Nov/Dez 2005 ZURÜCK
Musterbrief 1 für ein Schreiben an die Vertreter der Conrad/Hilton Group
Bitte schicken Sie ein Email, einen Brief oder ein Fax an die aufgelisteten Verantwortlichen der Conrad/Hilton Gruppe.
Den Text finden Sie weiter unten.
Mr Gregg Rockett
Vice President Development – Americas
Hilton International
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, Florida, 33134
USA
Tel: +1 305 774 4502
Fax: +1 305 774 3895
Email: gregory.rockett@hilton.com
Mr Ian Carter, CEO, Hilton International
Maple Court
Central Park
Reeds Crescent
Watford
Hertfordshire WD24 4QQ
UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 856 8000
Fax: +44 (0)207 856 8001
Ms Karla Visconti
Latin America/Caribbean
Hilton International
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Suite 700
Coral Gables
FL 33134
USA
Tel: +1 305 774 4534
Fax: +1 305-476-7186
Email: karla.visconti@hilton.com
Mr Clem Barter
President
Conrad Hotels
Avenue Louise 71
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 542 48 80
Fax: +32 2 542 47 70
Email: clem_barter@hilton.com
Catherine Couplan
Director of Public Relations
Conrad Hotels
Avenue Louise 71
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 542 47 90
Fax: +32 2 542 43 00
Email: catherine_couplan@hilton.com
Hilton Group Corporate, Social Responsibility Manager
c/o Group Secretariat
Hilton Group plc
Maple Court
Reeds Crescent
Central Park
Watford
Hertfordshire WD24 4QQ
Email: csr@hilton.com
Dear …
I am astonished to learn that Hilton Group’s subsidiary, Conrad Hotels, has agreed to operate the Bimini Bay Resort and Casino in the Bahamas. On its collective website, the Hilton Group professes to meet its environmental responsibilities. This association suggests otherwise.
The Bimini Bay development has been fought by scientists and conservationists for some ten years because of the disastrous impact it will inevitably have on the islands and people of Bimini as well as the marine ecosystems far beyond. Below are some of the concerns:
1. Construction activity for the resort will make Alice Town, the main populated area, vulnerable in the case of a hurricane to flooding and destruction.
2. Bulldozing of the mangrove forests of the islands is currently on-going and an absolute scandal. The previous government had accepted the advice of scientists and protected the pristine habitats of Bimini. The present government has torn up the protection and allowed the destruction to proceed unchecked.
3. The mangrove forests of Bimini – the only ones in the region - and the associated inshore ecosystems are a refuge/breeding ground/nursery ground/feeding area for some 140 species of animal many of which range far beyond the islands and include endangered species. Obliteration by bulldozing and dredging will devastate the conch, bonefish, lobster and reef fish on which the Biminites depend for their sustenance and livelihood.
4. The maintenance of the proposed golf course will require pesticides and fertilizer which will flow into the sea and further damage or indeed destroy the inshore environment including the local coral reefs.
5. This development – whose full extent has been hidden from the local people – is completely out of scale with the tiny islands that will be wrecked by it. What will the attitude of the Biminites be to the Bimini Bay Resort, Marina and Casino once they see what the construction has cost them?
6. With the natural wonders of Bimini destroyed, the very reasons for visiting these charming islands will be lost.
I urge your company immediately to divorce itself from this project or, at the very least, to fund an immediate independent Environmental Impact Survey of this development: a survey that rigorously addresses the full range of dredging, bulldozing and destruction/construction activities that the Capo Group intends to inflict on these fragile islands.
Yours…
Reference:
Gruber, S.H. (2002). Special dedicated issue on Bimini Bahamas: Anthropogenic ecological effects. Bahamas Journal of Science 9 (2): 1-68.
Anmerkung:
Die Absender dieses Briefes haben inzwischen von Gregory Rockett eine standartisierte Antwortnachricht bekommen - siehe unten, zusammen mit der Erwiederung von Shark Trust UK:
Standardized email reply from Mr Rockett:
Dear …….,
Thank you for your letter regarding Hilton Group's involvement in the Bimini Bay resort project.
Hilton International, a subsidiary of Hilton Group, plc, has signed a management agreement with RAV Bahamas Limited, a subsidiary of the Capo Group, to manage the Conrad Bimini resort.
The Conrad Bimini resort is one component of an overall multi-use complex developed by RAV Bahamas Limited (Capo Group); Hilton International's involvement is solely the management of the Conrad Bimini resort.
The management contract with RAV Bahamas Limited was agreed upon learning that the overall project comprised the following:
1) Compliance with all government regulations: The Bimini Bay development received full approval from both the previous and current Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Government agreed that the proposed development would be in the best interest of The Bahamas and the Islands of Bimini.
