Costa d’Este Beach Resort and Spa was recognized by Coastal Connections with the presentation of an inaugural Sea Turtle Friendly Certified Award for its efforts to aid in the recovery of sea turtles, which are listed under the endangered species act.

“Ultimately, our mission is to protect coastal habitats for the protection and survival of sea turtles, and we use education and physical connections through our immersive programs,” said Kendra Cope, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, which strives to encourage and guide conservation-minded behavior changes in residents and visitors.

“We’re really focused on a long-term vision of being a respected leader for the recovery of sea turtles,” said Cope.

Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Coastal Connections has diversified their approach with three initiatives.

Turtle Connections: Focused on conservation and research programs.
Vero Goes Zero: A community-driven sustainability program, focused on the reduction of single use plastics and increasing recycling opportunities.
Turtle Travels: Focused on producing more eco-minded travelers.

The Sea Turtle Friendly Certified program, which falls within the Turtle Travels initiative, is a certification effort that challenges the hospitality industry to meet specific sea turtle-friendly standards, especially those whose facilities are along nesting beaches.

Facilities must meet specific year-long requirements, including being compliant and open to scheduled inspections during the nesting season. In return, they get the recognition of being a conservation minded location with state and national organizations, which can help attract eco-minded travelers.

Four categories of standards, all meant to minimize harmful impacts to nesting turtles and hatchlings, permit each facility to devise its own personalized environmental plans.

Lighting: Follow local and state ordinances to keep outdoor lighting low and mitigate indoor lighting from spilling out onto the beach.
Natural beaches: Remove obstructions, such as furniture and equipment, clean trash from beaches daily, and host at least one beach or coastal cleanup annually.
Sustainability – Reduce or eliminate single-use plastics and have recycling bins available to staff and guests throughout the facility.
Education: Provide materials about the importance of sea turtle conservation to staff and guests.

Invited guests at the reception, held in the resort’s Crystal Room, were also given a small tour of the facility, where they learned about the various initiatives Costa d’Este has put into place to come into compliance with the standards of the program.

Costa d’Este staff spoke about such room improvements as tinted windows and attractive curtains that can stop any light from spilling out. There is posted information and a television loop informing guests about sea turtle nesting, two-part garbage/recycling pails, glass vs. plastic drinkware, and shampoo/conditioner/lotion dispensers to minimize waste. They use energy-efficient washer/dryers and encourage guests to hang up and reuse towels to reduce water usage.

Outdoors, either washable plates and silverware, or biodegradable utensils, plates and straws are used, the lighting around the deck and tables is turned off at 9 p.m., and they use amber lighting on the staircases.

“We want to work together,” said Cope. She added that ultimately, they want to be able to host more award ceremonies to recognize the achievements of other hospitality industry facilities.

For more information, visit coastal-connections.org.

Photos provided