Environmental
ENVIRONMENTAL
WIP’s on-site safety measures, procedural adherences, and storage and delivery safety practices meet all industry environmental requirements and standards.
WIP, however, also takes a more active role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Jamaica’s environment.
WIP becomes a grant donor to support the White River Fish Sanctuary
In 2017, the first patrols began of this protected area in a bid to save our coral reefs, bring back our marine life, and to work with local fishers to create a sustainable way of fishing Jamaican waters.
In 2021, WIP made a commitment to become an ongoing partner in helping to protect the sanctuary, and bring back marine life to St Mary. The company has joined with several other grant donors, and the founding environmentally responsible hospitality properties, along with the White River Marine Association and White River Fishermen’s Association, to support the creation of a 150-hectare special fishery conservation area called the White River Fish Sanctuary (WRFS).
The WRFS has created an environment that encourages others to support and assist in the preservation of reefs and fish. Sanctuary warders patrol in the patrol boat, The Interceptor, helping to keep fishermen out of these protected zones.
“The goal of this community-led project is to work with local fishermen to bring back marine life (fish, corals, etc.) to a section of the South Coast that was once a rich fishing ground,” states WIP. Funding includes sustaining patrol activity, nurturing a coral nursery programme to find coral that can stand up against bleaching and other dangers, increasing marine life, and, in turn, supporting sustainable practices for neighbouring fishing communities.
The coral restoration pilot project alone feeds into several areas of conservation. Global warming leads to bleaching and dying coral reefs. Coral reefs sustain marine life. The fish that survive on coral reefs produce sand for our beaches to counter erosion. A healthier stock of fish also ensures social well-being by providing a sustainable livelihood for fisherfolk.
With only one pilot programme, we can already see a potential multi-faceted benefit to Jamaica. “With a non-profit like the ‘White River Fish Sanctuary’, that is dedicated to ensuring that our marine life in Jamaica is protected, is without a doubt inspiring. At WIP, we are proud to support the WRFS as they continue to create awareness of the need for environmental sustainability and protection of our coral reef,” – Charles Chambers, CEO – WIP.
WIP Team pitches in on Labor Day Beach Clean-Ups
Charles Chambers (r), CEO – WIP, joins (l-r) Warden Gifton Allen, Sanctuary Manager Dalelan Anderson and President of the White River Fishermen’s Association Andrew Peat on The Interceptor.
White River Fish Sanctuary Wardens patrol the White River
Marine litter is found globally in all seas around the world. It often stays buoyant and can travel long distances with ocean currents and winds.
Our WIP Team dedicates their Labour Day activities to helping clean up the Jamaican coastline. The Palisadoes Road curves alongside Kingston Harbour, the 7th busiest harbour in the Americas. This stretch of road hugs the dark calm waters of the harbour on the inside while the lighter blue waves of the open Caribbean Sea rush up against the other side. It leads to and from our capital city’s main airport, Norman Manley International, and is a favourite walking and jogging path for many of the city’s inhabitants. Many also come here to enjoy the view, fish off the coast or watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
According to environmental groups such as the Ocean Conservancy, the amount of plastic pieces found on Caribbean shores has at least tripled in the last ten years. This indicates that a tenfold increase in the next decade is not unreasonable. It has also been noted by international agencies that Jamaica is one of the most active countries when it comes to individual, company and group-organised beach clean-ups. WIP team’s beach clean-up is dedicated to ridding the Palisadoes Road of the debris that is both unsightly and dangerous to our marine life and environment.`