It has some of the best waterfalls,” she points out. She recommends a trip to Reach Falls, which she says, is “well maintained, and not over-crowded.” She believes the parish still has the best coral reefs for snorkeling, and is an excellent bird-watching area. She talks about the Branson Centre experience, which she
says was “significant” for her. “It taught me to position myself,” she enthuses, “And to think big. I made a lot of connections.” She would recommend the challenging twelve-week training program to any serious aspiring entrepreneur. “We had to pitch our business plan,” notes Harker. “I ended up with a solid business model, and the Centre’s stamp of approval.” She benefits from networking, access to resources and information, and workshops to update her skills and knowledge. Sir Richard Branson opened the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship/Caribbean in Montego Bay just three years ago. ECCO Magazine asked Harker how she felt about the future of eco-tourism in Jamaica. “It is definitely growing,” she believes. Costa Rica is a small country that earned US$2.4 billion from eco-tourism in 2012; it could be seen as a model, she suggests. “One cannot be totally anti-development,” she adds, addressing a common criticism of environmentalists in Jamaica, “But we do need to think long term.” She sees eco-tourism as a sustainable activity that will help Jamaica’s economy grow while preserving the environment. Certainly, This is Jamaica Co. Ltd is growing. Prospects for a well-crafted eco-tourism business are looking good. And Tamia Harker is smiling, again.
Urban Gardening 101
It’s a jungle out there and some of us have to live in the middle of it and thrive. Whether you’re in an apartment, a flat or a house in the city, there are times when some of us simply feel stifled especially when it comes to space to do anything including gardening. The movement to grow what we eat and eat what we grow has really caught on but in these tight spaces sometimes it seems virtually impossible to even think of planting anything much less have a whole garden. Then comes urban gardening which encourages the use of small spaces and even recycled furniture to enjoy growing your favourite fruits and veggies. So you no longer have to own a farm or move to the country to be able to eat freshly reaped produce. If you’re looking to start an urban garden, check out these useful tips we found at theurbanhousewife.com.
Step One – Take Out The Lawn
When they’re cut they may give the neighbourhood a look of cleanliness and beauty, but grass is a notoriously greedy plant that requires a significant amount of water to maintain itself. This can sometimes be a problem if you’re located in a more arid climate prone to water shortages. They also require a lot of upkeep, and aside from their aesthetic quality, don’t produce food and sap nutrients from the soil. The main thing to keep in mind when starting your own urban garden is how to take advantage of space – sometimes it may feel like you’re playing Tetris trying to figure out how things will fit together.
Step Two – Raised Beds Or Pots?
There are two quick and easy methods when it comes to designing the infrastructure for your garden. Raised beds consist of building small hollow frames which can be filled with soil. The advantage of raised beds is that it allows you to carefully decide the ratio of soil to manure (or whatever other medium you decide to use) and it’s clean – the wooden edges of raised beds keep the soil in and keep the rest of your garden tidy. Pots are also an excellent option as well, allowing you to maximize the limited amount of space available to you. Depending on where you live, and what sorts of things you want to grow, you may also decide to invest in a small greenhouse or build one of your own. Having a greenhouse, especially if you’re in more temperate climates, will extend your growing season, and give you fresh produce that would otherwise be out of season.
Step Three – Choosing Plants
Now that you have the foundation of your garden, it’s time to decide what you want to grow. This will also involve factoring in how much free time have to manage your plants – some plants require little maintenance, like herbs and corn. Because you likely have little room, it’s important to choose plants and vegetables that are high-yield and “stackable”. For instance, on a small plot you might have potatoes growing underground, pumpkins or squash growing on top, and stalks of corn growing in between. Peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, and corn are all reliable choices, and you should always keep in mind what sort of climate you’re growing – the colder the temperature, the hardier the crop.
Step Four – Keep It Organic
When it comes to keeping pests out, lots of people fold and spend MONEY on chemicals and sprays, which inevitably leaches into the soil and into the plants themselves. There is nothing worse than discovering the effort and time you spent on creating a garden has been ruined by a day’s work of aphids or ants – however, there are clean and organic methods for getting rid of them! Depending on the specific pest, there are a variety of options. For instance, mixing an egg-white and water solution and spraying it on plants will make an excellent deer deterrent. Ultimately, it’s important to do your own research and make your garden welcoming for organisms that can eat the pests for you – spiders, snakes, and frogs are your friends!
