INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

Climate Change and

Coastal & Marine Tourism

The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

July 22 – 24, 2015

www.innovators2015.com

www.responsibletravel.org www.puntacana.org
Dear Think Tank Participants,

Welcome to Punta Cana for first ever Innovators Think Tank on Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism. Hosted by the
Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) and the Puntacana Ecological Foundation, this is a unique gathering of carefully selected
sustainable tourism practitioners and climate change experts. We have come together to take stock of where the tourism industry is
today in addressing climate change impacts, with special focus on island states and coastal and marine areas in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is the most tourism dependent region in the world, and its island nations are also some of the most vulnerable places
to climate change, including sea level rise and warming, coral and mangrove destruction, increasingly fierce and erratic storms, and a
host of other human-induced phenomena. As an industry, tourism both contributes to and is a victim of climate change. This 2015
Think Tank is organized around a single critical theme: How coastal and marine tourism must be planned, built, and operated in
this era of climate change. Collectively, we will explore the following five key questions:
How do various sectors of coastal and marine tourism contribute to climate change?
How are these various sectors currently experiencing the impacts of climate change?
What measures have tourism businesses taken to date to try to address climate change?
What are climate scientists predicting needs to be done to ‘survive’ climate change?
What are the main gaps between current ‘best practices’ by tourism businesses in addressing climate change and what needs
to be done based on the best forecasts of impacts on coastlines and oceans?

Our interactive discussions will be ably facilitated by Roger-Mark De Souza, Director of Environmental Security and Resilience at
the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC. Day One (Thursday) will focus mainly on coastal issues and Day Two (Friday)
on marine issues.

By pooling our collective knowledge, we believe this Innovators Think Tank can play a key role in shaping the course of climate
resilient tourism in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Americas. We thank each of you for joining us in this important endeavor.
As the host organizers, we look forward to spending a productive and stimulating several days with you!

Jake Kheel Martha Honey Samantha Hogenson

Executive Director Executive Director Program Associate
Puntacana Ecological Foundation Center for Responsible Travel Center for Responsible Travel

Our special thanks to the following individuals who have helped, in a variety of ways, to organize the Think Tank:
Roger-Mark De Souza I Mark Spalding I Patricia Nuñez Garcia I Umi Kim I Ariel Leuthard I Berenice Aguilar
Allison Christensen I Yuebo Li I Zhengzheng Zhou I Nancy Rosano Vera I Michael Bray I Linda Rapp
Frank and Haydée Rainieri I Oscar Imbert I Antonio Imbert

Cover photo courtesy of Roberto Alvarez

2 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Schedule at a Glance
3 Think Tank Outcomes
4 Why Puntacana?
5 Important Information for Your Stay
6 Wednesday, July 22nd Schedule
7 Thursday, July 23rd Schedule
8 Friday, July 24th Schedule
9 Speaker Bios: Innovators Think Tank
20 Thank You to Our Sponsors

“Transforming the Way the World Travels” THINK TANK

SCHOLARSHIP
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is a non-profit, policy-
oriented research institute in Washington, DC. Our mission is to
promote responsible tourism policies and practices globally so that As part of their role in the Think Tank, JetBlue offered
local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and to sponsor two students from the Caribbean and/or the
biodiversity. U.S. to attend as observers. We enthusiastically embraced
Founded in 2003, CREST stands alone in the areas of environmentally this idea, and CREST agreed to handle the logistics of
sustainable and socially responsible tourism. Its international network of the application process. We asked applicants to explain
highly trained experts provides research and interdisciplinary analyses their course of study, why they wanted to attend the
and solutions, as well as publications, conferences, trainings and Think Tank, and why they believe the tourism industry
educational workshops. needs to be concerned about climate change. We were
CREST delivers programs and services through field research, feasibility overwhelmed by the number and quality of the applicants.
and impact studies, market research, certification programs, travelers’ Despite a one week short turnaround time, we received 90
philanthropy and strengthening sustainable tourism and ecotourism. applicants from university students across the Caribbean
With a specific focus on coastal and marine tourism, CREST has and the U.S. We were so impressed and inspired by many
organized three highly successful Innovators Symposia in recent years of these applicants – their understanding of sustainable
at Stanford University; in Los Cabos, Mexico; and in Grenada. These tourism and their commitment to devoting their careers
Symposia brought together leading tourism innovators in the Americas to addressing climate change and other critical issues
who are charting new, more sustainable models of coastal and marine facing coastal tourism. Two CREST and two JetBlue
tourism. staff reviewed the applicants and made the final decision.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: It was tough, but as you’ll see, our Think Tank is certainly
• Consulting for Tourism Businesses & Governments to be enriched by the participation of the winners!
The JetBlue Foundation Scholarship Recipients are:
• Academically Rigorous Research, Publications & Films
Stefan Knights, Hugh Wooding Law School, Barbados
• Development of Travelers’ Philanthropy Programs
and Katrina Khan, University of West Indies, Trinidad &
• Climate Change Adaptation in the Tourism Sector Tobago. Thank you to JetBlue for making this valuable
• Training and Education, Courses and Conferences opportunity available to tomorrow’s leaders.

1333 H St., NW, Suite 300 East Tower, Washington, DC 20005

202-347-9203 • www.ResponsibleTravel.org
Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism 1
 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
1:30pm – 4:30pm Registration for all participants
Wednesday The Westin Lobby
JULY 22 4:30pm – 6:30pm Bus tour of Puntacana
Meet at The Westin lobby at 4:15 pm
Tour ends at Rainieri Residence, location of opening reception
6:30pm – 8:30pm Opening Reception
Jake Kheel, Executive Director, Puntacana Ecological Foundation: Welcome
Martha Honey, CREST Executive Director: Think Tank Objectives
Frank Rainieri, President, Grupo Puntacana: Keynote Address,
“The Puntacana Model: Is climate change changing it?”
Film Premier: “Caribbean ‘Green’ Travel”
Panel: Leading tourism practitioners from the film discuss sustainable practices & how they are
addressing climate change
Rainieri Residence
8:30 pm Bus returns to The Westin.
Dinner unprogrammed.

Unless noted otherwise, all sessions take place in Yauya 1 Conference Room.
Thursday
JULY 23
8:30 am – 9:50 am Opening Session: “Climate Change: Caribbean tourism as a contributor and victim”
10:00 am – 11:20 am “Beach & Shoreline Protection: Current best practices & what needs to be done to address
climate change impacts”
11:30 am – 12:50 pm “Siting, Architecture, Design, & Construction in the Era of Climate Changes”
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Lunch & Plenary Session
“Large Resorts & Hotel Chains: Adapting to climate change”
Ananí Restaurant, The Westin
3:10 pm – 4:30 pm “Climate Change, Tourism, & Community Linkages”
4:40 pm – 6:00 pm “What’s the Scorecard: Are current best practices in coastal tourism enough to address
Climate Change?”
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Evening Cocktail Reception & Plenary Session
“Air Transport and Airports: Impact on climate change and ‘green’ innovations”
Oscar Imbert Residence
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm Dinner unprogrammed.

