Excerpt from Authority Magazine
Karolin Troubetzkoy is the Executive Director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Saint Lucia, spearheading the marketing and day-to-day operations of these award-winning resorts since 1984. A citizen of Saint Lucia, she has served in many different volunteer tourism industry leadership positions in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean, most notably as President of the St.Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association and President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and currently spearheads the CHTA Education Foundation. In January 2019, she was appointed Envoy to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative and serves as Chair of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Her full biography can be seen here: http://karolintroubetzkoy.com/biography.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
I think no matter how big or small your organisation is, we all have an opportunity to contribute towards a better tomorrow and through our actions, inspire others to do same. Whether it is through our water management system or our coral nurseries, or our efforts to reduce and prevent plastic pollution, we want to be at the forefront of these efforts.
I believe in the transformative power of collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
In the Caribbean, we are surrounded by some of the world’s most precious natural resources and diverse ecosystems. Our ‘blue economy’ relies heavily on the health of our oceans and landscapes, making sustainability not just a choice but a necessity for our survival and prosperity.
We can start by harnessing our abundant renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, and geothermal, to power our resorts and communities. Our approach must be holistic, integrating sustainable tourism practices that protect our coral reefs, reduce waste through circular economic models, and ensure that the benefits of tourism contribute to the wellbeing of our local populations.
At our resorts, we’re already implementing strategies for sustainable operation, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, protecting marine life, and engaging guests in our conservation efforts.
We see the success of these initiatives not only in the preservation of our environment but also in the enriched experiences we offer our guests.
We need to support fostering a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of our lives, from education to economic development. It’s a comprehensive shift towards a future where our actions today create a thriving, resilient, and sustainable tomorrow for the Caribbean.