The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: December fourth, highlighting the Green Globes of Negril.

It's clear a high tide of tourism can have both positive and negative effects on the ecology and economy of a place. A manifesto proposed a decade ago at the Earth Summit in Rio promoted the idea of "sustainable tourism." Though there's no precise definition, it entails developing strategies to use tourism to improve localities in ways that minimally impact the environment or culture of those who live there.

The Green Globe is one of the more visible creations of these high ideals. It's an international certification program that identifies travel companies, from hotels to tour operators, who place a priority on preserving the environment in various ways, from efficient use of water, energy and other resources to managing waste and pollution. Another Green Globe mission is to educate travelers to be selective about choosing environmentally aware destinations and suppliers, as well as being sensitive to minimizing their own impact on a place.

Rather than radical environmentalism, Green Globes suggest a list of common sense steps to take. While not an absolute enforceable code, certification does indicate awareness of the issues and support of objectives which, if implemented correctly, do make a difference.

Consider the Jamaican resort town of Negril. Six of the largest resorts on the splendid, seven mile beach have now attained Green Globe check mark certification. Though many smaller Negril hotels have been following "Genuine Jamaica," basic ecology principles for years, the active participation of the big resorts represents a major step forward in environmental awareness for all concerned. FMI For more information on Green Globe 21, visit www.greenglobe21.com. The Negril Resorts with Green Globe designations are Grand Lido, Swept Away, Negril Cabins, Rondel Village, Sandals Negril and Sea Spalsh. For info on Negril, www.jamiacatravel.com or 800-233-4582. For details on other "Genuine Jamaica" Negril hotels www.negriljamaica.com

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