8:30 am – 9:50 am Overview: “State of the Caribbean’s Ocean: Impacts from tourism and climate change”
Friday
10:00am – 11:20am “Marine Recreation & MPAS: Fishing, diving, surfing”
JULY 24 11:30am – 12:50pm “Marine Recreation Infrastructure: Cruise ships & port facilities and yachting & marinas”
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch & Plenary Session
“Sustainable Food Sourcing: Strategies for linking agriculture & fishing to tourism that helps
mitigate and adapt to climate change”
Yauya One Conference Room
2:40 pm – 4:00 pm “Climate Change → People Change: Communicating with the public”
4:10 pm – 5:40 pm “What’s the Scorecard: Are current sustainable practices in marine tourism enough to address
climate change?”
Summary, Takeaways, & Wrap Up with audience input
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Beach Party & Networking Event
Playa Blanca Restaurant Beach Front
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Dinner unprogrammed.

2 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

 THINK TANK OUTCOMES

There are two planned products that will come in the wake of the this program. Given the diverse array of participants and respective
Think Tank: a publication and a film. We anticipate other ideas may backgrounds and knowledge, we recognize that contributions can take
arise through discussions held during the event and we encourage various forms. We will discuss in more detail with each of you what format
and welcome the opportunity to explore other outcomes and next your submission should take. Some will be overview pieces, while others will
steps. Please take a moment to acquaint yourselves with details of the be case studies.
products already planned:
The submission will be integrated into a PDF/print publication but it will
PUBLICATION also be placed on the web, so links, videos, photos, etc. – anything that
will help get your message across – are encouraged. The publication
This publication will be designed to help coastal and marine tourism
may also incorporate other case studies and short papers from experts
businesses better address climate change. In addition, we envision it
who could not attend the Think Tank but have considerable practical
will be useful to educators and students, development agencies, NGOs,
knowledge to share.
and governments.
We also encourage collaborative writing with others you have met
As a Think Tank Participant, you are being asked to contribute a short,
at the Think Tank and hope our shared conversations will allow you
5-10 page analysis based on your area of expertise, your presentation,
to reflect on your role in providing climate-resilient solutions.
and discussion from the Think Tank. You should be guided by the
Submissions will be due within eight weeks of the end of the
five key questions posed in the Opening Letter on the inside cover of
Think Tank (September 24, 2015).

FILM: “Caribbean ‘Green’ Travel”

The second planned outcome of the Think Tank
will be CREST’s completed documentary film,
“Caribbean ‘Green’ Travel” (working title) which was
born of ideas shared at 2014’s Innovators Symposium
in Grenada. Rather than portray the problems with
large scale, mass market tourism, this 40 minute
documentary depicts great examples of socially
and environmentally responsible tourism in the Caribbean. We focus on four countries –
Dominican Republic (Puntacana), Jamaica, Aruba, and Grenada. And we look at three
broad themes: 1) environmental stewardship; 2) local benefits & linkages, and 3) travel
philanthropy & community engagement.

The film has been shot by award winning Jamaican filmmaker Esther Figueroa. It is
currently being edited in the US by Richard Krantz, who brings four decades of video
production experience. We plan to release the full film this fall, following a robust social
media, marketing and distribution campaign. The film is designed for multiple audiences:
conferences and trade shows, film festivals, tourism programs and other academic
institutions, tourism businesses, international agencies, and NGOs.

Funding has come from a variety of sources including: contributions from Ewald Biemans,
Corporación Aeroportuaria Del Este, and Norcross Wildlife Foundation, an Indiegogo
campaign, and in-kind donations. Though the film is still under production, at the Think
Tank we will show a vignette of each country represented in the film. We welcome feedback
as well as possible ideas about possible sources of funding as we move into final production
and full post-production and distribution.

Climate Change andCoastal &Marine Tourism 3

T oday Punta Cana is by far the most popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. Its tourism growth began 45 years
ago with Grupo Puntacana’s pioneering commitment to both environmental good practices and the surrounding communities.
Among its many initiatives in corporate social responsibility, Grupo Puntacana has created the Puntacana Ecological Foundation
and Puntacana Foundation as the instruments to protect and restore the natural resources of the region; to provide jobs, educational
opportunities, and healthy livelihoods for the local community; and to promote the vibrant cultural past and present of the
Dominican Republic.

PUNTACANA RESORT & CLUB coral; promote sustainable, organic farming; conserve the Ridgway’s
Hawk; implement a Zero Waste program at Puntacana Resort & Club;
Puntacana Resort & Club is home to the Caribbean’s ultimate beach
and protect our sea turtles.
and golfing experience, with 3 miles of magnificent white sand beaches
and 45 holes of championship golf, set on 15,000 acres of land. As a
Three other signature initiatives of the Puntacana Ecological Foundation
sustainable coastal resort, Puntacana understands the importance of
are:
water conservation efforts. Because of this, their Tom Fazio-designed
Corales and P.B. Dye’s La Cana golf courses are both covered in The Puntacana Center for Sustainability, which was established in
paspalum grass which has an elevated salinity level, and they are 1999 as a research and education facility devoted to creating solutions to
watered with sea water, thereby saving millions of gallons a year. environmental and social challenges related to tourism development.
The Center was originally created through a pioneering partnership
Easy accessibility is via the resorts own international ‘green’ airport – between the Foundation, Grupo Puntacana, and Cornell University and
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – which includes a design that has since been expanded to include a diverse and growing coalition of
maximizes natural air cooling and the management of all airport and national and international institutions. The Center for Sustainability is
airline trash at Grupo Puntacana’s Recycling Center and Incinerator. equipped with laboratories, offices, a library, classroom facilities, dormitory
The airport’s commitment to sustainability, combined with its rooms, as well as laundry and kitchen facilities for extended stays.
understated elegance, defines the unique Dominican experience of
staying at Puntacana Resort & Club, and makes it a favorite amongst The Partnership for Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas (PESCA)
international leaders and world renowned personalities. was launched in 2004 as a long-term collaborative effort that seeks
to balance the continued growth and development of the region, the
The 200 room Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers restaurants, long-term health and sustainability of the coastal zone and coral reef,
meeting facilities, an expansive outdoor pool, beachside grill, lobby bar, and the needs of local stakeholders. PESCA projects include coral reef
a 24-hour business center, the brand’s signature Westin Workout gym and coastal ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries management,
experience, as well as walking trails. conservation of endangered species, water quality monitoring, and the
development of alternative livelihoods for local fishermen.
PUNTACANA ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION The Sustainable Agriculture project, which takes advantage of organic
In 1988, Grupo PUNTACANA designated 1500 acres of land as the waste from landscaping, kitchens, and golf courses, to create natural
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve and designated the newly composts and fertilizers that can be converted into year-round production
founded Puntacana Ecological Foundation (PCEF) to run the reserve. of vegetables and fruits. Currently the Ecological Foundation sells
PCEF is a not-for-profit foundation established to protect and preserve arugula, lettuce, chives, peppers, basil, cilantro, and other produce to local
the natural resources of the Punta Cana region, while contributing to the restaurants, residents of the Puntacana community, and the area’s hotels.
sustainable development of the Dominican Republic. This commitment
can be seen today in our efforts to restore the population of staghorn

4 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY
CURRENCY
US Dollar 1 USD = 44.99 DOP
The Dominican Peso is the currency of Dominican Republic.
The currency code for Pesos is DOP, and the currency symbol is RD$.
Coins consists of 1, 5, 10 and 25, and bills, known as RD$, of 20, 50,
100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 denominations. The U.S. dollar is also
commonly accepted.

