Dreamworks/Paramount Vantage
Dear Mr. DiCaprio,
If you haven’t heard, there are reports that several years ago you bought a “pristine” Caribbean Island in the Central American country of Belize. It’s been the subject of speculation for some time, and there are many reports and rumors that you plan to build a “green resort.”
Seeing as that I just came across another one of these stories today, I would like to offer you some unsolicited advice, Leo, if I might.
- Start by contacting ABC News who featured you in an article last year titled “Who Will Create the First Green Island?” First tell them that no one creates an island. Next, aware them that their title is bad as islands are generally “green” even before people set foot on them. What they seem to want to ask is, who will be the first person to develop an island for tourism in the most ecologically friendly way possible? Here’s what you should tell them.
- Contrary to the most recent report that you are building a “luxury layout, which will include an 80-room hotel and a selection of condominiums and luxury villas, all with private pools and a green theme,” tell them that you are considering not developing the island at all.
- If you must build though, follow up on the idea to use “the very latest in innovative green technology…” on your 104 acres, “including hybrid power systems and eco tours, which will respect the island’s wildlife and tropical surroundings.”
- Stay away from the word “luxury.” Market a quality experience and resort to people who can travel on smaller or medium-sized budgets, but who have less money than the “luxury” crowd. By all means shoot for having a nice hotel, but are private pools really necessary to have a good time?
- Set up a research program complete with scholarships on the island. Monitor various indicator species and the climate on the island. Have the island and its visitors contribute to science and conservation efforts.
That’s it. Thanks for your consideration of these ideas.
Sincerely,
Levi T. Novey
