Home Publisher's Point of View Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye Project: A Showcase for Sustainable Design

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye Project: A Showcase for Sustainable Design

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Glenn Hasek

One of the frustrations of an editor is being pitched a story idea but then not being able to actually chat with someone involved in the project. Such was the case recently with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye project. I did not expect a chat with Leonardo personally, although it would have been nice. The interview I was promised was with one of his colleagues. Even though the interview fell through (it was not the PR person’s fault), I was supplied with a lot of good information and it is such a significant development that I did not want to ignore it.

Leonardo DiCaprio is an owner of the island and is a core partner in the project. Blackadore Caye is located off the coast of Belize and is behind the world’s second largest barrier reef. The 104-acre island, “A Restorative Island” as the developers describe it, has suffered from erosion and invasive plant species but will be restored as part of a development that will include 36 resort bungalows and 36 estate homes. Twenty thousand mangrove trees will be planted and extreme care will be taken to make sure those visiting the island do not impede its restoration. For example, no petrochemical vehicles will be allowed. More than half of the island is being set aside as a wildlife preserve.

Blackadore Caye is expected to open in late 2018. The residences are not yet for sale and pricing is still being determined. A 68-page document on the Blackadore Caye website provides many project details. In fact, it is one of the most impressive sustainable project documents I have seen.

Designed to Meet Living Building Challenge

Blackadore Caye will indeed be a showcase project for sustainability in our industry. The entire development is being designed to meet the Living Building Challenge. An “Island Lorax” team will oversee construction and operations. The renewable energy systems that will be used throughout the project are currently in the design phase. All facilities will be designed as extremely energy efficient structures that use resources wisely. All of the electricity used in the project will be sourced from renewable energy in the form of solar panels that will generate electricity from the sun instead of fossil fuels. There will be a carbon offset program for all visitors. No jet skis or motorized boats will be allowed.

Water and waste will be treated on-site. All water needs will be met from captured precipitation and water recycling. There will be water purification systems and advanced air filtration systems.

From the very beginning of this project, the Blackadore Caye team has worked to ensure that all material waste will be minimized. Once the resort is in operation, stringent programs for recycling and waste avoidance will be employed. Blackadore Caye is being designed as a 100 percent net zero-waste project. Plastic bottles and plastic waste have been banned from the project.

Fish nurseries and plant nurseries will be constructed. There will be living roofs and walls. Food offered will be mostly vegetarian and hydroponics will be used to grow vegetables. No pesticides or chemicals will be sprayed on the island.

Many materials will be sourced from local artisans. A research station will be built and a small observatory is planned. All residents and visitors will go through an ecology orientation program. There will be voluntourism opportunities. Four hundred Belizeans will be hired to help with construction. Eventually 100 to 150 people will be employed at the resort. The government of Belize is expected to experience a $120 million benefit over 20 years.

Be sure to continue to read Green Lodging News for updates on Blackadore Caye.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Glenn, I had a similar experience with Blackadore with trying to send a GreenTV film crew to cover beginning, in-process, completion and follow up. Either things are being hidden or they are unready yet that only feeds the sceptics. Keep up the great work and my best to you, JDL

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