DRESS CODE
Business attire is recommended for the opening ceremony, and light
weight, business casual attire for the rest of the Think Tank. A sweater or
jacket is recommended while at Puntacana Resort and Club, as rooms
can be cold. Gentlemen are asked to wear long trousers for dinner at
hotels. Hiking shoes are useful if you’re planning on exploring the island.
Umbrellas and/or rain gear is recommended.
DISABILITY ACCESS
ELECTRICITY AND SOCKETS/PLUGS The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is committed to making their
Electricity in the Dominican Republic operates at 110-120Volts/60 HZ, facilities, amenities, and services accessible to guests with disabilities.
which is the same as in the United States. The plugs are also the same as Please note, certain areas of the hotel are not fully accessible to guests
in the U.S. Converters are not necessary for Americans and Canadians. with disabilities. Questions about the accessible facilities and services
Europeans will need adapters for their electronics. offered should be directed to the hotel at (1)(809) 959-2222.

TRANSPORTATION INTERNET ACCESS

The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is just three miles from Punta Wireless internet access is provided free of charge in the conference
Cana International Airport. Transportation to and from the airport and facilities. Wireless and high speed internet are provided in-room for an
to events within the Think Tank is provided by Gray Line Dominican extra cost. Please inquire at the front desk to obtain in-room WiFi.
Republic. The hotel provides free transportation to the retail shops,
international restaurants, financial institutions, medical facilities, and MEALS
salons of Galerias Puntacana.
Breakfasts: Included for conference participants registered with The
Westin Puntacana Resort & Club. Inquire at the front desk for further
REGISTRATION information.
All Think Tank delegates are required to check-in prior to participating
Lunches: Lunch will be provided for participants on Thursday, July 23,
in Think Tank events and will be given programs, badges, and other
and Friday, July 24.
materials. Registration will take place in The Westin lobby from
1:30pm – 4:30pm on Wednesday, July 22nd. Receptions: Cocktail receptions will take place on Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday evenings. Programming will take place during the Wednesday
BADGES and Thursday receptions, and transportation will be provided.
Think Tank delegates are required to wear their name badges to all Dinners: Separate dinners are not provided, but all receptions will include
activities, including social functions. It identifies you as a registered food. A set discounted menu will be available for participants at select
participant and is needed to access all of the Think Tank programming. restaurants.
Participants arriving prior to official registration can contact Samantha
Hogenson through the front desk to register and obtain badges. Participants will be responsible for all lunches and dinners outside of the
official program.
AMENITIES
HOTEL INCIDENTALS
The Westin is located at the magnificent Playa Blanca area, just minutes
away from the airport. This 200 ocean view hotel features restaurants, an Incidentals including in-room bar, telephone calls, internet access, and
expansive outdoor pool, beachside grill, lobby bar, hand rolled cigar bar, other hotel services will be paid by participants.
and walking trails. Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center
and the brand’s signature Westin WORKOUT gym experience. WEATHER
The weather is tropical with high humidity, with an average temperature
of 79°F (26°C), although most of the year the temperature rises as high
as 95°F (35°C) during the day. August is the hottest month of the year
and January the coolest one.

Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism 5

Wednesday
JULY 22 SCHEDULE IN DETAIL

4:15 PM
Meet in lobby of The Westin for bus: Puntacana tour and opening
reception

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Bus tour of Puntacana, highlighting sustainability initiatives
Led by Jake Kheel, Executive Director, Puntacana Ecological Foundation
Tour ends at location of opening reception,
the Rainieri residence

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Opening Cocktail Reception, the Rainieri residence
Brief welcoming remarks: Jake Kheel & Martha Honey, purpose
of Think Tank
Keynote Address: Frank Rainieri, President, Grupo Puntacana,
“The Puntacana Model: Is climate change changing it?”
Film Premier: Short segment from CREST’s new documentary
“Caribbean ‘Green’ Travel,” a portrait of sustainable tourism in
Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Grenada, and Aruba
Conversation with Jake Kheel, Frank Rainieri, Ewald Biemans,
and Russ Fielden
Facilitated by Roger-Mark De Souza

8:30 PM
Bus returns to The Westin
Unprogrammed dinner

6 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

 Thursday
JULY 23

Unless noted otherwise, all sessions will take place in Yauya 1 Conference Room.
Coffee/tea/water is provided morning and afternoon in the back of the room.
The Facilitator for all sessions is Roger-Mark De Souza.
Bios of panelists follow this section.

8:30 AM – 9:50 AM 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Opening Session: Lunch and Plenary Session at Ananí Restaurant, The Westin
“Climate Change: Caribbean coastal tourism as a contributor “Large Resorts & Hotel Chains: Adapting to climate change”
and victim”
Panelists will discuss how larger coastal resorts are being impacted
A facilitated conversation about the linkages between climate change by climate change, what changes they have already made in their
and coastal tourism in the Caribbean. The panel will explore how the construction and operations, and what they believe they will need to
Caribbean is experiencing climate change, what actions and initiatives do in the future.
are underway to address climate change, and the role of tourism in both
PANELISTS: Andrea Pinabell, Loreto Duffy-Mayers
contributing to impacts and improving resiliency.
PANEL: Ambassador E. Angus Friday, Eva Näeher, Rodrigo Gallegos 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM
10:00 AM - 11:20 AM “Climate Change, Tourism, & Community Linkages”
Panelists will look at some innovative strategies for how coastal
“Beach & Shoreline Protection: Current best practices & what needs
communities in the Caribbean are preparing for and addressing climate
to be done to address climate change impacts”
change. They will also discuss ways in which tourism businesses can work
Panelists will examine the viability of techniques being used by private
with coastal communities to develop collective efforts to address various
developers, government agencies, and local communities to prevent
causes and impacts of climate change.
erosion of beaches, shorelines, and coastal ecosystems and protect tour-
ism resorts, vacation homes, and other ocean front properties. What is PANELISTS: Sofia Perazzo, Eva Näeher, Paul Guggenheim
working and what isn’t? What types of policies and strategies are needed
to effectively ‘save’ beaches and shorelines from impacts of accelerating 4:40 PM – 6:00 PM
development and climate change? “What’s the Scorecard: Are current best practices in coastal tourism
PANELISTS: Robert Young, Judi Clarke, Esteban Biondi enough to address climate change?”
In this interactive discussion, three experts will sum up the main points
11:30 AM – 12:50 PM from the day’s discussion of coastal tourism and highlight areas where
“Siting, Architecture, Design, & Construction in the Era of Climate there are gaps between current practices and what needs to be done to
Change” address the expected impacts of climate change. Input will be solicited
from all Think Tank participants.
Panelists will examine how a leading architectural firm is integrating
climate change realities and projections into coastal tourism projects, Panelists: Michelle Rutty, Scott Curtis, Jake Kheel
how an individual resort has adapted design and building features to
try to address climate change impacts, and how ‘green’ certification 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
programs have helped individual properties and whole destinations Evening Cocktail Reception & Plenary Session at Oscar Imbert’s
implement sustainable practices that also reduce greenhouse gas Residence
emissions and other contributors to climate change.
Meet in the lobby at 6:45pm. Bus departs from The Westin at 6:50.
PANELISTS: Denaye Hinds, Ewald Biemans, Rodrigo Gallegos
Brief welcoming remarks by architect Oscar Imbert
“Air Transport and Airports: Impact on climate change and ‘green’
innovations”
Panelists will discuss how a major airline is working to address climate
change through reducing greenhouse emissions and other techniques,
as well as how Puntacana’s innovative ‘green’ airport is designed to
‘reduce, recycle, and reuse’ resources.
PANELISTS: Sophia Mendelsohn, Oscar Imbert, and Antonio Segundo
Imbert

