The coral reefs of the Caribbean are among the most important natural assets that this planet needs to preserve. Thankfully tourism in the region relies on them as major attractions and is working to preserve them. Beyond the Caribbean’s natural attractions is the region’s indigenous culture, which many islands are focusing on as a way to attract more visitors. This year we’ve selected Bonaire, Dominica and Turks & Caicos as providing the best examples of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean.

Bonaire: Bonaire’s coral reefs are its greatest icon, and the island has been at the forefront of promoting a happy marriage between tourism and preservation for many years now. This past summer Bonaire launched its “Love Our Planet Week to Dive Fest,” which features daily boat dives, seminars and other activities. In January, officials from Bonaire joined coral reef experts and managers from the U.S., Mexico and France to inaugurate the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008. In 1997, Bonaire became IYOR’s first partner in the Caribbean to establish a comprehensive plan dedicated to executing a program of public education about coral reefs.

In May, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Islands magazine awarded Bonaire’s Marine Park their Sustainable Tourism Award. The park is one of the few actively managed and self-funded marine protected areas in the world. It was cited for developing a perfect sustainable tourism model where conservation management, tourism needs and community benefits are balanced. It was recognized for meeting its main objective: to maintain and restore the health and biological diversity of Bonaire’s reefs while promoting nondestructive tourism activities.

800-BONAIRE | www.tourismbonaire.com

Dominica: Dominica in 2004 became the world’s first country to win a Green Globe 21 designation, and for good reason. This island has completely dedicated its marketing efforts to positioning itself as a destination alongside such eco-tourism giants as Costa Rica and Panama, rather than as a Caribbean island. The island’s tourism industry is nature-based and relies heavily on niche market “responsible tourists,” who seek out environmentally friendly leisure travel destinations. It’s known for its pristine natural environment and outstanding eco-adventure options.

In July, Dominica launched a successful sea turtle preservation program on Rosalie Beach, and visitors will soon be able to observe turtles at many more locations across the island with a trained tour guide. The recently established Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization is formally launching a coordinated, community-based eco-tourism and management program in 2009 that will operate at Londonderry, Bout Sable, Rosalie and Riviere Cyrique beaches.

888-645-5637 | www.discoverdominica.com

Turks & Caicos: At the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in May, the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board unveiled a series of initiatives to create a more eco-conscious environment. The Turks & Caicos Department of Environment and Coastal Resources is initiating green-friendly projects, with an emphasis on the outer islands. Salt Cay, the world’s first “green island,” is developing sustainable tourism programs and environmentally conscience processes for all of the islands. Salt Cay Resort & Golf Club will offer a high-end experience based on integration of the existing community and resort guests, nurturing and enhancing native ecosystems, and minimizing the impact of construction.

Salt Cay also will limit development to two-story low-density buildings, invest resources in renewable energy, and work to preserve mangroves. The $500 million island restoration is slated for completion in the next three to four years. The Turks & Caicos Yacht Club, the Atlantic Ocean’s first eco-marina, opened in November alongside the Nikki Beach Resort. The marina will exceed the guidelines established by Blue Flag Marina Criteria to preserve surrounding marine life.