Sustainability Takes the Spotlight in Antigua and Barbuda’s Green Corridor

Antigua and Barbuda green corridor © Courtesy of Visit Antigua and Barbuda

Sustainability Takes the Spotlight in Antigua and Barbuda’s Green Corridor

The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda sits at the nexus of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, beckoning visitors with sophisticated resorts, unblemished natural beauty, and a beach for every day of the year— as they’ll proudly tell you. Sailors, hikers, foodies, divers, and families are all drawn to this diverse gem, which boasts two distinct yet cohesive island experiences. Antigua, the more populous sibling, has earned a reputation for cuisine, spas, romance, and excursions. On Barbuda, teeming reefs, offshore cays, and a thriving frigatebird sanctuary have helped cultivate a reputation as an ecological wonder of The Caribbean.

As one might expect, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry— and indeed, its greater economy— heavily depends on the health and beauty of its natural areas. Across the globe, many popular destinations similarly blessed with abundant tropical splendour find themselves wrestling with the unintended consequences of sharing it with the world: over-tourism, destructive industry, and lax environmental regulations.

Compellingly, Antigua and Barbuda has taken strong steps to protect its coastal towns, vibrant lagoons, and verdant rainforests. Over the last decade, it has united stakeholders across the islands and emerged as a staunch leader in sustainable tourism. Coordinated widespread efforts (and grassroots community initiatives, like a coastal stewardship programme) have seen Antigua and Barbuda join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and earn the Wellness Tourism Association’s (WTA) first-ever recognition, among other honours. These efforts have also culminated in the creation of the “Green Corridor”: the most sustainable—and perhaps best—way for visitors to experience Antigua and Barbuda.

Founded in 2017, during the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, the Green Corridor is a designated coastal area between the villages of Bolans and John Hughes in Antigua. The hotels, restaurants, and excursions in this area have agreed to operate based on principles and practices that demonstrate respect for the local culture, social responsibility, and a sense of environmental stewardship.

The Ministry of Health oversees these green policies to ensure compliance with renewable energy, water consumption, and sustainable building practices. In Antigua and Barbuda, businesses cannot use plastic shopping bags, and even the largest resorts incorporate energy-saving devices and renewable energy sources. Carlisle Bay enjoys a reputation as one of the most eco-friendly resorts within the Corridor, with robust waste management programs and an energy-efficient approach that reflects its monumental achievement in balancing luxury and sustainability.

In the Green Corridor, you will find the highest concentration of locally owned and managed tourism businesses anywhere in the destination. The culinary establishments of the Green Corridor are united in their offering of ‘Farm to Table’ cuisine, eschewing frozen food in favour of cooking with herbs and vegetables sourced from their gardens or the nearby markets. These include casual favourites like Dennis’ Beach Bar and Jacqui O’s Beach House, as well as lavish landmarks like Cocobay. The Pineapple Farm at Cades Bay is where travellers can try the world-famous Antigua Black Pineapple, as well as other fresh produce grown within the nearby rainforest.

The eclectic and scenic landscape that comprises the Green Corridor provides the intrepid visitor with no shortage of adventure. Mount Obama and Signal Hill—the country’s highest and second-highest peaks, respectively—both rise above the Corridor, offering incredible views of the azure water. Rendezvous Bay speaks to the more experienced hikers, presenting a variety of trails, terrain types, and elevations. In the summer, Darkwood Beach becomes a turtle-watching hotspot, inviting visitors to the heart of the Corridor to witness the exciting hatchings at a respectful distance.

Visitors needing to travel a bit further than their legs can carry them should make use of the wide variety of eco-friendly transportation options in the Corridor, including rentable bicycles and electric vehicles. These eco-conscious options extend offshore as well: those seeking to dive into the mysteries of Antigua and Barbuda’s reefs sustainably can do so with a participating operator in the Green Fins Programme, who follow stringent international guidelines to minimize marine tourism's impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Though the Green Corridor is an inspiring example of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to sustainable tourism, its practices and policies extend far beyond its boundaries on the map. Across Antigua, one can find a wider veneration for local ingredients, responsible tour options for offshore wildlife refuges like Laviscount, and community-driven initiatives like Adopt-a-Coastline. Venturing into Barbuda, the eco-traveller will find much to love, including coastal caves hiding petroglyphs, unspoiled pink sand beaches, and Codrington Lagoon: the stage upon which red-throated Frigatebirds perform their spirited mating displays.

As helpful as government policies and guidance have been in keeping Antigua and Barbuda green, their adoption has never required particular coercion. For the community, sustainability has become a way of life—the ultimate yet natural consequence of a deep love for their home that has long resonated through the island’s culture. To get the truest Antigua and Barbuda experience, visitors should embrace the destination and its legacy of sustainability.

You can learn more about Antigua and Barbuda, the Green Corridor, and the country’s accomplishments in sustainable tourism at visitantiguabarbuda.com