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Unprogrammed dinner

Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism 7

 Friday
JULY 24

8:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Opening Session: “Overview: State of the Caribbean’s Ocean:
Impacts from tourism and climate change”
This facilitated conversation will discuss decline in Caribbean fish stocks,
coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine ecosystems. They will look at
regional initiatives to address these issues which are caused in-part by
unsustainable types of tourism and climate change.
PANELISTS: Ambassador E. Angus Friday, Mark Spalding, Ruben Torres

10:00 AM – 11:20 AM
“Marine Recreation & MPAs: Fishing, diving, surfing”
Panelists will discuss the role of the most popular marine recreational
activities in contributing to climate change, as well as their potential to
help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They will also
discuss the role of MPAs in protecting fish and coral stocks, providing
sustainable recreational activities, and reducing climate change impacts.
PANELISTS: Mark Spalding, Rick MacPherson, Chiara Zuccarino-Crowe 2:40 PM – 4:00 PM
“Climate Change → People Change: Communicating with the
11:30 AM – 12:50 PM public”
“Marine Recreation Infrastructure: Cruise ships & port facilities and Panelists will discuss how tourism businesses and the travel media can
yachting & marinas” help to educate consumers about climate change and the imperative
for sustainable tourism. The experts will look at how the brain processes
Panelists will examine various ways in which cruise tourism – the
messages, the astonishing growth and influence of travel blogs, and the
Caribbean’s largest tourism sector – contributes to climate change and
increasing effectiveness of certification programs in highlighting both
strategies to reduce these impacts, as well as the comparative impacts
the risks of climate change and opportunities to create more deeply
of yachts and strategies to make marinas more sustainable and more
sustainable types of tourism.
resilient to climate change.
PANELISTS: Victoria Anstead, Bret Love, Rodrigo Gallegos
PANELISTS: Esteban Biondi, Ross Klein

4:10 PM – 5:40 PM
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch & Plenary Session “What’s the Scorecard: Are current sustainable practices in marine
tourism enough to address climate change?”
“Sustainable Food Sourcing: Strategies for linking agriculture & fishing to
tourism that help mitigate and adapt to climate change” In this interactive discussion, three experts will sum up the main points
from the day’s discussion, with a focus on oceans and marine tourism,
Panelists will highlight expanding efforts by tourism businesses to source
and highlight areas where there are gaps between current practices
food locally and sustainably and to promote local cuisine. They will
and what needs to be done to address the expected impacts of climate
discuss how climate change is disrupting agriculture and fishing, the
change. Input will be solicited from all Think Tank participants.
impacts on the tourism sector, and innovative strategies in the Caribbean
to improve resilience. PANELISTS: Robert Young, Rick MacPherson, Martha Honey

PANELISTS: Todd Comen, Scott Curtis, Dawn Martin

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Beach Party & Networking Reception
Playa Blanca Restaurant, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Unprogrammed dinner

8 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

 BIOS

SPEAKER BIOS: INNOVATORS THINK TANK

Victoria Anstead, LEED-AP Esteban Biondi
As the founder and president of Tactical Esteban Biondi is the Associate Principal of
Aesthetics, Victoria Anstead conceives, produces, Applied Technology & Management (ATM),
and manages international multimedia projects specializing in marina and coastal development
that spotlight innovative places around the world. consulting services. His professional experience
By identifying and harnessing preeminent talent in includes marina market and feasibility studies;
art, design, science, and technology, she creates marina site analysis and planning; environmental
vehicles that engage the hearts and minds of impact studies for a variety of coastal tourism
audiences. At the heart of this work is the belief projects; and environmental and coastal
that it is people who make places and determine if they thrive — and engineering resiliency design. He has directed over 70 consulting
people live through stories. assignments for marinas in the last 15 years. He is actively involved in
implementing marina design criteria that specifically address social
She uses the power of story to give voice to clients through exhibitions, sustainability issues, proactive environmental design, and sea level rise
film, the written word, and place-making through cultural and scientific adaptation.
programming. She advises on major master plans for the creation of and
reimagining of districts and cities throughout the world, including New Biondi has experience in consulting services for coastal development,
York City’s Water Street and East River Esplanade, Arlington County’s including sea level rise adaptation. As a practitioner, he has been
Courthouse Square (Washington DC metro area), and Bahrain Bay in involved in beachfront studies and coastal resort construction risk
Manama, Bahrain. analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean, and has participated in
urban waterfront planning for municipal project in South East Florida.
Anstead is fluent in the language and practice of both the business
and creative worlds and holds a MBA from the Kellogg School of Judi Clarke, M.S.
Management / Northwestern University. She has extensive experience in Judi Clarke is a climate change adaptation
international management consulting and years of work as a curator and specialist and has been the Caribbean Regional
advisor in modern and contemporary art. Victoria attained LEED-AP Director of CARIBSAVE since July 2010.
accreditation from the US Green Building Council and was a member of She is responsible for general oversight of the
New York City’s Benchmarking Committee. organization’s projects being implemented
throughout the Caribbean, and has specific
Ewald Biemans management and technical responsibility
Ewald Biemans is founder and owner of Aruba’s for some. Clarke has a special interest in
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, and he was one of community-based adaptation, and her work has focused on the
the first to create a successful luxury resort with intrinsic relationships between climate change and livelihoods, gender,
the environment in mind. A pioneer of the green poverty, and development in vulnerable coastal communities in the
movement in the Caribbean, Biemans has become Caribbean. Clarke has also worked with private sector stakeholders
known throughout the hospitality industry for his and the Government of Barbados to develop and implement coastal
grassroots efforts promoting sustainable tourism. protection and marine conservation projects.
Since 2003, Biemans has led Bucuti Beach Resort
to achieve yearly the ISO 14001 environmental certification. Biemans She holds a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources and
opened Bucuti Beach Resort in 1987 and has kept an average yearly Environmental Management, with specialization in Climate Change and
occupancy of over 90%. He is also on the Board of the Aruba Tourism a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, both from the University
Authority, Chairman of the Board of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism of the West Indies. She was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Tyndall
Association (AHATA), and a member of the Board of the Aruba Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, where
Tourism Authority. In addition, he is President of Aruba’s SKAL club she conducted research on climate change impacts and adaptation in
chapter, creator and long-time Chairman of AHATA’s Environmental the Caribbean and contributed to the publication Surviving Climate
Committee, Director of the island’s Arikok National Park Board, and a Change in Small Islands: A Guidebook, published by the Tyndall Centre
member of CREST’s Honorary Advisory Board. for Climate Research. She has also published on other topics related to
climate change.
The environmental honors Biemans has received include the Caribbean
Hotel Association’s award for Environmental Stewardship (1997) and
the International Hotel & Restaurant Association Award for Innovation
in Environmental Best Practice (2004). Born in Austria, Biemans started
his hospitality career with Hilton and Intercontinental hotels in South
America. He now lives in Aruba, where he appreciates its natural beauty
and personally takes great care of ten rescue dogs at his home.
Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism 9
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Todd Comen, Ph.D Roger-Mark De Souza, M.A.

