Dominica receives eco-tourism award

Dominica has been awarded the Green Globe Benchmarked accolade for the second year running.

The award recognises the efforts made by the Caribbean island to commit to the highest environmental standards and to establish itself as an eco-tourism destination.

Its credentials are further emphasised by the Three Rivers Eco Lodge in Dominica being voted the Caribbean's green hotel of the year.

Four other hotels on the island have achieved benchmarking status from Green Globe 21, namely the Tamarind Tree Hotel, Garraway Hotel, Fort Young Hotel and the Hummingbird Inn.

To achieve benchmarking status organisations are assessed against a range of key performance areas including greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, management of water resources, and waste water management.

Dominica was assessed throughout 2004 and achieved 'at or above best practice' for nearly all fourteen categories.

Benchmarking is the second highest Green Globe award, below certification.

Dominica, the largest of the Windward islands, is situated in the eastern Caribbean between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

It offers great hiking, bird watching and diving opportunities and is also home to the last remaining settlement of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean – the Carib Indians.

For more information on holidays in Dominca go to: www.dominica.dm XXX