How Karolin Troubetzkoy Of Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice
An Interview With Monica Sanders
Guest Involvement: Engaging guests in our sustainability journey was something I underestimated. When we started inviting guests to participate in our coral reef restoration project, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It not only educated them but also created ambassadors for our efforts.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Karolin Troubetzkoy.
Karolin Troubetzkoy is the Executive Director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Saint Lucia, spearheading the marketing and day-to-day operations of these award-winning resorts since 1984. A citizen of Saint Lucia, she has served in many different volunteer tourism industry leadership positions in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean, most notably as President of the St.Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association and President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and currently spearheads the CHTA Education Foundation. In January 2019, she was appointed Envoy to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative and serves as Chair of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Her full biography can be seen here: http://karolintroubetzkoy.com/biography.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Germany and always had a strong urge to explore and see more of our diverse world. This is why I left Germany in my early 20s to pursue a career in the Caribbean hospitality industry. Whilst conservation, sustainability, and climate change weren’t big topics in the 70’s and 80’s, I was exposed to the beginning discussions and concerns about energy and Germany’s early vision for a comprehensive energy system that was not only free from nuclear power but also focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
My passion for sustainability was seeded by my husband’s instinctive practice of it, long before it became a recognized movement. We’ve been at the forefront of eco-conscious resort management since the 1980s, intuitively knowing that this was the path to a better future.
The “why”- the turning point for my deep commitment, however, came through witnessing the significant challenges that small island states face — challenges that became starkly visible during the catastrophic hurricanes of 2017. I served as President of the regional Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association at that time. Although Saint Lucia was fortunate to escape the brunt, the impact on our neighboring islands and across the region galvanized my resolve to engage more actively in promoting resilience and regenerative practices.
Today, my dedication to these issues is reflected in my volunteer leadership roles, from being a board member of the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) to chairing both the local Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and the regional Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. These positions are more than titles; they are platforms that allow me to contribute to the vital dialogue on sustainability and to effect real change both locally and across the Caribbean.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
I think no matter how big or small your organisation is, we all have an opportunity to contribute towards a better tomorrow and through our actions, inspire others to do same. Whether it is through our water management system or our coral nurseries, or our efforts to reduce and prevent plastic pollution, we want to be at the forefront of these efforts.
I believe in the transformative power of collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
In the Caribbean, we are surrounded by some of the world’s most precious natural resources and diverse ecosystems. Our ‘blue economy’ relies heavily on the health of our oceans and landscapes, making sustainability not just a choice but a necessity for our survival and prosperity.
We can start by harnessing our abundant renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, and geothermal, to power our resorts and communities. Our approach must be holistic, integrating sustainable tourism practices that protect our coral reefs, reduce waste through circular economic models, and ensure that the benefits of tourism contribute to the wellbeing of our local populations.
At our resorts, we’re already implementing strategies for sustainable operation, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, protecting marine life, and engaging guests in our conservation efforts.
We see the success of these initiatives not only in the preservation of our environment but also in the enriched experiences we offer our guests.
We need to support fostering a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of our lives, from education to economic development. It’s a comprehensive shift towards a future where our actions today create a thriving, resilient, and sustainable tomorrow for the Caribbean.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Every day I find myself inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of our guests towards our sustainability initiatives. Rather than one standout story, it’s the collective moments that truly resonate with me. Guests more and more inquire about the specifics of our operations. They are keenly interested in the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of sustainable hospitality. It’s these interactions, the daily discussions, and the genuine interest shown by our guests that are the most interesting stories to me. They reflect a growing consciousness that sustainability is not just a concept, but a way of living that extends well beyond their time at our resort.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
Dr. James Fletcher is someone I look up to and who has helped me tremendously. He is perhaps best known for his work in international climate change negotiations. He led the Caribbean’s delegation to the negotiations on the Paris Agreement in 2015 and was an integral part of the region’s ‘1.5 to stay alive’ climate change civil society advocacy campaign. He was a member of a small, select group of ministers who were charged with the responsibility for achieving consensus among the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on the elements of the Paris Agreement.
Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is another person that I have a lot of respect for. I was honored to be part of the early discussions that eventually led to the creation of The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). This is an international Think-Tank headquartered in Jamaica, with offices in Africa, Canada, and the Middle East. Founded in 2018 by Mr. Edmund Bartlett, GTRCMC helps tourism stakeholders worldwide prepare for, manage, and recover from a crisis. This is accomplished through providing services such as training, crisis communications, policy advice, project management, event planning, monitoring, evaluation, research, and data analytics. The thematic focus of the GTRCMC includes climate resilience, security and cybersecurity resilience, digital transformation and resilience, entrepreneurial resilience, and pandemic resilience.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
Climate justice to us means ensuring that our response to climate change is fair, inclusive, and considers the unique vulnerabilities of Caribbean communities. It’s about recognizing that while we share one atmosphere, the burdens and benefits of our actions are often experienced unevenly. It is our collective responsibility to address these disparities and work towards solutions that benefit not only the environment but also the people and economies that depend on it.
To operationalise climate justice, we start within our own operations by adopting sustainable practices that minimise our environmental footprint and contribute positively to the local ecosystem. We engage in active dialogue with our community to understand their needs and adapt our strategies to support their well-being in the face of climate change. This includes creating jobs, supporting local conservation efforts, and educating guests about the importance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our region.
