Photo by M.Torres GETTY. Retrieved from forbes.com
Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea, the five-square-mile island of Saba is arguably the region’s best-kept secret. Home to just four villages, a singular road that was dug out by a local with nothing but a shovel, pristine hiking trails, impeccable dive sites, breathtaking villas and locally-owned boutique hotels, the tiny but mighty island will take any well-traveled visitor by pleasant surprise. As the peak of a dormant volcano that pokes out from the ocean below, Saba appears to be just a speck on the map. But don’t be fooled It’s packed with loads of unexpected character. The smallest commercial runway in the world? Check. A field of solar panels that powers the whole island for 8-10 hours per day? Check. A population of 2,000 family-like residents that welcome all visitors with open arms into their close-knit community? That’s Saba.
As more regions and countries develop their tourism industry, it produces significant impacts on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution, and social systems. The island of Saba, also known as The Unspoiled Queen, has a goal to be a sustainable destination so tourism can live on and more visitors can enjoy what the hidden island has to offer.
This year’s the islandSea and Learn Foundation will be turning 20 years old and there will be an event this October to commemorate the occasion. The Sea & Learn program has been able to make a slower tourism month into one of the busier times of year and it kicks off the “high season” on the island. Through its engaging programs and educational initiatives, this remarkable foundation has not only enriched the island’s high season but has also raised awareness about the importance of marine and environmental conservation.