Step Five – Have Fun!
Gardening should never be something that makes you grumble. If you’re not passionate and devoted to your garden, your garden will reflect this. Gardening is the perfect combination of work and play, and the pay-off is worth its weight: being able to cook a meal with ingredients you grew yourself. It is also the perfect family activity, and kids love playing in the dirt and watching things grow – you wanted to give them a reason to go outside and turn the TV off, now you have one.
Hot Stuff Exploring the Bikram Craze with Yolande Lloyd-Small
By Kate Chapell “If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person, if there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house, if there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation, if there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.” –Chinese proverb
Bikram Background
This is the ancient Chinese proverb that informs Yolande Lloyd-Small’s philosophy towards the new yoga studio she recently opened in Kingston, Jamaica. The only one of its kind in the Caribbean, it is a Bikram studio, and Lloyd-Small is the only certified resident teacher in the region. Bikram is unique in that students perform a particular set of 26 poses every time they practice, and it takes place in a studio heated to 42 degrees Celcius. “I saw this as a way not only for me to do something for myself, but as something that would resonate with my
fellow Jamaicans.” Lloyd-Small, who practiced law in Jamaica for two decades, is also an athlete and knows the unique benefits of yoga personally, especially after nursing injuries. “At a minimum, you will feel more alive,” she says. The explanation for this is the detoxifying effect that heat has on the body: toxins are sweated out, skin becomes healthier, as does the body as a whole. And anyone can partake in yoga. In fact, Bikram founder Bikram Choudhury’s motto is “It’s never too late, it’s never too bad, and you’re never too old or too sick to start from scratch again.”
Challenge Yourself
Lloyd-Small recently completed a rigorous nine weeks of teacher training with Choudhury in California and is also bringing in certified teachers from around the world. Her sights are set on like-minded individuals, including Jamaica’s burgeoning athletic community, in hopes that they will reap the benefits of the practice and spread the word. The studio itself is heated, with radiant panels on the ceiling to control the flow and temperature in the room, the floors are carpeted with plastic material so it is easy to clean, and an entire wall is occupied by mirrors. All these features meet the specific requirements necessary to open and run a Bikram studio. Lloyd-Small held the first class on May 30, 2014, and it is catching on. In fact, many of the students are currently undergoing a
30-day challenge, which means that they must do one class every day for 30 days. “This yoga resonated a lot with me because I had a very active, athletic background, but it was difficult for me to go into a classroom and close my eyes and meditate in a normal yoga class.” But the physicality and sheer amount of sweat involved in Bikram appealed to the athlete in Lloyd-Small. She acknowledges that it might be a challenge to over come some stereotypes associated with yoga (it is a religion, it is too “sissy,” it is just for women), but Lloyd-Small feels that Jamaica, and the Caribbean at large, is ready for it. “It brings a level of confidence and it cuts down on the pounding on the joints,” she says, adding that the heat is “really for you to get a deeper stretch.” What she really wants people to understand, however, is that Bikram yoga is not just a sport or a practice, it is an opportunity for a lifestyle change. “I’m very passionate about this practice and I believe that it is something that could impact the wider community.” Mats are necessary and are available to rent at the studio. First-time students should arrive early and drink plenty of water before class but not eat two hours before class.
6 TIPS for RUNNING a 5k RACE
Running a 5K race can be a daunting task. There are several things that you need to remember to do before, during and after the race that will make the experience much easier. The following 6 tips will help you to be prepared for the race, stay focused during the race and finish the race strong.
1. PRACTICE
Once you have decided to enter a 5K race your next step is to begin practicing. Don’t show up the day of the race not having trained your body. You could end up with serious injuries. Figure out your weak spots while you are training. If you find yourself getting tired half way through the race, focus your attention on training a bit harder for that leg. Stay true to your workout plan during the race. Practicing prior to the big day will prepare you for what's to come.
