Cayman Island Resort sets Sustainability Standards for the Region

For years, Green Globe member, the Southern Cross Club, located in the Cayman Islands, has been dedicated to meet the highest international standards in regards to the environment, conservation and corporate social responsibility.

"Little Cayman is a unique blend of elegance and undeveloped landscape that is rich in biodiversity," said Jennifer Mills, General Manager at the Southern Cross Club. "All of us at the Southern Cross Club feel it’s extremely important that we take care of the environment and give back to the community here. We are dedicated in every way we can to ensure the preservation of the marine and terrestrial environments for the use of our guests, residents of the island and future generations."

This casually sophisticated resort is very fond of its 900 feet of private beach front, which contains a large sea grass bed – a valuable natural resource, protected by the Cayman Island Department of the Environment. This marine coastal biome is one of the nurseries for the reef fish, who begin their life here. Without the nursery area, the coral reef cannot survive. The resort has an important role in protecting the island’s environment, setting the sustainability standards for the region.

The team at Southern Cross Club is passionate about their green efforts, protecting the surrounding environment in every way they can. Solar panels were installed in 2004, and energy efficient air conditioners and toilets were added to all guest units. The resort’s best practices include closely monitoring the water and electricity use, waste sorting, reuse and recycling, and an organic garden to grow vegetables and herbs. Staff members strictly follow conservation measures, such as turning off the fans, reusing printer paper, and using energy-efficient light bulbs.

As part of its social responsibility the resort works with a number of charitable and non-profit organizations, as well as educational foundations and government organizations, such as The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), The National Trust, The Guy Harvey Foundation, Cayman Sea Sense and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.

The National Trust is very much at the heart of the Southern Cross Club team, and the two annual fundraising events for Little Cayman "Mardi Gras" and "Easter Auction", are fully supported by the property. These fundraisers raise money for the Little Cayman District of the Trust which is used towards preservation of the natural environment on Little Cayman.  The resort also donates to these events in an effort to encourage greater funds being raised for the Trust annually.

In recent year’s money has been raised for the "Sister Islands Iguana Project" and was used to purchase a piece of Rock Iguana nesting land on Little Cayman in an effort to protect the endangered Little Cayman Rock Iguana. Funds have also been used to create educational information and awareness leaflets on the Iguanas for visitors to the island.  In addition, funds are utilized for the design of new information boards for the interior of the National Trust building on Little Cayman.  These boards have an educational purpose and provide information on the natural environments on Little Cayman.  

Southern Cross Club encourages guests to join the cause, to visit the National Trust Building and attend and donate to the annual fundraisers during their stay on the island.