Moreover, through my volunteer leadership roles, we advocate for policies that support small island developing states in the Caribbean, ensuring that international climate agreements recognize and address the specific needs and contributions of our region. We also collaborate with local and international partners to build resilience against the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
In practice, operationalising climate justice means investing in renewable energy, preserving natural habitats, and providing equitable access to the economic benefits of tourism. It’s about creating a model of tourism that doesn’t take from the environment and community but rather contributes to a sustainable and just future for all.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
Understanding the urgency of the climate crisis, our organisation has embraced a multi-faceted approach to sustainability with immediate and long-term actions.
Firstly, through our local hospitality and tourism association we are advocating to bring about a change in legislation in Saint Lucia to introduce more renewable energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Secondly, we are actively restoring and protecting local ecosystems. This includes coral reef restoration projects which not only preserve marine biodiversity but also serve as natural barriers against storm surges. Our commitment extends to land conservation where we’re reforesting areas and introducing indigenous plants across our properties.
Lastly, we recognise that sustainable change involves people as much as it does technology or policy. We have implemented comprehensive training for our staff and educational programs for guests to create awareness and encourage sustainable practices within and beyond our resort. From reducing water usage to supporting local sustainable farming, we’re cultivating a community dedicated to environmental responsibility.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
Community Engagement and Education: Encouraging local communities to engage in and support sustainable practices is crucial. Educational programs in schools that focus on the importance of conservation and sustainable living can empower the next generation to continue this important work.
Policy and Infrastructure Support: Our biggest challenge is our electoral cycle of 5 years and the poor handover standards should another party take over. Take the entire discussion on creating a more sustainable future and climate justice out of the traditional ministries and create a council or committee that would survive a change in leadership and continue the work without having to start anew every 5 years.
Politicians can play a pivotal role by implementing policies that incentivise sustainable practices. This can range from subsidies for renewable energy projects to stricter regulations on waste management and single-use plastics. Investment in infrastructure such as public transportation, renewable energy grids, and sustainable waste management systems can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of communities.
Societal Shift towards Sustainable Consumption: Society at large can contribute by shifting towards more sustainable consumption patterns. This includes choosing to support businesses that have verifiable commitments to sustainability, opting for products with less packaging, and generally making environmentally conscious choices in daily life.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
At Jade Mountain, profitability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; they are synergistic. Our sustainable practices are a key driver of our desirability and success, setting us apart in the luxury resort market. This commitment to sustainability is a significant part of our brand’s identity and has been pivotal in enhancing our marketability and desirability among environmentally conscious travelers. Intertwining sustainability with luxury not only enhances our guests’ experiences but also contributes to our profitability. Our guests are increasingly discerning, seeking out destinations that align with their own values of environmental stewardship and sustainable living. By implementing eco-friendly practices, such as utilizing indigenous materials in our architecture to blend with the natural environment, the natural ventilation at Jade Mountain through the open wall design, and supporting local agriculture, our reef life and renewal courses, through all of these actions we attract guests who prefer to patronize businesses that are conscientious about their ecological impact.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why?
1 . Sharing of best practices: The early adoption of sustainable practices at Jade Mountain has been a journey of learning and growth. Reflecting on this, I believe our progress could have been accelerated had there been a stronger culture of sharing best practices within the tourism industry. While we pride ourselves on our achievements, the path could have been smoother if regional and global tourism entities had facilitated the exchange of successful strategies. Today, there is still an opportunity for improvement in this area. I advocate for a collaborative platform where sustainability efforts are openly exchanged, enabling all of us to benefit from collective wisdom and avoid the inefficiencies of working in isolation. By sharing knowledge and experience, we can not only advance individual businesses but also elevate the industry’s overall impact on climate and environmental justice.
Two years ago, we became a member of Regenerative Travel (https://www.regenerativetravel.com ), which has been very inspirational.
2 . Lifelong Learning — Education Never Stops: The learning curve for sustainable practices is continuous. We finally realised the importance of educating our team at every level to ensure that the mission is carried out in daily operations. From our chefs to our housekeepers, everyone plays a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. My personal commitment to continuous learning led me to pursue a certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management at George Washington University, an experience that has enriched my perspective and deepened my understanding of our mission.
3 . Small Changes, Big Impact: I didn’t fully appreciate how small, consistent changes can accumulate to have a significant impact. For example, eliminating plastic straws or starting our own water bottling system to prevent plastic bottles being used might seem minor, but when you consider the yearly consumption, the environmental impact is substantial.
4 . Guest Involvement: Engaging guests in our sustainability journey was something I underestimated. When we started inviting guests to participate in our coral reef restoration project, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It not only educated them but also created ambassadors for our efforts.
5 . Measure to Improve: This is work in progress. Our realisation of the necessity for a concrete system to gauge our sustainability efforts has been pivotal. It’s not enough to implement eco-friendly practices; we must also track their effectiveness. Our partnership with Regenerative Travel has been instrumental in this regard, providing us with the sample tools and frameworks to quantify our impact. By measuring factors like our carbon footprint, water usage, and waste reduction, we’re able to make data-driven decisions that refine our approach and amplify our contribution to the planet’s health.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Jeff Bezos or Andrew Steer. Their 10 billion Earth Fund could do so much good here in the Caribbean and I have lots of ideas to share.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
You can find me on Linkedin, FaceBook, X, and Instagram.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.
How Karolin Troubetzkoy Of Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.