Todd Comen is a Professor of Hospitality and Roger-Mark De Souza is the director of
Tourism Management at Johnson State College population, environmental security, and
in Vermont, and teaches courses in environmental resilience for the Woodrow Wilson Center, in
entrepreneurship and ecotourism in the Washington D.C. He leads programs on climate
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural change resilience, reproductive and maternal
Resources. He holds a Ph.D from the University of health, environmental security, and livelihoods.
Vermont in the School of Natural Resources with Previously, De Souza served as vice president of
an emphasis on food systems and multifunctional research and director of the climate program at
land management. He received his Bachelor’s degree in economics from Population Action International. From 2007 to 2010, he was the director
Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and his Master’s Degree in of foundation and corporate relations at the Sierra Club. For 10 years
Hotel Administration from Cornell University. previously, he designed and implemented research, communications,
and capacity-building projects in the USA, Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin
Comen has spent over thirty-five years in the tourism and hospitality America, and the Caribbean at the Population Reference Bureau. Prior
sectors with broad experience, including developing and managing an to that, he worked at the World Resources Institute. He is a member of
integrated farming and agritourism attraction, a vegetarian fast food the Global Resilience Academy and serves on the U.S. National Science
brand on college campuses, and a country inn on a 140 acre farm. He has Foundation Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and
recently launched a tour company with tours designed to feature small Education. De Souza has graduate degrees from George Washington
scale organic farms, artisanal food processors, and rural life ways with University and the University of the West Indies. He is originally from
tours in Vermont and select international destinations. Trinidad and Tobago.

Comen was born and raised in southern California within view of the Loreto Duffy-Mayers
Pacific Ocean and currently lives in Vermont. Over the years, he has Loreto Duffy-Mayers is currently the Regional
travelled to numerous coastal regions of the world. Program Manager for the Caribbean Hotel
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Scott Curtis, Ph.D Action (CHENACT). This IDB funded project
Scott Curtis is an Associate Professor in is designed to improve the competitiveness of
the Department of Geography, Planning small to medium sized hotels in the Caribbean
and Environment at East Carolina University through greater energy efficiency and the use of
(ECU). He earned his Ph.D in Atmospheric renewable energy and micro - generation. Duffy-
and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Mayers has held the position of Environmental Manager in several green
Wisconsin – Madison, in 1998. Curtis has been hotels, including Coconut Court Resort, Casuarina Beach Club, and the
Assistant Director of ECU’s Center for Natural Almond Resorts in Barbados and St. Lucia. Under her direction, these
Hazards Research since 2006 and an affiliate resorts received a number of prestigious international awards.
faculty of ECU’s Center for Sustainable Tourism since 2008 (now
Center for Sustainability). As an affiliate faculty, he has led the Climate, In addition, Duffy-Mayers has received many personal awards for her
Weather, and Tourism initiative and consistently contributed to both the contribution to the promotion of sustainable tourism, including the
Center’s research and outreach activities and to the learning experiences Barbados Youth Environmental Programme award for contribution to the
of students in the M.S. in Sustainable Tourism. This activity earned Environment, Barbados Governor General’s Award for Contribution to
him the 2013-14 Outstanding Affiliate Faculty Member of the Year Green Tourism, Global Green Globe Champion award, EAST Award of
award. Curtis has also published on weather and climate impacts to Excellence, Barbados Minister of Environment award, and the Barbados
coastal tourism in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, in particular the Hotel & Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Environmental Award.
differences in perceptions of climate change between local residents
and second-home owners and the value and use of forecasts by tourism Duffy-Mayers was born in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Barbados
businesses. Finally, Curtis has researched Caribbean climates for many in 1985. She was educated at University College Dublin where she
years and was recently funded by NSF to study small farmer vulnerability completed a higher Diploma in Education. She also holds a Diploma in
and resilience to climate change, market stress, and the role of water Marketing at the UK Institute of Marketing.
management.

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Russ Fielden, OBE Rodrigo Gallegos, MPP

Russ Fielden is co-owner of True Blue Bay Rodrigo Gallegos is the director of Climate
Boutique Resort, a Green Globe certified, Change and Technology for the Mexican Institute
4 star hotel in Grenada. Originally from for Competitiveness (IMCO). He heads research
England, Fielden, a trained engineer, sailed on technology, green growth and tourism, where
to the Caribbean over 35 years ago and has in the past 10 years he has led more than 20 in
worked in the hospitality sector ever since. He depth studies, including the crafting of Mexico’s
and his Mexican-born wife Magdalena, who is current climate change program and the first
an architect, bought True Blue Bay in 1998. As independent evaluation of the previous one.
owners, they encourage Grenadian youth to learn firsthand about the His recent work on tourism has estimated tourism’s greenhouse gas
tourism industry. They offer in-house training and organized tours of contributions in Mexico, as well as the first tourism policy criticism in
True Blue for school children, which allows them to spend time in each Mexico based on hard data, resulting in major changes within the new
department learning what it is like to work in the tourism industry. In tourism policy. His office is also known for constructing practical and
addition, Fielden teaches a hospitality and tourism class in the rural robust methodologies to measure rates of return and potential impacts
Vendome School, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and on climate change and clean energy investments across economic
never rebuilt. Several years ago, Fielden undertook the task to have the sectors in Mexico, resulting in policy agendas for the incoming
school reopened by fall of 2013 – and he successfully raised US $100,000 presidential administration. Currently Gallegos is also working on
to fulfill this pledge on time. Fielden is committed to protecting fostering entrepreneurship both for energy efficiency and clean energy
Grenada’s environment and has lobbied hard to reduce the Grenada’s investments in Mexico across sectors.
reliance on carbon fuels. In 2014, he was awarded the honor of Order of
the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to Gallegos holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard
Grenada’s tourism industry. University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from ITAM. Previous
to his position at IMCO, he worked at the Office of the President,
E. Angus Friday, Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States UNDP Bhutan, and Mexico’s Central Bank. Gallegos has written op-eds
& Mexico for El Economista newspaper and is invited to contribute to Foreign
Dr. E. Angus Friday, a qualified medical doctor Affairs, Este País, and Expansion regularly.
and MBA, is Grenada’s Ambassador to the
United States and Mexico, Ambassador to the Paul Guggenheim, M.S.
Organization of American States (OAS), and Paul Guggenheim is the Country Representative
former Ambassador to the United Nations. Prior of Counterpart International, in the Dominican
to his current role, he served at the World Bank Republic. Guggenheim has more than 10
for four years, during which time he also held the years’ experience in managing institutional and
post of the Bank’s Oceans Representative, playing community capacity-building programs focused
a key role in the development of the Global Partnership for Oceans and on environmental conservation, education, and
a critical role in developing a $30 million fund for renewable energy for health in Latin America, and the Caribbean. After
island states. As Grenada’s UN Ambassador, he chaired the Alliance receiving his degree in Cultural Anthropology
of Small Island States. He was instrumental in coordinating the group’s in 1994, he worked as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras
climate negotiations in Bali and presented the group’s position to the G8 organizing communities protecting their watershed. After finishing his
meeting of Foreign Ministers held in Berlin in December 2007. Master degree in Urban and Environmental Policy, he joined the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Wetlands Division, also working with
Prior to his UN role, Friday worked closely with the private sector the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordinating the Ramsar Convention
and with the Grenada Government in developing strategies for in the U.S. with the State Department and the National Committee.
national growth and in attracting investors to Grenada in the wake of
Hurricane Ivan, which devastated the island in 2004. Prior to this, as In 2014, Guggenheim joined Counterpart International’s initiative to
an entrepreneur in London, Friday helped to pioneer the development open a new office in the Dominican Republic to continue working on
of internet technologies in the National Health Service and attracted programs aimed at creating resilient coastal communities and find
venture capital funding for IntegriSys, a company he founded in 1997. environmental solutions through innovative approaches to partnership,
Ambassador Friday is an avid reader of current affairs and sustainable quality programming, and participatory activities. Counterpart
economic development issues and enjoys gym training, cycling, oil International is supporting programs oriented to community
painting and master planning. He is a certified yacht skipper and development, youth opportunities, coral reef restoration, sustainable
SCUBA diver. fisheries, and mangrove conservation.

