As a small island, St. Kitts stands on the front lines of global climate change. In recent years, the island has suffered from severe storms, causing one of its most popular beaches to become rocky and the sand to be washed away. Since then, the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism has worked to protect the beach and reinvigorate the island, prioritizing sustainability and increased resilience to climate change.
In this film, we see various projects being undertaken across the island to re-energize this fun-filled island while supporting the development of community-based tourism and protecting St. Kitts’ natural assets for generations to come.
Restoring Frigate Bay’s Shoreline
For years, Frigate Bay stood as one of the island’s most iconic beaches, but successive tropical storms took a heavy toll on its shoreline. To combat this, a major beach nourishment project was launched to trap sand and prevent erosion. The results have been transformative: the sand is back, and local businesses report a surge in patrons who are enjoying the beach again.
The Rise of Palm Bay Village
Away from the hustle and bustle, Pump Bay is quietly evolving into a vibrant, developed destination. Centered around relaxation and “fresh vibes,” the area is becoming a hub for community-driven tourism. Establishments like the Link Up Bar are leading the way by sourcing fresh fish directly from local fishermen. While development is moving at a steady, mindful pace, Pump Bay is quickly carving out a reputation as a safe, authentic haven for those seeking a slower side of island life.
The Gift of the Rainforest
The St. Kitts rainforest is more than just a scenic backdrop; it is a sprawling pharmacy and a growing sanctuary. With over 400 species of plants, many used in medicine, the forest is a national asset. Interestingly, nature is reclaiming its territory. Areas once used for sugarcane production decades ago are now reverting to dense forest. This natural expansion supports the continued health of the island’s central forest cover and recreational access.
The Sargassum Project
Sargassum seaweed can impact the beachfront experience when it washes ashore. An initiative at the Marriott Beach Resort is cleaning up this pollution and turning it into an agricultural win. Teams harvest the seaweed by hand, carefully rescuing any trapped sea life in the process, and transport it to a composting facility. By mixing the biomass with organic components to neutralize heavy metals, they are creating high-quality compost for local farmers, proving that even a nuisance can be repurposed for the planet’s benefit.
A Festival with a Purpose: St. Kitts Music Festival
Originally founded to boost tourism during the off-season, the St. Kitts Music Festival has grown into a world-class event that balances “People and Planet.” Held annually in June, the festival serves as a global stage for legends such as Akon and Jimmy Cliff, while also providing a platform for local artists to gain international exposure. With a diverse lineup spanning soul, reggae, and dancehall, the festival ensures there is something for everyone while keeping the benefits firmly rooted in the local community.
Sustainable Travel: Where Next?
This film is part of Sustainable Travel International’s Where Next series, a documentary collection showcasing sustainable tourism examples and transformative solutions from destinations and companies worldwide, produced in partnership with Blackrook Media.
