Richard Branson developing Caribbean eco-resort
The ever-innovative Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, is setting his sights on yet another foray into sustainable business - eco-resorts - with twenty exclusive villas as well as a beachfront restaurant on the new “Mosquito Island”, which he says will be the most environmentally-friendly resort in the world.
The ever-innovative Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, is setting his sights on yet another foray into sustainable business: eco-resorts. The man who has recently made headlines with his developments in bio-fuel flights and space-ports is planning to create twenty exclusive villas as well as a beachfront restaurant on the new “Mosquito Island”, which he says will be the most environmentally-friendly resort in the world.
Plans for the resort include energy power from wind turbines and solar panels, with the buildings designed to utilize local wind patterns so as to avoid the need for air conditioning. All the food will be come from local, organic sources and all motorized transport will be powered by biofuels.
Branson’s British Virgin Islands, he hopes, will serve as a model for other resort destinations throughout the Caribbean to move toward clean and renewable alternatives to carbon fuels, and that rising oil prices are a catalyst for governments to develop more environmenal and sustainable projects for the future.
“It is actually inexcusable for the Caribbean to need to use dirty fuels anymore when it has all these natural resources on its doorstep,” said Branson, as quoted by Business Week. “We’ve managed to prove on paper and now we’ll prove in reality that the Caribbean could run with the determination of governments on solar and wind. There is no need to continue using dirty fuels.”
Currently, the site of this latest venture is an uninhabited “speck” off the island of Virgin Gorda.
Branson is partnering with several alternative energy consultants on the Mosquito Island project, including Ken Kao, a Boston-based architect and lecturer at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. “The renewable energy sources of sun and wind are very promising,” Kao said. “The islands receive significant solar radiance and extensive winds.”
Although the development is in its earliest stages, British Virgin Islands government is said to so far be keen on the idea.
“They are trying to go green and be environmentally friendly with every aspect of the project. That’s definitely very good for the B.V.I. because we’re such a small set of islands,” said Dylan Penn, the planner coordinating the government review of the resort project.
Earlier this year, Branson’s Virgin Atlantic carried out the world’s first flight of a commercial aircraft powered with biofuel in an effort to show it can produce less carbon dioxide than normal jet fuels. The flight was partially fueled with a biofuel mixture of coconut and babassu oil (from a type of palm nut) in one of its four main fuel tanks.
More like this:
Tagged as:
biofuel, Caribbean, destinations, islands, resorts, Sir Richard Branson, sustainable, Virgin Atlantic-
Share this on your favorite network
-
Email this to a friend
-
One Comment
Next Steps: Share It!
-
Subscribe to TerraCurve via RSS
-
Follow on Twitter
-
Become a Facebook Fan
Follow TerraCurve
There Is 1 Response So Far. »
Comment on this
Subscribe
Hotels and Accommodations
Latest Headline
Bed and Breakfasts: fun, sustainable and romantic!
