Environmental Commitment
We are keenly aware of our responsibility to protect the limited natural resources on our island that provide so much to our international guests and our local community. Our commitment to sustainability drives a range of conservation endeavors designed to protect our island’s natural resources while enhancing guest experiences.
Protecting Endangered Sea Turtles
From March to November each year, our beach is a critical nesting ground for three species of endangered sea turtles: the mighty Leatherback, the colorful Hawksbill and the grass-eating Green sea turtles. We are dedicated to protecting these extraordinary creatures and educating guests about their importance to our marine ecosystem.
We collaborate with local organizations like the Saint Lucia National Trust and the Department of Fisheries to support turtle conservation. Our staff participates in ongoing workshops to identify turtle species, nesting patterns, and proper monitoring techniques. These efforts led to the creation of our Turtle SCOUTS Program, where trained team members monitor nesting activity, protect nests, and assist in the release of endangered hatchlings.
To extend our conservation efforts, we involve guests in hands-on activities like nest marking and hatchling releases. Informational signage and posters throughout the resort help spread awareness about how visitors can help preserve these vulnerable species. A vibrant, educational mural in our CocoLand Kidz Klub created by renowned Saint Lucian artist Naja Simeon features the endangered sea turtles that nest on our beach, making conservation fun and accessible for our youngest guests. Turtle SCOUTS is designed to make turtle conservation an immersive year-round experience, teaching both children and adults the significance of protecting our environment.
Skip the Straw, Save a Turtle Initiative
In 2018, we launched the “Skip the Straw, Save a Turtle” campaign to reduce single-use plastics at the resort, starting with eliminating plastic straws at our beachfront bars. This not only helps protect marine life but also reduces waste along our beach, further supporting our turtle conservation efforts.
Beach and Marine Conservation
As stewards of our 85-acre resort and surrounding coastline, we strive to preserve the Pointe Sables Environmental Protection Area, which encompasses our mile-long beach, the Maria Islands Nature Reserve and Saint Lucia’s largest seascape of interconnected coral reef, seagrass and mangroves. Our beach, a key nesting site for sea turtles, is maintained with sustainable practices, including the creation of berms, retaining walls, and the reclamation of sand from dried seaweed to combat erosion.
Sustainable Agriculture and Farm-to-Table Initiatives
At Coconut Bay, we also grow produce in our two greenhouses, providing a daily harvest of organic tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and herbs, which our chefs use in signature dishes across in our restaurants. Food waste is composted, used as fertilizer, or converted into biofuel, while some is distributed to local farms, contributing to a sustainable, closed-loop dining experience. Animal manure from our Coco Corral is used as fertilizer across the property. We also compost Sargassum seaweed, which occasionally washes ashore, turning it into a resource for our gardens.
Plant Propagation and Tree Planting
Here at Coconut Bay, we are deeply connected to our natural surroundings. We preserve our palm trees by transplanting them throughout the resort and use the bounty of coconuts in our spa and culinary offerings. Additionally, our staff and guests participate in tree plantings including Earth Day activities and commemorative plantings in our “Love Patch,” promoting a sustainable environment for future generations.
Water and Energy Efficiency
At Coconut Bay we conserve resources through water and energy-saving technologies. Our Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System collects and filters rainwater for use in pools and the CocoLand Waterpark, while greywater is recycled to irrigate our gardens. Energy conservation measures include a Heat Exchanger system and high-efficiency inverter air conditioning to maintain cool temperatures while being eco-friendly – and quiet. Salt chlorine generators keep our CocoLand Waterpark and Splash Pad clean and disinfected while use of LED lighting conserves energy to reduce our carbon footprint.