2. REST
The night before the race, get plenty of rest. You should do your workout early in the morning and get to bed at a decent hour. You will be more focused and ready to run the day of the race if you've had adequate rest the night before. Relax and don't over think the next day's events.
3. HYDRATION
Before you begin the race, hydrate your body. Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will reduce the risk of dehydration during the race. Take a bottle of water along with you to the race. While most races hand out water along the way, being prepared with your own is important.
4. STRETCH
Before the race begins, stretch your
muscles. Warm up your body by doing stretches from head to toe. Stretch everything from your neck to your hamstrings. Warm up completely. You will find that it will pay off in the end. Save yourself injuries and put in the time stretching before the race.
5. PACE YOURSELF
When the race begins, pace yourself. While most runners will take off out of the gate fast, they find themselves losing momentum toward the end. If you start off your first half mile pacing yourself, your finish will be stronger. Save your energy for the last half mile of the race and give it all you've got. It will be more rewarding to have a solid finish than to finish barely hanging on.
ECCO MAGAZINE 27.
6. GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT
Save your strength for the finish. When you approach the half way mark you should be picking up the pace to finish strong. Give it all you've got in your last quarter mile. Not only will you sprint past runners, you will have an easier time finishing if you give it that extra push. Running a 5K race is more than just a run. It can be fun and enjoyable for those that are dedicated to the process. Use these 6 tips to get you prepared for the race and to help you to achieve your goals. Source: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/ fitness/cardio/6-tips-for-running-a-5krace.html#b
10 Tips for a Nature Hike By Gavin Campbell
The Caribbean is blessed with an abundance of naturally beautiful landscapes. Jamaica stands out among the region’s best when it comes to our majestic mountain range and spectacular scenery. If you haven’t trekked the Blue Mountains, we suggest you add it to your to do list for 2016 or your bucket list. While hiking can be a physically intimidate exercise with challenge climbs and all, the benefits far outweigh any fears you may have about endurance. Apart from developing your mental strength to overcome challenges, there are many tangible benefits – quaint villages, rare and beautiful flora and fauna are waiting for you! Here are some tips if you decide to take our advice.
1. Prepare – Ensure that you plan for your hike.
Check the weather forecast for the day and time you plan to hike. Bring sufficient water and food to sustain you. Bring a map of the area to identify trails, dangerous areas, exits and areas suitable for taking a break. Also pack equipment you may need such as a flashlight, whistle, repellant, sunscreen, hats and anything else specific for your hike. Avoid overloading yourself however. Speaking to someone who has
already been on the hike is the best way to know exactly what you need.
2. Dress for the Environment –
Different clothing will be necessary on different types of hikes. For a forest environment for example, you would need to bring thick pants such as jeans and strong shoes to withstand the insects and conditions of the environment. For a desert hike, sunscreen and a hat are crucial. Try to avoid bright and flashy colors as well as perfume as these could disturb wildlife or attract them.
3. Take Breaks – Experts suggest taking 10 minute breaks each hour on the hike. This ensures that the waste built up in your body is able to be removed efficiently. Breaks help to re-energize you on the hike, ensuring that you are able to endure the hike. Slow and steady wins the race. Breaks allow you to take in the environment and appreciate the beauty of nature. 4. Stay Fueled –
Ensure that you eat a substantial balanced meal before the hike. Eat and
drink as you regularly would. It is advised however, that you drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry. Like any activity, hiking requires proper hydration and food. Avoid food with strong scents which would attract animals and insects. Clean up after yourself. Any food waste produced must be accounted for and not left in the environment.
5. Monitor your Activity – Large bursts of energy do not sustain you on a hike. With the large bursts of energy come heavy breathing and exhaustion. A hike is not meant to be a marathon. Maintain a steady walking pace to ensure that sufficient oxygen is able to get to your muscles and prevent aches and exhaustion. If you have a medical condition, work within your limits. Do not push yourself for any reason.