Leading B&B website iLoveInns.com has awarded 14 traveler-favorite romantic Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns just in time for the launch of its new iPhone App, “InnTouch”. The new “Travelers’ Choice for Romance” award is based on candid guest reviews guests on iLoveInns.com, lending new insight into the mysterious qualities that make an inspiring romantic getaway. Full story
Subscribe
Destinations and Tourism
Latest Headline
New GPS-guided adventure-pedicab tours in America’s oldest city
There is a new and innovative way to experience St. Augustine, Florida. GPS multimedia pedicab tour - “Shivers and Awe Ghost Ride” - enhance the haunted tourism experience of North America’s oldest city in an environmentally friendly way. Full story
- Colorado’s Gateway Canyons Resort challenges women’s minds, bodies and spirits with a wellness retreat
- Help protect the Belize Barrier Reef with the support of the United Nations
- Top 10 things to do in The Alleghenies this Summer
- Charlottesville, VA kicks green tourism into high gear
- Travel by train and see the world like never before
More Headlines
Subscribe
Dining and Recreation
Latest Headline
Clean, green beaches are always good for family fun
As families and beach-lovers around the country prepare to flock to the shored for the July 4th weekend, the Clean Beach Council has just released its annual list of clean and healthy beaches for “National Clean Beaches Week” - highlighting family-friendly beaches that are clean, healthy and above all environmentally well-managed. Full story
Subscribe
Volunteer Travel
Latest Headline
Volunteer eco-travel meets Italian cuisine
An 8-day Italian Riviera tour sponsored by sustainable travel group Peace Through Travel mixes volunteer travel and ecotourism; combining wine, language and regional cuisine with nature paths, volunteer excursions and inter-cultural social events. Full story
- New travel documentary scholarship to Vietnam from WorldNomads.com
- Volunteer travel is on the rise
- New Himalayan volunteer study program
- G.A.P Adventures and Planeterra gear up to celebrate Earth Month 2009
- Toyota launches a new travel program for teachers to promote sustainability in U.S. schools
More Headlines
Subscribe
Airlines and Transportation
Latest Headline
Flyers choose green with a new flight booking tool
Even in today’s rough economy, travelers are eager to put the environment first. A new and free online flight search tool has shown that, when given a choice, travelers typically choose carbon-efficient flights. Full story
Subscribe
Fuel and Emissions
Latest Headline
Gas price incentives: A benefit for travel, or just fueling the fire?
In today’s bad economy, travelers are still planning summer trips. However, with once-again-rising gas prices stopping some travelers in their tracks, can price incentives really help or hurt the travel economy? Full story
- American Airlines demo flight curbs carbon emissions
- Biofuel flights arriving at an airport near you? Let's hope so.
- Obama supports biofuel development and expansion
- Galapagos tour cruise company Ecoventura aims to be 100% free of fossil fuels by 2015
- New 100% 'Off-Grid' eco resort coming to California from Ramona Indians
More Headlines
Subscribe
Research and Development
Latest Headline
UNEP lays foundation for Environmental eLearning Network in Africa
Environmental authorities have teamed with 14 African countries to develop an African Environmental eLearning Network in an effort to strengthen eco-education programs through technology. Full story
- Stimulus package explained: How it can help you go green
- World Oceans Day 2009: UNEP works to ensure cleaner oceans for a greener planet
- Element Hotels says the economy drives green travel, not the environment
- Fair trade tourism in South Africa gains ground
- New 100% 'Off-Grid' eco resort coming to California from Ramona Indians
More Headlines
Subscribe
Products and Services
Latest Headline
Bed and Breakfasts: fun, sustainable and romantic!
Leading B&B website iLoveInns.com has awarded 14 traveler-favorite romantic Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns just in time for the launch of its new iPhone App, “InnTouch”. The new “Travelers’ Choice for Romance” award is based on candid guest reviews guests on iLoveInns.com, lending new insight into the mysterious qualities that make an inspiring romantic getaway. Full story
- Get paperless airport guides and flight tracking on your iPhone with 'iFly' apps
- Microsoft steps into the travel search arena with a "Bing"
- Free fitness training for Kilimanjaro trekkers
- Locals know best: new online travel guides by local gurus
- New adventure travel website gives back to local communities
More Headlines
Subscribe
Awards and Events
Latest Headline
London’s five-star Dorchester receives high honors for being green
This year’s inaugural Green500 and Better Buildings Partnership awards saw the city of London’s greenest lodging and lifestyle brands receive commendation by London Mayor Boris Johnson. The awards were handed out to organizations ranging from travel, sports, arts, education, transport and more. Full story
- What is Sheraton doing to go green in Seattle?
