Friday, August 30, 2024 Royal Caribbean International has engaged SEV Consulting Group, a prominent Bahamian-owned environmental consulting firm, to oversee independent environmental monitoring throughout the construction and operation phases of the Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, Nassau, The Bahamas. This partnership underscores Royal Caribbean’s dedication to meeting both its environmental obligations and adhering to Bahamian and global regulations. SEV Consulting Group will ensure that the 17-acre beachfront destination, set to open in late 2025, aligns with these stringent environmental standards.
“Protecting and preserving the natural resources of Paradise Island is a key part of how the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas will shine at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Nature painted a perfect canvas on the island; that canvas changed with time after it was abandoned over many years by previous homeowners. While there is some work to be done and a process to go through that beauty will be restored,” said Philip Simon Jr.
, president and general manager , Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas. “Many structures and invasive species were left behind, and with SEV Consulting Group’s partnership to see through the demolition, construction and operation, the western end of Paradise Island will be a welcome crown in the heart of the harbour once again.” Since 2007, SEV has been actively engaged in various projects across The Bahamas and is now overseeing the demolition and mandated removal of over 1,600 non-native plants and trees to restore the area’s native habitat.
As the 2025 opening approaches, SEV and Royal Caribbean will continue to supervise the reconstruction phase, which includes developing small-scale buildings, pools, lounge areas, and limited back-of-house operations facilities, along with docks. Additionally, SEV will ensure that Royal Caribbean adheres to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the beach club. These documents are crucial for all industrial, commercial, and residential developments in The Bahamas, as they help identify potential environmental impacts and outline strategies to eliminate or reduce them, ensuring compliance with The Bahamas’ Environmental Planning and Protection Act (No.
40 of 2019). “We are pleased to work on this project to protect and promote the island’s natural beauty,” said Stacey Moultrie, Vice President of Environmental Policy and Planning, SEV Consulting Group. “Our job as the environmental monitors is to ensure that the teams for construction and operations implement the measures outlined in the Environmental Management Plan and follow the environmental laws of The Bahamas.
This includes protecting marine turtle nesting sites and removing invasive species.” SEV is actively conducting regular site visits, closely monitoring progress, and performing inspections in collaboration with Royal Caribbean. During these inspections, the construction team can implement corrective actions and halt work if needed.
The findings from these inspections are compiled into monthly reports submitted to The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). Throughout the construction phase, SEV will maintain full-time monitors on-site for Royal Caribbean. SEV is also partnering closely with Stacy Lubin, a veteran in environmental conservation within The Bahamas and now Royal Caribbean’s director of environment and sustainability for the region.
Lubin works in tandem with DEPP to ensure that all environmental practices adhere to the Royal Beach Club’s environmental plan and Royal Caribbean’s six core commitments: zero waste-to-landfill, renewable energy, no dredging, no overwater cabanas, wastewater treatment, and the protection and enhancement of surrounding habitats. This plan emphasizes the preservation and restoration of native habitats while facilitating the safe removal of non-native and invasive plant species. Royal Caribbean International’s dedication to local hiring, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development guarantees that the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will become a premier destination, safeguarding the island’s natural beauty while bolstering the local economy.
The inaugural Royal Beach Club Collection is set to take shape in the coming months, with The Bahamas at the core of the experience. From its picturesque location on one of the island’s most stunning beaches to the infusion of Bahamian cuisine, culture, and locally hired staff, the new beach club merges the essence of The Bahamas with Royal Caribbean’s signature service and design. The offerings will include swim-up bars, two distinct beaches, private cabanas, and island-style venues for casual and local dining.
.
