Rosalie Bay Resort, an eco-luxury and wellness retreat on Dominica, has been honored by Travel + Leisure as a 2012 Global Vision Award Winner for Conservation. The intimate 28-room resort was recognized for its efforts to protect endangered sea turtles on the Caribbean island.
Resort owner Beverly Deikel and her partner Oscar partnered with Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) and Field Director Marine Biologist Rowan Byrne to bring the first research and conservation effort for endangered sea turtles to Dominica. The program began more than 10 years ago during construction of the resort.
Rosalie Bay Resort engages locals and guests in opportunities to help in the recovery of sea turtles on the island and throughout the Caribbean. Efforts include night patrol during nesting season, clean up on nesting beaches, education programs and data collection. In 2003, there were just seven leatherback nests. By 2010, there were 69 nests of three species of sea turtles – leatherback, hawksbill and green – and a 100% survival with all nesting species protected.
“The effort that one person, Beverly, put into this success story cannot be over-emphasized,” says Dr. Karen L. Eckert, Executive Director at WIDECAST. “She had the help of the WIDECAST network, which designed the project and provided field directors, and there was strong support from the Forestry Division and other agencies. But without her determination and funding, nothing would have taken place. Beverly is Dominica’s Turtle Lady and she has made an incredible difference in the lives of the magnificent animals.”
Travelers who wish to participate in the sea turtle program can visit between March and October to witness turtles nest on the black sand beach and watch hatchlings make their way into the Atlantic Ocean.
Rosalie Bay is one of 20 travel companies honored in the 2012 Travel + Leisure Global Vision Awards, which recognize standout efforts to protect and preserve the world’s cultural and natural resources. Winners are selected in five categories: Sustainability, Conservation, Community Building, Leadership and Preservation. Awards are determined by a panel of nine expert judges, including a Nobel Prize-winning economist and past Global Vision Award winner.
The 2012 Global Vision Award winners are featured online at www.TravelandLeisure.com and in the October issue of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Beverly and Oscar will represent Rosalie Bay Resort at the Travel + Leisure 2012 Global Vision Awards roundtable event at The National restaurant in The Benjamin hotel in New York City on October 15, 2012.
Beverly and Oscar have done wonders for the communities of Grand Fond in particular, Riviere Cyrique and Morne Jaune in terms of regular employment for the past 12 + years. They have sensitized the South East communities re Turtle conversation and appreciation during those times. The majority are now turtle lovers not turtle hunters and eaters. Rosalie Bay is the BEST.
Congratulations to the owners. May your business prosper. God continue to help you in your endeavours.