6. Beware – Many insects and animals display
various behaviors when they humans invade their territory and they feel threatened. These warning signals are commonly ignored, leading to injury. If an insect is brightly colored, it is most likely poisonous. Constantly check your materials, clothes and skin for any insects which may latch on and cause harm. Know the dangerous shrubs in the forest. Do not eat anything in the environment without prior knowledge of it or without approval from an experienced guide. Avoid disturbing wildlife, a slow retreat backwards can help to decrease an animal’s threat level.
7. Respect Nature – Stick to the hiking trail.
Do not disturb animals, plants or the environment unnecessarily. Look before you step and sit. Enjoy the scenery and take in the awe of nature. Do not leave any garbage or introduce any foreign material to the environment. Apply repellant, but minimize its use on
the hike as it would disturb the wildlife. If you wish to take souvenirs from the hike, keep it minimal. Taking less is best. Be aware that flash photography may disturb some animals and insects as well. 8. Teamwork – Never go on a hike alone. Working with others helps to ensure security for all. Team members can also help to motivate you throughout the hike. Do not stray from the group without informing them. Inform others who are not on the hike on your plans to hike and the time you expect to return.
9. Survive – Ensure that you have some prior
knowledge of your environment so that in the case you do get separated from the group, you know where to find water, how to make a fire and build shelter. Establish a means of signaling for help. Three piles of items (leaves, rocks, etc.) arranged in a triangle is the international wildlife distress symbol. This could be in the form of a whistle or smoke signals. You may need to maneuver through the environment, thus ensure that you are familiar with the area and a compass. Many smartphones have applications which may help, but be aware that the batteries do not last forever. Call for help if need be.
10. Experience Nature – A hike is not simply a walk. It is an experience and a chance to connect with your planet and the vast expanse of nature around you. Observe the insects and birds caring for their young and each other. A hike should open your eyes and make you realize that you are not alone in this world. Observe the connections everywhere and feel at peace in this puzzle called life.
O T L L CA ION! T C A
"We need to have an Environmental Summit to place on record all the serious environmental issues affecting our island and from there plan an ongoing action plan which should include a national recycling programme to encourage recycling practices especially in communities including business places, homes, rest stops, food stops on the road etc and there should be the implementation of a national training programme for all citizens to participate community clean up training programme. Clean up beaches programmes are great but as soon as it is done - it gets right back to where it was so funding needs to be put in place to educate the community stakeholders why it is important to keep their home Jamaica (not just where they live) clean. Many of our visitors are noticing and commenting on the fact that it appears that Jamaicans are not clean since persons throw garbage all over the place and it is difficult to find clean restrooms etc Nuff said - action time now!� – Diana McCaulay, Environmentalist and Award-winning Writer
Jakes Resort The Sustainable Gem of Treasure Beach By: Bruce Grayson Yee
Known for its abundance and variety of fruits and vegetables, St Elizabeth is commonly referred to as Jamaica’s “Bread Basket”. Nestled in the south western section of the parish lies a collection of four distinct coves, affectionately known to the local community as Treasure Beach.
Over the years, the Treasure Beach Foundation (Breds) has taken progressive steps towards creating a culture of sustainable living in the area which has resulted in the reality that soon, Treasure Beach, will become Jamaica’s first community powered almost exclusively by renewable energy. This coveted area of pristine beaches with its picturesque views is home to Jakes Resort. The gem of Treasure Beach is a destination
where the warm hospitality and sheer atmosphere of love and peace welcomes both tourists (many of them repeat visitors) and Jamaicans alike. Jakes is a visually inspiring collage of cozy, thatched roof cottages surrounded by an extensive variety of lush tropical plants and foliage. The authentic love for the area that was evident in the design work by self-taught architect Sally Henzell is well preserved. The resort has certainly blossomed over the years and is now home to the internationally renowned Calabash Literary Festival, and offers several amenities and world-class dining. Behind the scenes of this awe-inspiring haven, something truly magnificent is taking place. We spoke with Jakes Hotel’s own Jason Henzell, whose family has owned, managed and maintained
Jakes for generations. Jason, a firm believer in the potential of renewable energy, knows that in order for Treasure Beach to prosper and grow, the community has to become more sustainable. In association with the Treasure Beach Foundation (Breds), Jason and his Team have already installed three solar-powered systems – one to illuminate the basketball court at night, and the other two for the irrigation systems that keep the many thirsty plants watered. The guest rooms at the resort utilize solar energy for hot water, and a few are equipped with solar-powered air conditioning units. But that’s only the beginning. He revealed that steps are already underway to power Jakes Hotel almost completely on renewable energy. Having already received approval from both JPS (Jamaica
Power Service) and O.U.R. (Office of Utilities Regulation),
ECCO MAGAZINE 29.
