Club Med spearheads sustainability with new corporate sustainability responsibility initiatives for Earth Month

Thursday, April 4, 2024

In celebration of Earth Month, Club Med, a leader in the all-inclusive resort sector, is unveiling a series of new commitments to corporate sustainability responsibility (CSR) as part of its Happy to Care initiative, extending through Earth Month and beyond. Embracing sustainability as a fundamental aspect of the travel experience, Club Med is advancing its efforts in nature conservation. These efforts are aimed at protecting local ecosystems and promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. Additionally, the program includes engaging guests and local youth in enjoyable and informative workshops.

“As we celebrate Earth Month, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability through our Happy to Care program. At Club Med, we believe that caring for our planet is not just a responsibility but a privilege,” says Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “Through strategic initiatives like Happy to Care, Club Med is dedicated to fostering a profound and lasting impact on both the environment and the communities we touch while also embracing their warm welcome. Every journey to our resorts becomes a meaningful step toward a brighter, more sustainable future, enriching lives for generations to come as guests actively contribute to our mission while experiencing the beauty of our destinations.”

Biodiversity Conservation in the Dominican Republic

Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is at the forefront of biodiversity conservation efforts in partnership with local entities and conservation groups, championing sustainable tourism and the preservation of the Dominican Republic’s ecological riches.

Protortuga Project: Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts: Launched in 2023 through a partnership between PROMICHES (Hotel and Tourism Association El Seibo-Miches) and the Dominican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Protortuga initiative is dedicated to creating a conducive environment for the reproduction of sea turtles on Miches and La Vacama beaches. In its first year, the program oversaw a 30-mile stretch of coastline, released 728 sea turtle hatchlings, and involved over 380 participants in environmental workshops. With a focus on three sea turtle species—Leatherback, Green, and Carey—Protortuga is essential for conservation, having documented 1,399 turtle eggs, and fosters a connection between tourism and environmental preservation in the Dominican Republic.

The Peregrine Fund Collaboration: Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda partnered with The Peregrine Fund to educate on endangered species native to the Dominican Republic through an engaging workshop. Participants learned about the endangered Ridgeway Hawk, its critical role in the local ecosystem, and The Peregrine Fund’s conservation efforts. The workshop facilitated meaningful interactions with two rehabilitated hawks, raising nearly $4,000, reflecting Club Med’s ongoing support for the organization.

Youth Sea Camps and Coral Reef Conservation in the Bahamas

Club Med Columbus has collaborated with Only Blue Diving to offer a 3-day Mini Sea Camp for San Salvador Island teenagers. This camp, part of a protected marine reserve since 2002, includes snorkeling, coral identification, and lessons on marine ecosystem conservation. Club Med Columbus plans to host monthly Mini Sea Camps in 2024, enriching local youth with valuable marine knowledge.

Through its partnership with Only Blue, now launching as the NGO Only Blue for Reef, Club Med Columbus is committed to constructing three coral nurseries and rehabilitating significant fish habitats, making them accessible to beginner divers. This initiative, including the “Adopt a Coral” program, emphasizes the importance of coral protection and allows divers to contribute directly under expert guidance.

Only Blue, an eco-conscious dive center, offers a range of conservation-oriented training programs and diving packages, ensuring an environmentally responsible experience for Club Med guests.

Club Med’s Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Membership

Club Med’s recent membership in the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and aims for Net Positive Hospitality. As part of this global network, Club Med leverages its sustainability expertise to enhance industry-wide practices. The alliance with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance highlights Club Med’s ongoing efforts towards harmonious, nature-integrated travel experiences and its notable achievements, including the Green Globe certification and the “Bye Bye Plastic” initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics across its resorts.

Overview of Club Med’s 2024-2025 CSR Efforts in North America

• Achieving Green Globe and BREEAM Certifications for various resorts.
• Supporting local agriculture through the Green Farmers initiative.
• Implementing renewable energy solutions, like the solar panel farm at Club Med Punta Cana.
• Enhancing environmental partnerships, including sea turtle conservation and coral reef protection programs.
• Advancing the “Bye Bye Plastic” initiative to minimize single-use plastics, highlighting Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda’s effort to eliminate over 60,000 plastic bottles annually through its onsite water bottling plant.

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