2) Completion of an environmental impact study: The development has undergone a range of environmental impact studies, prepared in accordance with applicable government guidelines, and the most recent study developed in close coordination with The Bahamas Environment, Science, and Technology Commission (BEST). The studies provided recommendations to be implemented by the developer, such as monitoring plans including mitigation measures, erosion control measures, and reporting to the BEST Commission. The BEST Commission has stated that RAV Bahamas Limited complies with all protocols set and cooperates with all ongoing inquiries and directions on environmental sustainability practices. Additionally, the project originally proposed has been scaled back significantly including over a 50% reduction in the number of overall units.
3) Community involvement: The Bimini Town Counsel has been fully aware of the development and involved in its progress. The Chairman of the Bimini Town Counsel attended a trip to research best practices for the development. Also, the developer has attended meetings with all Counsel members, island pastors, church ministers, and community leaders, to disclose project plans and progress.
4) Contribution to social improvement: The Capo Group is providing a significant social contribution to the residents of Bimini, including employment opportunities, technical skills training, construction of a primary school for 250 children, among others.
RAV Bahamas Limited have assured us that they are committed to maintaining the beauty of Bimini, protecting the environment, and improving the society.
As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Hilton Group, plc recognizes the importance of environmental protection and continuously endeavors toward environmental sustainability. In doing so, we consider the effects our business may have on the environment and ensure we do everything possible to comply with environmental legislation and codes of practice issued by the countries in which we operate. In addition, we believe in educating our team members on environmental issues and recently implemented a global environmental program throughout Hilton International to increase awareness through environmental training.
Because of our focus on contributing toward a better society, Hilton Group, plc has been recognized by both the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the FTSE4Good index series for our CSR standards and best practices across a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators.
Regards,
Gregory Rockett
Vice President Development
Hilton International * The Americas
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. #700
Coral Gables, FL 33134
USA
Direct: +1 305 774 4502
Main: +1 305 444 3444
Fax: +1 305 774 3895
gregory.rockett@hilton.com
Executive Assistant:
Direct: +1 305 774 4524
nanette.torano@hilton.com
….
Die Antwort von Shark Trust :
30th September 2005,
Dear Mr Rockett,
Thank you for your email of September 28th concerning the Hilton Group’s involvement in the Bimini Bay Development. Unfortunately your reply, when dealing with the central issue – the ongoing destruction of the inshore and intertidal ecosystems of Bimini – is nothing more than a regurgitation of the farcical PR material produced by the Capo Group with the scandalous collusion of the current government of the Bahamas. Let me be perfectly clear: the various government ministers involved in this outrage are now indulging in blatant lying when they claim that this development will have no adverse environmental consequences. Let me quote The Hon. Bradley Roberts on the announcement of the Capo/Conrad-Hilton association:
‘I hasten to reassure those that know and love Bimini, these developments will not detract from or adversely affect the charm and style for which Bimini has become famous. Nor have these developments taken place at the expense of the sensitive environment of the islands. Much scrutiny was applied over this very issue.’
These are lies. You cannot destroy the environment without affecting the environment! Numerous marine scientists have studied, over several decades, the intertidal and inshore ecosystems of Bimini which are currently being bulldozed, dredged, silted over and built upon. Those local habitats sufficiently removed from the immediate destruction can look forward to being smothered by sediment discharge, polluted by sewage and poisoned by the fertilizer and pesticides required to maintain the golf course.
The mangrove ecosystem of Bimini currently being bulldozed is the only one in this part of the Bahamas and is absolutely vital for a vast number of animal species (including endangered species) that range far beyond it. The destruction will most certainly degrade marine (and to a lesser extent terrestrial) ecosystems farther afield. This is not open to debate: it is scientific fact.
Even at this relatively early stage of the Bimini Bay development, local Bimini conch farmers are complaining that their conch beds are being destroyed and the bonefishermen that their once world-class sport is dying as the once crystal clear waters of Bimini’s bonefish grounds become ever more murky (Mr Capo does not bother to block the sediment his dredging generates though he is supposedly required to do so). Scientists monitoring the lemon sharks that are totally dependent on the region as a nursery have noticed a significant drop in the survival rate of the pups. It is only a matter of time before the region’s coral reefs are similarly degraded or destroyed by this development.
Let me quote the lofty words on the Hilton Group’s website: words that are utterly ridiculous when applied to Hilton’s association with the Bimini Bay scandal:
‘Our Commitment to the Environment
At Hilton Hotels Corporation, protecting the Environment is a top priority. Responsible environmental activity is good for both our business and the community. Hilton has developed a comprehensive company-wide policy to promote business practices that help preserve the environment. We provide guidelines for all of our facilities, and our goals are to "Reduce - Reuse - Recycle" as much as we can...
