Royal Caribbean international is committed to protecting the Bahamian environment during the construction and operation of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau as promised. They have signed on the leading Bahamian-based environmental consulting firm, SEV Consulting Group, to ensure the 17-acre destination remains within those environmental standards.
“Protecting and preserving the natural resources of Paradise Island is a key part of how the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas will shine at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Nature painted a perfect canvas on the island; that canvas changed with time after it was abandoned over many years by previous homeowners. While there is some work to be done and a process to go through, that beauty will be restored,” said Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager, Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas. “Many structures and invasive species were left behind, and with SEV Consulting Group’s partnership to see through the demolition, construction and operation, the western end of Paradise Island will be a welcome crown in the heart of the harbour once again.”
SEV is monitoring the removal of some 1,600 non-native plants and trees in order to restore the area’s natural habitat. The firm will also ensure compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Stacey Moultire, Vice President of Environmental Policy and Planning, SEV Consulting Group, said, “We are pleased to work on this project to protect and promote the island’s natural beauty,” said Stacey Moultrie, Vice President of Environmental Policy and Planning, SEV Consulting Group. “Our job as the environmental monitors is to ensure that the teams for construction and operations implement the measures outlined in the Environmental Management Plan and follow the environmental laws of The Bahamas. This includes protecting marine turtle nesting sites and removing invasive species.”
SEV is making regular site visits and completing inspections with Royal Caribbean. This allows the construction team to correct or pause its work if needed. The firm is also working with Stacy Lubin, environmental conservation expert, who is now Royal Caribbean International’s director of environment and sustainability in The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean’s six environmental pillars for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island are: zero waste-to-landfill, 100% renewable energy by 2030, no dredging and no overwater cabanas, best-in-class wastewater treatment, protecting the island’s habitat, and local environmental monitoring. Lubin is collaborating with DEBB to ensure these are met.
Royal Caribbean International is also committed to local hiring and supporting the local economy. When Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opens in 2025, it will showcase Bahamian music, cuisine and entertainment and feature pools with swim-up bars, two beaches, private cabanas, and so much more.