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K. Denaye Hinds, M.S. Martha Honey, Ph.D

As the head of OBMI’s Green Matters Martha Honey, is co-founder and Executive
Studio, Denaye Hinds leads OBMI’s initiative Director of the Center for Responsible Travel
within the sustainability sector. With her (CREST). Over the last two decades, she has
extensive experience in sustainable written and lectured widely on ecotourism,
infrastructure, tourism operations, training Travelers’ Philanthropy, cruise and resort tourism,
and regulations for international standards and certification issues. Her books include
and systems, she is responsible for building Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who
and leading OBMI’s Design and Planning Owns Paradise? (Island Press, 1999 and 2008) and
sustainability policy and projects. Ecotourism and Certification: Setting Standards in Practice (Island Press,
2002). She is currently writing a book on coastal and cruise tourism
As a native Bermudian and engineer/project management graduate, (Selling Sunshine, Island Press, 2016). Previously, Honey worked for
Hinds has experience in sustainability planning at the destination and 20 years as a journalist based in East Africa (Tanzania) and Central
operations level, working with governments to produce sustainability America (Costa Rica). She holds a Ph.D. in African history from the
plans for the tourism sector, and guiding sustainable development University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She was Executive Director of
in various island-nations. Her role within tourism plans involves The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) from 2003 to 2006.
sustainability infrastructure, planning, and resource forecasting of islands Honey was profiled in Branded!, Michael Conroy’s book on certification
to prepare for the future. She has provided guidance and developed (New Society Publishers, 2007) and was named one of world’s top 10
plans to ensure longevity of industries with the goal of improving and eco- and sustainable-travel “watchdogs” (CondeNast Traveler, 2008).
implementing sustainable development.
Antonio Segundo Imbert Pellerano
Hinds is currently the Co-Chair of the Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Antonio Segundo Imbert Pellerano is the
Initiative for the USGBC South Florida. She is the Technical Director of president of Simples Arquitectura, a Dominican
CAST (Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism), working to ensure architectural firm which he founded in 1998.
sustainability resources for the region. Spearheading OBMI’s Social Prior to launching this company, Imbert worked
Responsibility, giving back to communities where she resides continues in architectural design and construction site
to be a driving force both personally and professionally. supervision for Imbert-Domínguez, a firm owned
in part by his uncle, Oscar Imbert. Many of his
Samantha Hogenson, M.A. projects have been within the tourism industry,
Samantha Hogenson serves as the program adding his expertise to projects such as the Punta Cana International
associate in the Washington, DC, office of Airport and various hotels and restaurants. Antonio Segundo Imbert
the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). has held positions as a design professor at both the Parsons School of
At CREST, she is a lead consultant on climate Design in New York and Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña
change and tourism projects. She also manages (UNPHU) in the Dominican Republic. He has been published in various
the organization’s Travelers’ Philanthropy and specialized magazines about architecture in the Dominican Republic and
internship programs and provides research and abroad. Imbert holds degrees in architecture from Universidad Nacional
consultancy work on a wide variety of topics Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) and interior design from Parsons
related to sustainable tourism. Prior to joining the CREST team, School of Design.
Hogenson worked on the American Society of Travel Agent’s (ASTA)
Green Program, and as one of the first graduates with a degree in Oscar Imbert, M.Arch
Geotourism, supported by National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Oscar Imbert Tesson is a respected Dominican
Destinations. She received her B.S. from Missouri State University and architect with extensive experience in architectural
completed a Master of Tourism Administration with a concentration design and supervision, specializing in tourist
in sustainable destination development at The George Washington services, hotels, and residences. His designs
University School of Business. Hogenson is a trained Climate Reality pay homage to his Caribbean roots and have
Leader. allowed him to obtain recognition both nationally
and internationally, as well gain as an important
position of influence in Dominican architecture.
He has lectured at multiple universities, including his alma mater,
Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), Pontificia
Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and Harvard
University.

In 1984, Imbert and Eduardo Domínguez created the firm Imbert-

Dominguez and Associates and completed many projects of note,

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including Punta Cana International Airport, which has become a regional Klein completed a B.Sc. (Sociology) from Arizona State University in
symbol for his great contribution to Caribbean architecture. Imbert has 1972. He received his M.S.W. designation in 1974 from the University
also gained recognition for a number of prominent residential projects. of Maryland, moving on to earn his M.A. in 1979, and then his Ph.D. in
Joining forces with his nephew Antonio Segundo Imbert in 1998, the pair 1982, from Syracuse University.
is known for their signature design of simple architecture.
Bret Love
Imbert is a graduate of the UNPHU School of Architecture and Planning Bret Love is a journalist/editor with 21 years of
and obtained a Master of Architecture at Pratt Institute in New York. He print and online experience, managing writers,
taught at UNPHU from 1983 to 1991, teaching architectural design. coordinating editorial, meeting deadlines, and
delivering compelling copy that engages readers.
Jake Kheel, M.S.
Jake Kheel is Environmental Director for As a blogger, Love has built a niche ecotourism/
Puntacana Resort & Club, one of the most conservation site, Green Global Travel, into one of
successful development companies in the the Top 50 Travel Blogs in the world by combining
Dominican Republic, with a distinguished history inspiring storytelling, sound SEO practice, and innovative approaches
in sustainable development. For the past ten years, to social media. He’s become increasingly in-demand as a speaker and
Kheel has overseen the Corporate Environmental thought leader, covering topics ranging from branding and social media
Affairs for the resort, including solid waste marketing to responsible travel and how DMOs can work with bloggers.
management, environmental quality control,
environmental permitting and energy and water conservation. Love has also made a name for himself as a consultant, advising
companies such as the Adventure Collection and International
Kheel is also Executive Director of the not-for-profit Puntacana Expeditions. Love oversees all Green Travel Media projects personally,
Ecological Foundation. Since its inception 15 years ago, the foundation ensuring quality control, punctuality, and professional execution
has successfully implemented innovative solutions to numerous social throughout every stage of our campaigns.
and environmental issues in the Punta Cana region, ranging from
implementation of the largest recycling operation in the country, Rick MacPherson, M.S.
conservation of endangered species, and coral reef restoration and Rick MacPherson is Senior Advisor to The Pew
marine management. Charitable Trusts Global Shark Conservation
Campaign in the Caribbean and has a particular
Under Kheel’s leadership, Puntacana Resort & Club has received interest in the intersection of conservation and
numerous international awards, including the prestigious World Tourism marine tourism. He is a coral reef ecologist,
and Travel Council “Tourism for Tomorrow” award for Destination conservationist, and strategist with three
Stewardship, the Conde Nast Traveler “World Saver’s Award,” and the decades of experience in helping local coral reef
“Global Vision” award by Travel & Leisure magazine. Most recently, communities solve environmental challenges.
Puntacana Resort and Club was recognized with Platinum Award in As a PADI certified diver for over 35 years, he has witnessed the decline
the HSMAI and National Geographic Traveler “Leader in Sustainable of coral reefs during his lifetime. In response, MacPherson has become
Tourism Award” category. a passionate advocate and thought leader on the role of sustainable
tourism as a lever for coral reef conservation. Achievements have
Kheel has a Master’s in Environmental Management from Cornell included development of the world’s first standards for scuba diving,
University and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish literature from Wesleyan snorkeling, and boating; designer of the Criteria and Indicators for
University. Sustainable Marine Tours for the Cruise Lines International Association
(CLIA), and founder of the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative--the
Ross Klein, M.S.W, Ph.D longest-running sustainable tourism project in the Americas. With a
Ross A. Klein is a Professor in the School of Social belief and expertise in collaborative solutions, MacPherson has brokered
Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland partnerships across governments, corporations, NGOs, private sector,
in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. He is an and local communities to arrive at pragmatic solutions to complex
international authority on the cruise industry. environmental problems. In 2013, he was awarded the Oris/Scuba Diving
He has lectured around the world, has worked Magazine Sea Hero of the Year Award in recognition of his achievements
extensively with grassroots and community in ocean conservation. He holds a MS in Environmental Theory; History
groups concerned with the growth and impacts of and Philosophy of Science from Harvard University.
cruise ships and cruise tourism, and is frequently
contacted as a resource by the media. Klein has published four books, six
monographs/reports for nongovernmental organizations, and more than
three dozen articles and book chapters. More information about his work
can be found online at www.cruisejunkie.com.