Jason has commissioned the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, some of which will rest high atop a new parking garage. Ultimately, Jakes Hotel will have little to no dependence on JPS, making them our environmental heroes. To fully strategize and execute this bold new plan of securing the future of Treasure Beach, Jason has handpicked a team of highly skilled specialists. Among these distinguished individuals is Paul Stockhausen, a renowned Energy Consultant, and Maisie Allen, an expert in local economic development. Although several renewable energy companies approached Mr. Henzell and his associates to carry out this contract, Conserve IT was finally chosen. Headed by Milton Miller, well known for his expertise in the solar
30. ECCO MAGAZINE
energy sector, Conserve IT has proven to be worthy of taking on the task at hand. When asked to give us some insight on future environmental initiatives, Jason disclosed that Jakes Hotel, in association with the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) will be participating in, among other things, an Agro-Tourism program. The program will seek to bring prosperity to some of St Elizabeth’s more than 60,000 farmers through their participation in various tours. Also to benefit from tourism will be the Cottage Industries, a term used to describe the many purveyors of home-made foods and other goods. Another initiative outlined by Jason is the introduction of Marine Sanctuary Tours, particularly at Galleon Beach Fishing Sanctuary. Once an area
severely overfished and plagued with declining water fowl populations, Galleon Beach Fishing Sanctuary has made an amazing recovery in the past three years. A number of fishermen there have expressed interest in opening the area for educational tours, which would not only increase awareness of conservation efforts, but would stimulate the local economy as well. Under the vigilant guidance of Jason Henzell, Treasure Beach is poised to become one of Jamaica’s most self-sustaining areas. As we look forward to the completion of this endeavor, it is our sincere hope that this will serve as a motivational blueprint for similar projects across our island home.
10SIMPLE
All Natural
Beauty Tips
The ‘naturalista’ movement seems to be growing leaps and bounds globally. It appears that there is a universal awakening of a consciousness that is telling us that we can all be naturally flawless with a little help from Mother Nature. We here at ECCO endorse this movement towards greater appreciation for self as a part of the natural environment. Here are ’10 simple tips’ to natural beauty that we like courtesy of thankyourbody.com. Will you try a few with us? Send feedback to info@eccomagazine.com to be included in the next issue.
1. Banana and Egg Hair Treatment
Looking for a little more shine in your hair? Simply mix one egg and a mashed up banana. Apply it as a thick paste to your hair and leave it on for 10 – 30 minutes. Wash it our doing your usual hair washing ritual (if you usually use a store-bought conditioner you’ll probably only need to condition the ends). And voila!
2. Moisturizing Nail Treatment
Soak your nails in olive oil for five minutes. And then sit back and admire your pretty hands. Yes!
3. Simple Honey Face Mask
Raw honey is naturally anti-bacterial and a super quick way to get soft, beautiful skin. Once a week use a tablespoon or so of raw honey (not the processed stuff parading as honey) and gently warm it by rubbing your fingertips together. Spread on your face. Leave on for 5 – 10 minutes and then use warm water to gently rinse it off and pat dry. Then bask in the glow of your honey-awesomeness. This raw honey is awesome, by the way.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo
For those who are using commercial shampoos: To help eliminate any build up in your hair, mix ¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar (like this) with 1 cup water. Follow with your usual conditioner.
5. Elbow and Knee Exfoliate and Skin Brightener
Cut an orange in half and rub it on your elbows and knees. Helps soften those rough patches. And it smells good. (Rinse off the sticky mess when you are done.)
