Richard Branson seems to have gotten a real drive for eco-friendly development as of late. Dropping large amounts of cash on biofuels, renewable energy research, co2 abatement prizes, and now he is planning a carbon neutral island paradise.
Sir Richard Branson has bought a second Caribbean island for £10million with a view to turning it into a luxury resort for ecofriendly families.
Moskito is just one and a half miles from Necker, the island home the Virgin tycoon paid £130,000 for in 1976.
His plans for Moskito’s 120 acres are still being drawn up but will include Balinesestyle lodges made from local trees and resources.
The resort is expected to be powered by wind, wave or solar power, and appeal to those in search of an environmentally responsible break.
Sir Richard’s Virgin Atlantic airline flies eight routes to the Caribbean. Both Moskito and the 74-acre Necker are part of the British Virgin Islands, to the east of Puerto Rico.
He said: “I was terrified that Moskito would end up in the wrong hands and be ruined.
“It is a beautiful island that needs love and attention. I want to start from scratch and create the most ecologically friendly island in the world.
“Come back in five years and you’ll find a mini-Bali with a rainforest in the Caribbean.”
Conventional cars will be banned although there may be small electric to ferry visitors around. Sir Richard, 56, is already installing wind and wave turbines and solar panels on Necker, which is used as a hideaway by celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Annie Lennox. Princess Diana was also a visitor.
Sir Richard said he intended Moskito to be carbon neutral. This means that any carbon dioxide which is produced will be off-set by actions which remove the gas from the atmosphere, such as planting more trees.
He said Necker should itself be “CO2 neutral” within nine months. (via)