THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing US$1.6 million for the fourth phase of the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) project. This makes for a total of US$5.2 million provided by the organisation since 1977 for EAST initiatives.
EAST is a collaborative effort between, the United States Government through USAID, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA), and the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) with technical assistance being provided by a U.S.-based consulting firm, PA Consulting Group (formerly, Hagler Bailly Services).
The first three phases of the project have seen many successes including the completion of Environmental Management Audits (EMA) in 50 hotels and 15 manufacturing companies. In addition, 23 hotels and 3 attractions have been certified by Green Globe 21 Int'l, the UK-based environmental standards body.
MORE LINKAGES
Speaking at the launch of EAST IV at a ceremony at the Terra Nova Hotel last week, Mosina Jordan, USAID Mission Director, called for "more linkages between tourism and the environment and the incorporation of sound environmental principles into economic development planning". Ms. Jordan said tourism is a major growth industry in Jamaica accounting for approximately $1.3 billion in annual foreign exchange earnings. She said however that, "it is ironic that the tourism industry has reached the scale and scope that it threatens to destroy the very natural resources, culture and heritage on which it depends".
Pointing to indicators that post September 11, Iraq war and SARS, people are beginning to travel again, Ms. Jordan said that "EAST IV is coming at a time when the tourism industry is again at a cross-roads". She said that whilst EAST, phases I-3 had concentrated on conducting EMA's in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors "greening" education curriculum and promoting Green Globe certification, phase IV "will embark on its greatest challenge" a destination management programme for Port Antonio.