6. Gentle Body Scrub
Mix a 2 to 1 ratio of olive oil and sea salt to make a quick and effective body scrub. This helps get rid of dead skin cells creating softer, more glowing skin. And this natural beauty tip is much cheaper that expensive store bought body scrubs.
7. Easy Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
Want super soft, hydrated hair? Use melted coconut oil as a deep conditioning hair and scalp treatment. Massage coconut oil into your scalp and then work it through your hair. Leave it on for a couple of hours and then wash it out using shampoo (no need to condition unless you have really long hair and then maybe just the ends.) Note: For you no ‘poo-ers keep in mind that coconut oil will saturate your hair with awesome goodness… that can be really hard to get out with just baking soda and *some* natural shampoos. You may want to try just a little coconut oil on a little section of hair and see if you can get it out before you do this. Otherwise you might have really greasy (but soft!) hair for a few washes. NOT that I’m speaking from personal experience of anything (*cough*). 10 super simple all natural beauty tips. Yes!
8. Simple Toxic-Free Shaving Cream
Use coconut oil on your legs as a natural replacement for your shaving cream. Talk about a simple, natural beauty
tip.
9. All Natural Black Head Removal
Place 4 or 5 drops of raw honey on an open lemon wedge. Then rub the lemon on your face for a minute, emphasizing any trouble areas. Leave the mixture on for 5 minutes and rinse with cold water. (Keep in mind that citrus can make your skin photosensitive so it’s best to do this before bed rather than before going outside).
10. Dry Brushing for Better Skin
Dry brushing is a simple detoxification process for your body. It stimulates a number of organs through a gently massage. It also helps the lymphatic system, eliminates dead skin coatings, strengthens the immune system, can eliminate cellulite, stimulates the hormones, and can help tighten skin through better circulation. Best of all, it’s cheap and easy. Learn more about dry brushing and how to do it here. Here’s a great skin brush to get you started!
Take Care
Remember, the best beauty secrets are not quick fixes. They require good sleep, stress management, proper nutrition, and physical exercise. While all these little “gems” above can provide some oomph to your beauty routine, remember that real beauty is a result of taking care (or “thanking”) your body on a daily basis. And by being you. Because you are beautiful.
True Shade Shining Through: Natural Beauty Q&A with Dianne Plummer
Dianne Plummer lived and studied in Northern Europe (Sweden and Finland) for almost 4 years while completing a double Master's Degree in Sustainable Energy (major mechanical engineering and bio refining). She found it extremely difficult to find make up for her skin tone. Trips back to Jamaica or other areas with a large Black population, saw her hoarding cosmetic products. For Dianne, the challenge wasn’t just based in matching tones but with ensuring that the products she used would provide adequate coverage while protecting her sensitive eczema prone skin. Growing tired of having to put so much effort into sourcing makeup, Dianne decided to put her
education to use – she has a degree in chemical engineering (BEng). Her research skills led to the development of True Shade, a line of natural organic and mineral make-up. The line was originally comprised of foundations, concealers, blush, bronzers and powder. She started issuing to friends and soon realized that what had been a personal solution had morphed into a commercial venture. ECCO recently sat down with Dianne to learn more about True Shade and her experience as a young entrepreneur. ECCO: True Shade claims to be a 'natural' makeup
line. Isn't that an oxymoron? DP: True Shade is “natural” in the sense that all the make up in our mineral segment are made using natural minerals, and natural plant based moisturizers. So they do offer a more natural look and are suitable for women with eczema and sensitive skin like myself. I also use local ingredients such as Aloe Vera in the blends. ECCO: You have shared your personal battles with skin issues such as eczema and how your mineral mix has alleviated that. DP: I have had eczema from I was a child, and I remember not being able to use certain soaps etc. So naturally, as a late teen and young adult I wanted to wear make-up but was faced with skin reactions. I tried several types and found that minerals were the best for my skin. Having my own True Shade Cosmetics line of make has been great as I can wear mineral make-up and create several looks without worrying about rashes of bumps. So using the minerals have definitely helped with my skin and my overall fear of wearing certain make up. ECCO: What has been the feedback from customers who have looked to True Shade for the same reason? Has it worked for them too? DP: The feedback has been great, especially for the loose powders and the foundations. It is encouraging when clients send emails and texts about how much they love the loose powders, which is the most popular item. I recently sold powder and foundation to a client in Montego Bay who sent a text message, that she has been using the product for some time and she has not seen any bumps or rashes. So these feedbacks always encourage me to work harder to completely develop my brand. ECCO: What are your most popular products to date and what will you be unveiling in 2015.
