Growing a Sustainable Future at The Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope in Kingston
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope in Kingston, Jamaica has achieved its inaugural Green Globe certification. This prestigious certification verifies the historic property’s effective implementation of green practices and its contributions to protecting Jamaica’s rich biodiversity, while fostering sustainable practices across the community.
Carla Myrie, Executive Director of The Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope, expressed her pride in receiving the certification, “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Green Globe certification, which serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. From our plastic recycling program to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, we are proud of the tangible steps we have taken to reduce our ecological footprint. This certification is a clear reflection of our dedication to preserving Jamaica’s natural beauty and biodiversity, and we are excited to continue advancing green practices in everything we do.”
The Royal Botanic Gardens has made substantial progress in several key areas to earn this recognition. One of the property’s standout projects is the Plastic Recycling Project, which was implemented in collaboration with the Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF) and the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). To reduce waste and protect the local environment, the property focuses on collecting plastic bottles throughout the estate, sorting them, and sending them through an approved recycling process. During the recycling process, the bottles are then melted down and repurposed into new plastic products, reducing landfill waste and ensuring that plastic does not contaminate the local environment. This initiative highlights the Royal Botanic Gardens' commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint by actively combating plastic pollution in the region.
Complementing these efforts, the Royal Botanic Gardens has adopted environmentally friendly fuel practices. To reduce carbon emissions, the property utilizes low-sulfur diesel fuel to power its New Holland tractor and double-cabin motor truck. This shift to cleaner fuel reduces harmful emissions while maintaining the efficiency of its equipment, demonstrating the Gardens’ commitment to sustainable operations.
To save electricity, the Royal Botanic Gardens has upgraded from non-energy-efficient incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs across the estate. This transition has led to a 50% reduction in energy consumption for lighting alone, creating a long-lasting impact on reducing the property’s carbon footprint. The energy-efficient LED lighting also provides brighter and more reliable lighting for staff and visitors, contributing to a safer and more inviting environment.
Further adding to its sustainable energy solutions, the Royal Botanic Gardens has installed inverter air conditioning units in its offices. These energy-efficient units are designed to use less energy while maintaining a comfortable environment. The inverter technology regulates the temperature more effectively, reducing overall energy consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional air conditioning units. This upgrade aligns with the property’s goal of improving energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The Royal Botanic Gardens has also made remarkable strides in social responsibility and mental health initiatives. To aid university students recovering from mental health challenges, the property provides guided tours of its gardens. These tours offer students an opportunity to reconnect with nature and benefit from the therapeutic effects of being in a peaceful, natural setting. The Royal Botanic Gardens feature a Peace Garden, a space designed for conflict resolution and peacebuilding that has become a valuable resource in the community for resolving social issues.
The Royal Botanic Gardens’ educational outreach has been a key aspect of its social responsibility and green efforts. Through social media platforms, the property provides information on the diverse range of plants and trees found within the estate. It has created engaging and educational content to inform the younger generation about Jamaica’s native flora, making the Gardens an essential resource for environmental education.
In addition to their social efforts, The Royal Botanic Gardens aims to give back to the local community by contributing to the local environment through its sustainable waste management practices. One of the most notable efforts is the production of compost for commercial sale. By turning organic waste from the estate into nutrient-rich compost, the property reduces landfill waste and provides local farmers with valuable resources for its agricultural practices.
To reduce erosion and help preserve the estate’s natural beauty, The Royal Botanic Gardens has made improvements to its drainage systems and implemented fuel storage management practices, such as the safe underground storage of fuel, demonstrating its commitment to preventing environmental contamination.
In further efforts to support the local environment, the Royal Botanic Gardens has made notable efforts to promote Jamaica’s plant biodiversity. It has developed a Plant Conservation Centre focused on the propagation of endemic plant species that are at risk of extinction. The Centre works in partnership with local universities like the University of the West Indies to conserve Jamaica’s plant diversity and educate the public on the importance of preserving native species. One of the Centre’s key projects is the creation of a Medicinal Grove, which showcases plants that are traditionally used for medicinal purposes in Jamaica and other parts of the world.
To increase plant conservation and showcase the diversity of Jamaica’s unique flora, The Royal Botanic Gardens has begun to restore its Orchid House and Fernery. The property has also cultivated a collaboration with the Hope Zoo to grow plants that support local wildlife, such as the Jamaican Iguana and yellow-billed parrots. These efforts benefit biodiversity and promote the conservation of endangered species in Jamaica.
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope continues to lead the way in sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education. With its dedication to creating a better future for Jamaica’s flora and fauna, the property is poised to remain a vital resource for both the community and the environment.
About The Royal Botanic Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope
The Royal Botanic Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope is located in Kingston, Jamaica, on a 230-acre estate that is home to both a botanic garden and a zoo. Managed by the Nature Preservation Foundation, the property serves as a center for plant conservation, research, and environmental education. The Royal Botanic Gardens is dedicated to preserving Jamaica's biodiversity while providing accessible green spaces for the community to enjoy and learn from. For more information about The Royal Botanic Royal Botanic Gardens of Hope and its sustainability initiatives, please visit hrbg.org.jm
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com
For more information, please contact:
Carla Myrie
Executive Director
Nature Preservation Foundation
Hope Estate, 227 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876) 927-1257
Mobile: (876) 822-0212
executiveoffice.hopegardens@gmail.com
hrbg.org.jm
Maya Ramsey
Public Relations Coordinator
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
Office: +1-310-337-3000
www.greenglobe.com
mramsey@greenglobe.com