- Building on a message of ‘Hope’ against climate change
- Tradeshows can be green, too! Travel meetings and events company gets nominated for sustainability award
- The 2009 Skål International Ecotourism Awards sets date for November
- Bike tour and adventure company wins Nat Geo award for 'Tour of a Lifetime'
More Headlines
Subscribe
Society and Lifestyle
Latest Headline
Help protect our National Parks with a new video challenge
The new “Your Parks Video Challenge” campaign, sponsored by the National Park Foundation and Olympus (the camera people), wants you to submit a video at Yourparks.com for a chance to win an exclusive trip to the National Park of Your Choice, an Olympus PEN Camera Kit, and more. Full story
Subscribe
Business and Politics
Latest Headline
Dubai tourism to reduce carbon emissions by 20% for 2011
The Dubai Department of Tourism is planning to reduce carbon emissions throughout its travel and lodging industries by 20% come 2011, focusing on the conservation of natural resources and sensible use of energy, water and gas. This marks the latest detail of Dubai’s sustainable tourism agenda, which it is building upon with its plans for this year’s Dubai Green Tourism Award to be presented on World Environment Day in December 2009. Full story
- How are LEED standards getting more energy-serious?
- Charlottesville, VA kicks green tourism into high gear
- TRX delivers carbon tracking solutions to booking tools
- Florida's Green Lodging Program: Only the good die young
- Green business travel events and meetings gets an eco-incentive with tree planting initiatives
More Headlines
Subscribe
Books and Publications
Latest Headline
Learn how to explore history with a negative impact
The “Guide to Best Practices for Archaeological Tourism” highlights good practices for anyone interested in visiting archaeological sites, outlining practices that allow for proper, sustainable archaeological tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to fully experience ancient sites while minimizing any negative impact. Full story
- Should Earth Day be just once a year, or every day? Grist says "Screw" it
- Fodor's Travel Guide goes paperless with the ECTACO jetBook
- New Galapagos DVD: 'A Musical Odyssey'
- Clinton Global Initiative and others motivate kids to help save endangered gorillas
- 'Coming Clean' - new book explores how to break America's fossil fuel addiction
More Headlines
Dubai tourism to reduce carbon emissions by 20% for 2011
The Dubai Department of Tourism is planning to reduce carbon emissions throughout its travel and lodging industries by 20% come 2011, focusing on the conservation of natural resources and sensible use of energy, water and gas. This marks the latest detail of Dubai’s sustainable tourism agenda, which it is building upon with its plans for this year’s Dubai Green Tourism Award to be presented on World Environment Day in December 2009.
New GPS-guided adventure-pedicab tours in America’s oldest city
There is a new and innovative way to experience St. Augustine, Florida. GPS multimedia pedicab tour - “Shivers and Awe Ghost Ride” - enhance the haunted tourism experience of North America’s oldest city in an environmentally friendly way.
Help protect our National Parks with a new video challenge
The new “Your Parks Video Challenge” campaign, sponsored by the National Park Foundation and Olympus (the camera people), wants you to submit a video at Yourparks.com for a chance to win an exclusive trip to the National Park of Your Choice, an Olympus PEN Camera Kit, and more.
Colorado’s Gateway Canyons Resort challenges women’s minds, bodies and spirits with a wellness retreat
Nestled within the breathtaking canyons of southwest Colorado, “soft adventure” destination Gateway Canyons Resort will host the second annual Women’s Wellness Weekend on July 24-26, 2009. Headlined by award-winning naturopathic physician, Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, this weekend agenda may be just what the doctor ordered.
Bed and Breakfasts: fun, sustainable and romantic!
Leading B&B website iLoveInns.com has awarded 14 traveler-favorite romantic Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns just in time for the launch of its new iPhone App, “InnTouch”. The new “Travelers’ Choice for Romance” award is based on candid guest reviews guests on iLoveInns.com, lending new insight into the mysterious qualities that make an inspiring romantic getaway.
Email


Subscribe via RSS
Follow on Twitter
Become a Facebook Fan
Get Email Updates



Comment by F.MARIE on July 14th, 2008:
Peraps Mister Branson could offer to those independant carribean islands some windturbines to the poor local people living in these beautiful islands….instead of adversiting his new lodge?
is he talking about american virgin islands? islandlife could be different on french islands ,english or american carribbean islands? I am surprised and a little bit shocked about this “lesson” of ecology?
a french islander