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Dawn Martin, J.D. Eva Maria Näher, M.A.

Dawn M. Martin joined SeaWeb in 2004, first as Eva Maria Näher is the principal technical advisor
its Executive Director and then was appointed of the Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions
the organization’s President and Chair of the Programme (CATS), operated by GIZ and
Board. For more than 25 years, Martin has utilized CARPHA. She is a geographer and has more
creative communication strategies to advance than 10 years’ experience in the realm of regional
policy and conservation goals. Previously she has and private sector development in emerging and
served as Chief Operating Officer for Oceana, developing countries.
Associate Deputy Administrator at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and Political Director for American After receiving her degree in geography in 2004, she worked as a
Oceans Campaign. freelance consultant on regional development and tourism while further
pursuing an additional Master’s degree in African Development. In 2008
Martin brings a multidisciplinary approach that builds on her she joined the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) – then GTZ
organizational management experience and skills as an attorney, – with assignments to Benin, Algeria, and the Caribbean. Her focus is on
strategic policy professional and communications specialist. She serves sustainable rural development, private sector development, and capacity
as a principal for the Communication Partnership for Science and the development for various stakeholders.
Sea (COMPASS), on the advisory board of the Center for Health and
the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, as a member of At CATS, the focus is on a ridge to reef approach to improve marine
the Ocean Portal Editorial Board for the Smithsonian National Museum biodiversity and at the same time increase climate change adaptation in
of Natural History, and a founding member of the steering committee agriculture and forestry in the Caribbean. With the terrestrial component
for the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands. Martin sits on the she focuses on the implementation of good agricultural practices and the
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Board as a trustee, its Vice-Chair improvement of agricultural livelihoods.
and Treasurer.
Brandon Nelson, J.D.
Martin has a degree in Political Science and received her Juris Doctorate Brandon Nelson is the Vice President, Associate
from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and studied international human General Counsel at JetBlue Airways Corporation.
rights and humanitarian law at the International Institute of Human Nelson joined JetBlue’s Legal Department in
Rights in Strasbourg, France, and the Henri Dunant Institute in Geneva, 2005. Prior to JetBlue, he practiced corporate and
Switzerland. business litigation law at law firms in California and
New York, including Shearman & Sterling.
Sophia Mendelsohn, LEED AP
Sophia Mendelsohn is currently the Head of Nelson was lead in-house counsel on Lufthansa’s
Sustainability at JetBlue Airways, where she purchase of 19.0% of JetBlue’s outstanding common stock. He has also
is shaping policies and practices that enhance handled various corporate governance matters and has drafted and
JetBlue’s competitive advantage and reduce negotiated a variety of important maintenance agreements and Aircraft
environmental impact. Prior to JetBlue, Purchase Agreement Amendments with Airbus and Embraer, including
Mendelsohn was Head of Sustainability, Emerging amendments that modified aircraft delivery stream. Nelson is responsible
Markets for Haworth Inc., a multinational for oversight of Corporate Contract Review Policy and has drafted and
manufacturer in the corporate real estate industry, negotiated several sales and marketing agreements, including Dunkin
where she was responsible for increasing sustainable product offerings Donuts and Bliss Partnership Agreements and all online distribution
in emerging markets, including Asia, Latin America, and the Middle agreements.
East. Previously, Mendelsohn worked for the Jane Goodall Institute,
an international NGO, in Shanghai, China, helping spread education Born and raised in Southern California, Nelson headed to the nation’s
about the environment to local and international schools in China. She capital in August 1992 to attend Howard University. At Howard, Nelson
is accredited in the Leadership in Energy, Environment and Design majored in International Business, with a concentration in Finance.
(LEED) green building rating system and certified to perform Life Cycle During his second semester junior year, he studied abroad at the
Analyses (LCA) and lead Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reports. She prestigious University of Paris—La Sorbonne. Because of such early
speaks, reads and writes Mandarin, lived in China for over seven years, travel experiences, he continues to enjoy traveling abroad every chance
and is a passionate rock climber and traveler. he gets. Nelson holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law.

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Sofia Perazzo, M.S. Michelle Rutty, Ph.D

