Red Frog Goes Solar

Red Frog Beach Island Resort has announced the installation and operation of a 193kw centralized solar power system in Bocas del Toro, Panama. This system will provide over 332,000 kWh’s per year of sustainable, clean energy to Bocas Del Toro’s most upscale resort.  Installed on the roofs of service buildings, these solar panels will provide over 22% of the resort’s current power needs and will be expanded as demand increases.

Red Frog Beach Island Resort solar power

Wiebke Krüge from SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH is a Solar Energy Expert and said: “It was a privilege to implement a centralized solar source at Red Frog Beach in such a beautiful island environment. We are very confident that our modern solar technology will reduce the carbon footprint in Bocas del Toro. Our company has partnered with MGM to offer strategic ways to offer financing to resort developments looking to save on energy costs and help the environment. We are excited to expand into the Central American and Caribbean tourism sector.”

Steven Bolton, Senior Shareholder of Oceans Group International, “This installation was an important part of our overall sustainability plan. When we took over the project in 2008, we set forth a new vision for Red Frog to develop the first large scale sustainable resort of its kind.  We believe that today’s travelers want a place that is sustainable and showcases nature vs. more commercialized destinations.”

The Red Frog Beach Sustainability plan commits to preserving 80% of the island property forever, providing 20% of its power with sustainable energy, implementing various conservation projects, reforesting cattle lands, and improving the lives of those living in the island community.

Red Frog Beach is currently completing two important community building efforts with its indigenous neighboring communities of Bahia Roja and Bahia Honda.  At Bahia Roja, Red Frog Beach is installing Potable Water system and Power. At Bahia Honda, Red Frog Beach improved the entrance and installing solar power and a sanitary sewer to a children’s school.  Red Frog Beach Resort employs individuals from both communities they have worked together to enhance the lives of these neighbors.

Red Frog Beach has also recently expanded its Cayman Gardens project on Isla Bastimentos.  What started as a reforestation project nearly 20 years ago (planting Teak and Eucalyptus, now with over 100 acres of mature trees, some over 80’ tall), turned into a unique horticultural success. Large scale plantings of pineapples, ginger, bananas, guava, and papaya have been planted and are being expanded on the island.  These fruits will be used to supply local restaurants including the resort’s restaurants and new grocery store opening this summer as a model for food sustainability.

Senior Vice President of Trust Hospitality, Andre Niederhauser, who manages Red Frog Beach, said, “Not only will the Cayman Gardens yield enough food to meet the needs of our guests, but can also supply the local markets with organic food options that elevates the guest’s experience in Bocas Del Toro.”

Red Frog Beach is a 1520-acre resort on Isla Bastimentos bordering the largest national Marine Park in Panama in the Province of Bocas Del Toro. The Resort pays homage to the rich heritage of biodiversity and ecosystem of the unique islands in Bocas del Toro. It has 42 villas, 6 jungle lodges, 2 restaurants, a Canopy Tour Zipline, Rainforest Spa, and an 86 berth world-class marina. With 108 employees, it is the largest employer in the region, attracting over 5,000 visitors to the resort annually.