What do you consider your most outstanding achievement in everything you accomplished in 2022?
In 2022, we created the Strategic Sustainability Committee and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) structure for the entire Peninsula Papagayo Resort Community, which has helped us define and implement our ESG strategy more efficiently. Six operating committees, comprised of more than 40 individuals from Andaz, Four Seasons, and Ecodesarrollo, now work together and are aligned on specific focus areas: water, waste, emissions, biodiversity, and social. I am most proud of this because people now feel like they are a team and have a common goal and vision to care for our realm and the people of our community.
One of your more significant projects has been calculating PPGY’s carbon footprint. What can individuals in our community do to participate in the reduction of carbon production?
- Consider energy efficiency when building and renovating new homes
- Chose the Mirai for your airport transfer and travel around PPGY by way of the electric bikes, golf carts or simply walk
- Reduce food waste and choose local food sources whenever possible
- Manage your waste properly by separating it correctly, reusing it when possible, and donating what things can still be used
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Be a conscious consumer of resources in your home and reduce water and energy consumption: just turning off lights when leaving home or paying attention to A/C temperature makes a difference
Describe some of the 2023 projects that you are most excited about.There are so many ground-breaking projects, but one game changer is our new in-house biologist, who will be onsite to answer your questions and provide a deeper understanding of our wildlife. It will help us make better-informed decisions with a holistic approach to managing our biodiversity and resources at PPGY. Another important project will unify PPGY’s ESG data collection to one standard that will provide insight into tracking performance and progress and keep us accountable. We will also continue to develop new programming that engages residents and guests with activities that matter to them, like expanding the coral restoration and our new lecture series, “Biodiversity Talks.”
What is your motto?
“Be kind to all kind” has been my motto since I became a vegetarian. I have a deep passion for biodiversity and feel that every life is meaningful, and it is no coincidence that this has become central to my life’s work.