Sofia Perazzo is Executive Director of Fundación Michelle Rutty is a Research Fellow at the
Tropicalia, a nonprofit foundation in the Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change at the
Dominican Republic focusing on sustainable University of Waterloo, Canada. She has worked
tourism real-estate development in partnership on the implications of climate change for the
with the local community. With her Argentine tourism sector for the past eight years, bringing
roots and California upbringing, she says she is together social and natural scientific approaches
definitely a product of this globalized, chaotic to examine the interactions of the environment
and beautiful world. She has lived in eight and tourism sector. She has authored over 25
cities in three continents; studied, lived and breathed international publications, presented at 26 conferences, including several invitations
development for more than 10 years; and became part of Fundación to speak at industry conferences, translating scientific knowledge into
Tropicalia’s conception and development in 2008. She advises Tropicalia relevant information to aid businesses and government with climatic
on sustainability strategy, and together with her team, designs programs adaptation. Rutty’s research has received international recognition,
and seeks the right partners to help support the socio-economic including the Travel and Tourism Research Association Dissertation
development of the Miches community, located in northeast Dominican Award, the World Tourism Forum’s Young Talent Award, and the
Republic on Samaná Bay. Perazzo obtained her B.A. in Political Science Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Award of Excellence.
and Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara;
an M.S. in Global Affairs: International Business, Economics and Frank R. Rainieri Marranzini
Development from New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, Frank Rainieri is the President & CEO of Grupo
and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Harvard Puntacana, the Puntacana Foundation and the
Business School. Puntacana Ecological Foundation. Rainieri is
recognized as a visionary leader of the tourist
Andrea Pinabell, LEED-AP industry in the Dominican Republic and the
Joining Starwood in 2011, Andrea Pinabell, VP pioneer of the Punta Cana tourist destination. In
of Sustainability, is responsible for the company’s 1971 Rainieri inaugurated the Punta Cana Club,
sustainability strategy, integration, operation and along with American entrepreneur, Theodore
leadership across its ten brands and vacation Kheel. This project, consisting of 10 small bungalows, has developed
ownership portfolio. She oversees Starwood’s into one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive, complete and elegant tourist
efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and complex: Puntacana Resort & Club.
risk, increase its financial value through efficiency
and top line growth, and positively impact the His contributions to the community have earned him several recognitions
communities in which its operate. This includes aggressive environmental locally and internationally, including the “Presidential Citation Award”,
goals including 30/20 by 20, Starwood’s commitment to reduce its given in 1985 by US President Ronald Reagan for Rainieri’s social work
energy and carbon emissions by 30% and water consumption by 20% in San José de Ocoa, Dominican Republic, together with Father Luis
by 2020 and external CSR and CDP (Investor & Water) reporting. In Quinn.
this integrated role, she leads various operational & brand initiatives,
programs and partnerships to address Starwood’s critical areas of focus In 1999, he was named “Hotelier of the Year” by the Caribbean Hotels
including emissions, energy, water consumption and risk, sustainable Association and he also received the “5 Diamond Award” by the
food and beverage, supply chain, indoor environmental quality, waste American Academy of Hospitality Science (AAHS) for his lifetime
reduction and diversion, and green building. Finally, she leads the Hotel achievements.
of the Future project, a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to
sustainable design and development. He is also a member of the Directors Committee of the Caribbean
Hotels Association, CHA and Founding Chairman of the Caribbean
Pinabell, LEED-AP, brings a global perspective and over 20 years Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, CAST. He is also a member of the
of engineering, sustainability, philanthropy, and environmental Clinton Global Initiative and the World Travel and Tourism Council.
management experience. Prior to Starwood, she most recently managed
the Sustainable Cites Institute and the Sustainable Community Currently he is President of the Dominican Airport Association and
Development program at The Home Depot Foundation. Fundación Carso Los Haitises, (FUNKARST, INC.), a non-profit
institution created to preserve Los Haitises National Park’s extensive
biodiversity and aquifers. His company runs with the Catholic Church,
a Polytechnic Institute in Punta Cana, which prepares more than 500
students for technical careers.

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Mark Spalding, M.A., J.D. Rob Young, Ph.D

Mark Spalding has been President of The Robert Young is the Director of the Program
Ocean Foundation since its founding. Under his for the Study of Developed Shorelines, a joint
leadership, it has grown from a $200,000 to $6 Duke University/Western Carolina University
million/year budget, and he has prioritized its venture. He is also a Professor of Geosciences
focus on steering the human relationship with at Western Carolina University and a licensed
the sea to a brighter future through diverse, professional geologist. The Program for the Study
carefully chosen strategies and projects. Spalding of Developed Shorelines (PSDS) is a research
drove the design and establishment of the Alaska and policy outreach center serving the global
Oceans Program, the Shipping Safety Partnership, the Loreto Bay coastal community. The primary mission of PSDS is to conduct scientific
Foundation, and the St. Kitts Foundation. He advises the Rockefeller research into coastal processes, storm impacts, and sea level rise and to
Ocean Strategy (an unprecedented ocean-centric investment fund), translate that science into management and policy recommendations
and designed the first-ever blue carbon offset program, SeaGrass Grow! through a variety of outreach mechanisms. The Program specializes
He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Blue Economy, at in evaluating the design and implementation of coastal engineering
the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. From 1994 to 2003, projects and helping communities develop coastal adaptation strategies.
Spalding was Director of the Environmental Law and Civil Society Young received a Ph.D from Duke University, where he was a James
Program, and Editor of the Journal of Environment and Development, at B. Duke Distinguished Doctoral Fellow. He is an elected Fellow of the
UCSD’s Graduate School of International Relations & Pacific Studies. Geological Society of America. Recently, he was a Fulbright Senior
He was a research fellow at UCSD’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, Scholar guiding coastal management planning along the Black Sea coast
a Sustainability Institute – Donella Meadows Leadership Fellow, and of Bulgaria. Young is a frequent contributor to the popular media. He
a SeaWeb Senior Fellow. He holds a B.A. in history with Honors from has written articles for outlets like the New York Times, USA Today, and
Claremont McKenna College, a J.D. from Loyola Law School, and a Architectural Record. He regularly appears on programs like PBS Now,
Master in Pacific International Affairs from UCSD. CNN’s Anderson Cooper, and National Public Radio.

Ruben Torres, Ph.D. Chiara Zuccarino-Crowe, M.S.

Ruben Torres is the Regional Coordinator for Reef Chiara Zuccarino-Crowe is the Tourism and
Check International /Fundación Propagas and the Recreation Coordinator for the Office of National
Founder and President of Reef Check Dominican Marine Sanctuaries within the U.S. National
Republic. In addition, he is the Director and Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Chairman of his own firm, Torres Environmental (NOAA). In this role, she promotes sanctuaries
Consultant (TEC UNLIMITED). Torres serves as iconic destinations that conserve marine
as a member of the Regional Committee on Lion resources, while also allowing compatible
Fish of the International Coral Reef Initiative recreational activities. This outreach provides a
(ICRI) and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN). venue to raise awareness about the program’s ocean etiquette messages,
He is also a mentor of the Caribbean Marine Protected Areas as well as build partnerships in support of sustainable coastal tourism and
Managers Network (CaMPAM) of the United Nations Environmental responsible ocean recreation practices. Chiara also serves on working
Program(UNEP). Prior to joining Reef Check International, Torres was groups of the U.S. Tourism Policy Council and the Federal Interagency
the conservation director of the National Aquarium of Santo Domingo. Council on Outdoor Recreation.
Torres holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Miami and
an undergraduate degree in Biology from Universidad Autónoma de Originally from the Great Lakes region, and a migratory transplant to
Santo Domingo. multiple coastal areas, Chiara has always enjoyed living, working, and
playing within a few miles of a major body of fresh or salt water. Chiara’s
background is in aquatic ecosystem monitoring and assessments,
environmental education and outreach, fisheries science, and the use
of protected areas as a fisheries management tool. She holds a M.S.
in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University and a B.A. in
Biology from Boston College.

16 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

The combined emissions of small islands represent less than 1 per cent of
global emissions. Yet these islands are the most vulnerable to changes
in climate patterns, and rising sea levels can cause loss of land along
coastlines of low-lying islands, disrupting economies and livelihoods.

—United Nations Environment Programme

Climate Change and Coastal & Marine Tourism 17

18 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:
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20 INNOVATORS THINK TANK:

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