One of the World’s Premier Luxury Resorts Partners with the World’s Oldest Sea Turtle Survival League to Provide a Memorable Travel Experience for FamiliesNEVIS, West Indies—January 20, 2005—Martin Sinclair, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Nevis, announced today that the resort has unveiled an environmental education and amenity program developed in conjunction with the nonprofit Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). Through September 2005, Êthe resort will “adopt a sea turtle,” for each family checking into the resort with children ages 16 and under. ÊIn return, Four Seasons Resort Nevis is making a significant financial contribution to support CCC and its ongoing efforts to study and save sea turtles across the Caribbean. Ê

The “Adopt a Turtle” package includes a color certificate with picture of the turtle, conservation guide, colorful decal, logo magnet and a one-year complimentary subscription to CCC’s quarterly newsletter.  The “adopted” turtles are among a select group that have already been named and satellite tagged with transmitters for scientific research purposes. ÊFamilies then have the unique opportunity to continue an Internet-based program at home or at school, where children can track the migratory patterns of their turtle online via maps on CCC’s web site: Êwww.cccturtle.org.

“We are excited to work in tandem with CCC’s renowned Sea Turtle Survival League to build awareness of the endangered species of sea turtles that grace the waters of Nevis, St. Kitts, and beyond,” said Sinclair. Ê“This ecotourism program gives our guests a glimpse into the mysterious life cycles of sea turtles, which represent a special part of Nevis history.” Ê

According to David Godfrey, Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, sea turtles are struggling for survival with only a 1 in 1,000 chance of baby hatchlings reaching reproductive maturity. Ê“We hope guests of all ages will enjoy learning about these endangered species and what measures we can all take to prevent their extinction,” said Godfrey.

The resort’s award-winning “Kids for All Seasons” program, which is complimentary for children ages 3-9, is also offering an innovative educational component with a customized curriculum created by the experts at CCC. ÊA variety of indoor and outdoor activities highlight sea turtles including Turtle Tales under the Tree, Turtle Watch Beach Walks, a life-size Turtle Nesting Exhibit, arts and crafts, postcard drawing contests, interactive games, puzzles and videos. ÊAs a souvenir of their stay on Nevis, all guests ages 3-9 will receive a plush turtle toy as well as an edible rice crispy turtle treat designed by the resort’s executive pastry chef. Ê

Honeymooners and other guests of the resort can also support the cause by sponsoring further turtle adoptions for themselves or family and friends. ÊTurtle Adoption kits are available for purchase (USD $25) through the resort’s Concierge Desk.

With the counsel of the Nevis Island Department of Fisheries and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Four Seasons Resort Nevis’ fully dedicated Environmental Planning Committee strives to maintain the natural beauty of the island. ÊThe resort is committed to providing a safe home for wildlife and marine life, including the prudent protection of sea turtle nests. ÊNevis, including the beach of the Four Seasons resort, has long been a nesting ground for endangered hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles. ÊLeatherback nesting takes place between March and May while green turtle and hawksbill nesting is concentrated between June and September. ÊHatchlings are expected after 55-75 days of incubation and their emergence at the beach surface usually takes place at dusk. Ê

In August 2004, CCC delivered a Beach Monitoring Protocol and Nest Protection Program to the resort’s Beach, Pool and Watersports staff and Security Officers. ÊThese staff members are trained to patrol the beach for signs of turtle activity and have been briefed on procedures to help successful nesting such as blocking off nests and discouraging surrounding foot traffic. ÊThe conservation group also held training sessions for the resort’s Children’s Center staff and provided them with a customized Educator’s Guide outlining a Sea Turtle Migration-Tracking & Coastal Habitat Program for Nevis and St. Kitts.

For super adventurous guests, the local Department of Fisheries’ volunteer Nevis Turtle Group leads island visitors, on a space available basis, on a nighttime turtle watch. Ê The volunteers, guided by Fisheries Development Officer Lemuel Pemberton, monitor Lover’s Beach 5-6 nights a week during heavy nesting seasons such as the summer months. ÊThe Group’s primary aim is to mark and protect nests, cover up turtle tracks to prevent poaching of eggs and tag turtles for research purposes.

As one of the world’s most respected sea turtle research foundations, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Gainesville, Florida with offices and research stations throughout the Caribbean. ÊThe organization, founded in 1959, is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles within the wider Caribbean and Atlantic through research, training, advocacy, education and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend.
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