DP: The most popular item is the loose powder, the foundation and both bronzers and blushes are also big hits. This year I am venturing into a loose powder made with only local ingredients and also a blush using a traditional plant that my grandmother suggested. I am also working on pressed powders and tinted lip glosses as well. So far the research is going well and I am excited to unveil it before the summer. ECCO: You chose to return to Jamaica to formally launch your company. What's been your experience? Do you regret not developing the brand in the much more developed European market? DP: So far the experience has been filled with more positive than negative. I would rather create history in my own ‘warm’ island with my innovation. In the latter part of 2014, I applied for the National Innovator Awards in the Youth Category. It’s amazing when I realized that out of all the applicants, I was one of the two persons selected to be interviewed for the youth award for my cosmetic products. Even though I did not win, it was an awesome experience. I have no regrets coming back and I am excited about all the possibilities, so why contribute the current brain drain? Building the brand here will also be beneficial as I have a wealth of natural ingredients to choose from. I have gotten a lot of support from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation who have advised me on the different agencies that I need. They have also connected me with persons such as potential distributors and make-up artists among others. Then there is the random phone calls congratulating and encouraging me from clients and strangers, so coming back is definitely awesome. The negative side is lack of funding opportunities for start-up companies and the difficulties getting business loans in addition to customs duty charges etc.
Team ECCO wishes Dianne all the best with the True Shade line and was very impressed after testing out for our editorial shoot this issue.
Story & Myth Give A Blessing, Get A Blessing, Protect the Environment
but this is largely dependent on cultural beliefs and not based in empirical evidence.
Kirstie Stephenson moved back to Jamaica in 2011 and initially started doing consulting on architectural projects. However the universe conspired and replanted nostalgic seeds tied to a necklace her dad gave to her at age 8. She could not shake the memory of this precious necklace and started asking around for beads. Her gardener was the first to fulfill her request and gave her a ‘scandal bag’ full of beads. It was at this point that Kirstie decided to research different beads and their meaning. One of the beads and jewelry that interested her was the Tibetan prayer beads (108 beads in total for each piece). Her personal connection to these beads grew into passion for profit when she met Sharon Feanny, well known Yoga instructor and wellness enthusiast, who not only loved the beads and started wearing them but went further to ask Kirstie to create special pieces for VIP guests at the Caribbean Yoga Conference. The story of the beads appeal to most if not all audiences. Though a variety of beads and precious stones are used for the Story and Myth line of jewelry, Job’s Tears is one of the most popular beads as it is a symbol of faith and hope in times of uncertainty. While sourcing the beads she also spoke with a Maroon woman who told her the story of how in times of
war the maroons would hide their children and leave a trail of the Job's beads leading back to the remote caves that was their refuge. Another saying is the beads help keep you slim and have other medicinal uses
The name of the line has been a big pull in marketing. Kristie explains that the name came from her experience of growing up in the Caribbean and having a strong spiritual background in an environment where reality and fiction/stories and myth, blended perfectly into a rich storytelling culture. She also pulls inspiration from other cultures and how connecting with the physical environment can positively impact energy. For jewelry making the beads are perfectly sustainable – mother nature’s perfect bead, they come with ready-made holes. Story and Myth presents a new perspective on jewelry and presents an innovative approach to entrepreneurship. Kirstie sees her company as innovative and continues to carve out a niche for her creations. Job's beads trees are usually burnt because it's seen as a nuisance but she has turned this bother into a beam of beautiful hope. For Story and Myth, brand Jamaica should represent sustainability. The team plans to surely bloom where they are planted and grow, grow, grow.
ecco
READER FEEDBACK Environmentally Conscious Consumer Operations
Guest Editor, Latoya presents a copy of ECCO to Jamaica’s Consular General in Florida, Franz Hall following the International Miami Book Fair 2014
Caption this pic!