…Our team members also play a role by participating in various communities outreach projects, such as planting trees, cleaning beaches and undertaking other activities that help restore our natural resources. We believe that all Americans should take action to protect our environment for today and for the future.’
I note that another issue presented to you – the new risk posed to Alice Town due to hurricane–generated surge thanks to habitat modification for the development – is entirely ignored in your email. Does the Hilton Group think this risk – the destruction of the main populated part of the island as envisaged by Professor Dolan – can be ignored (reference below)?
Let me deal with specific points in your letter (in italics).
‘The management contract with RAV Bahamas Limited was agreed upon learning that the overall project comprised the following:
1) Compliance with all government regulations: The Bimini Bay development received full approval from both the previous and current Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Government agreed that the proposed development would be in the best interest of The Bahamas and the Islands of Bimini.’
- This is misleading. The previous government was sufficiently concerned about the value and vulnerability of the habitats of northern Bimini that it declared the northern and eastern parts a Marine Protected Area and specifically banned development there. The current government, when in opposition, was vociferously opposed to the development the previous government had already allowed in northwestern Bimini by Mr Capo. Yet when it came to power the PLP immediately jumped into bed with him, rescinded all the protection measures and has given him carte blanche to smash, bulldoze and dredge as he sees fit. His intention is to grab the entire, previously pristine, arc of Bimini from the northwest to the northeast for your hotel, the marina, golf course and endless condominiums and houses. This will require land filling, near-total mangrove bulldozing, channel dredging, the smothering of the fringing coral reef at the northern tip of the island to extend the land for the golf course and blocking the vital East Creek tidal flow channel into the mangroves (resulting in the transformation of this pristine intertidal ecosystem into a fetid swamp).
‘2) Completion of an environmental impact study... etc etc …Additionally, the project originally proposed has been scaled back significantly including over a 50% reduction in the number of overall units.’
- The so-called environmental impact studies performed on behalf of the Capo Group at Bimini are a sham as any genuine scientist familiar with the region can tell you. Any environmental impact assessment produced by a developer is immediately suspect as the assessor is being paid to produce the report the developer wishes to receive. And when the government is in bed with the developer the task is even easier. I challenge you to find a single qualified marine scientist of integrity who will state that this development will not have a disastrous affect on the region. The claim that the project has been scaled back significantly is again, misleading. This is just another sleazy piece of Capo/PLP sophistry that you are alarmingly happy to repeat. While the number of units has indeed been reduced, the area that will be destroyed is virtually unchanged.
’3) Community involvement: The Bimini Town Counsel has been fully aware of the development and involved in its progress… etc…’
- The decision-making has been done in Nassau behind closed doors between the government and Mr Capo and without interplay with the people of Bimini. There have already been concerned meetings and demonstrations on Bimini against this development (which you fail to mention) as well as angry exchanges in Parliament concerning the ethical conduct of the PLP concerning this matter. The further points in your email are, alas, not relevant to the destruction of the environment at Bimini.
I also wrote a detailed letter to yourself and senior members of the Hilton Group whose concerns have not been addressed in this email. I trust I will be receiving, shortly, a response to that letter from you or your colleagues that rigorously addresses the concerns therein.
If the Hilton Group wishes to act with integrity on this matter its course is very clear: perform a genuine and independent environmental impact assessment of the Bimini Bay Resort (having first extracted from Mr Capo exact plans of the true extent of his developmental ambitions) and then consider your position based not on the Capo/PLP whitewash machine but on the scientific facts. This is a relatively cheap and thoroughly sensible course for your prestigious company to take to preserve its good name and a process whereby the Hilton Group can yet extract itself from this development based on the scientific facts and, I hasten to add, with its credibility as a company of ethical standing enhanced. The several Conservation and Ethical Tourism NGOs which have taken the Bimini Bay scandal on board would certainly applaud and publicise such actions.
Yours,
Jeremy Stafford-Deitsch.
Shark Trust UK.
www.sharktrust.org
Reference:
Gruber, S.H. (2002). Special dedicated issue on Bimini Bahamas: Anthropogenic ecological effects. Bahamas Journal of Science 9 (2): 1-68.
CC:
Ian Carter,
CEO Hilton International,
Maple Court, Central Park,
Reeds Crescent,
Watford,
Herts WD24 4QQ.,
Clem Barter
President
Conrad Hotels
Avenue Louise 71
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Catherine Couplan
Director of Public Relations
Conrad Hotels
Avenue Louise 71
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Thierry Durand
Director of Sales Development
Conrad Hotels
Avenue Louise 71
1050 Brussels, Belgium
The CSR Manager,
Hilton International,
Maple Court, Central Park,
Reeds Crescent,
Watford,
Herts WD24 4QQ.