Jamaican Reggae Artiste pens World Nature Song
Cockpit Country by Our Jamaica
In 2014, the World Nature Organization (WNO) based in Geneva, Switzerland, announced the launch of the official WNO song, the “World Nature Song”, written and performed by Jamaican Reggae Artist Andre ‘Nature’ Ellis. The song was created to draw a more focused attention on the plights affecting the planet, especially developing and emerging countries like Jamaica. The WNO was founded by emerging and developing countries; these states are already experiencing the devastating consequences of climate change and wish to make a difference and send a strong international signal, through the WNO, that nature protection and conservation must become the highest priority on a global level. The Montego Bay-based artist, “Nature”, greatly supports the efforts of the WNO to protect and preserve the environment and nature itself and is taking active and practical steps in this direction. For his contribution and strong international message, the WNO officially appointed Andre “Nature” Ellis as WNO Goodwill Ambassador for Jamaica, in the hope that he will further spread his message about nature protection and preservation. Source: www.wno.org
Newcastle by Our Jamaica
World’s First Solar Road Opened in the Netherlands The world's first solar road, which converts sunlight into electricity, was opened in the Netherlands last November. Dubbed SolaRoad, the 230-foot pilot lane—located in Krommenie in North Holland—consists of 8-by-11-foot prefab concrete slabs, into which solar cells are fitted underneath a layer of tempered glass. It's that glass, however, that provides the greatest challenge: It must be translucent enough for sunlight to penetrate, as well as skid resistant and strong enough to carry large volumes of vehicles. Netherlands Solar Road in partnership with independent research organization TNO, the SolaRoad project has been under development since 2009, with the goal to realize "the dream that large parts of the road surface in the Netherlands will act as a large solar panel," according to the project website. Over time, that power will be put to use in practical applications like street lighting, traffic systems, electric cars driving on the surface, and even households. "The idea behind SolaRoad is simple: sunlight falling on the road surface is absorbed by solar cells and converted into electricity—the road surface acts as a
large solar panel," the site said. "The electricity generated in this way will find practical applications in street lighting." During the three-year SolaRoad trial period, tests will be performed to determine whether the street behaves correctly, how much energy it produces, and what locals think of riding on it. "This could be a breakthrough in the field of sustainable energy supply," TNO's Sten de Wit said in a statement. "In particular, if the road concept will develop into a system, with which the generated electricity is transported to the vehicles driving on the road. Subsequently, a big step toward an energy-neutral mobility system will be possible." The pilot project is expected to be extended to 328 feet by 2016, the BBC said, adding that SolaRoad has so far cost €1.5 million ($1.9 million), and could ultimately be more like €3 million ($3.7 million) once finished. Source: www.pcmag.com
JAMAICA PLASTICS:
Riverton Recycling Program
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has officially launched a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling project in the community of Riverton Meadows, in Western St Andrew, which is expected to provide employment for hundreds of people. Housed at the Jamaica Recycling Cooperative Plant in Riverton City, along Spanish Town Road, the programme has already seen the employment of 12 full time workers and 50 part-time PET bottle suppliers. Under the programme, PET bottles are collected, compacted and exported overseas. The project is being led by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, in collaboration with Canadian company, Turtle Island; the Small Business Association of Jamaica; Jamaica Business Development Corporation; Ministry of Industry, INVESTMENT and Commerce; the Social Development Commission and Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED). Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, said that the project not only aims to provide employment and a stable income for many Jamaicans, but also to increase public awareness about the importance of recycling and protecting the natural environment. Source: The Jamaica Observer
Photo Caption
Mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke (second right) cuts the ribbon to officially launch the plastic bottle recycling project in Riverton Meadows, on December
30, 2014. Assisting is Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Noel Arscott (third right).
Others (from left) are Minister of Industry,
INVESTMENT
and
Commerce
and
Member
of
Parliament for Western St Andrew, Anthony Hylton; Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His
Excellency Robert Ready, and National CARILED Coordinator, Jennifer Evans. (Photo:JIS)