Students Explore Ecotourism at Vanilla Paradise Nevis
Earlier this year, we were thrilled to welcome students from St. Thomas and Charlestown Primary Schools on Nevis, studying tourism, along with their dedicated teachers, to Vanilla Paradise Nevis. It was a true pleasure to share our passion for sustainable vanilla cultivation and the fascinating world of this spice with such a bright and inquisitive group.
Here is how ChajNe Caines, known as Staharr, student from Charlestown Primary School, described her field trip experience:
A Field Trip We Won't Forget!
ChajNe Caines, known as Staharr
“Our Grade 6 class went on the coolest field trip ever! We visited Vanilla Paradise Nevis, the island's very own vanilla farm. It wasn't just about smelling delicious things (although let me tell you, that vanilla aroma was incredible!). We learned a whole bunch of stuff about vanilla, sustainability, and even tourism!
First off, we had a brainstorming session on everything we knew about vanilla, from how it makes cookies smell to how it makes ice cream taste awesome! Who knew vanilla comes from an orchid plant? Then, Gina Empson, the farm's founder, and her colleague John Wedderburn, took us on a virtual time travel trip! We learned all about the history of vanilla, from the ancient Aztecs in Mexico to how it eventually reached Europe and even further away, in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Unlocking the Magic: The Power of Hand Pollination
But here’s the coolest part: vanilla orchids need a little extra TLC to produce those precious beans. Enter hand pollination! Unlike most plants that are pollinated by bees and other insects, vanilla relies on humans to transfer pollen from one flower to another. We even learned about Edmond Albius, a 12-year-old boy from Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Back in the 1800s, he cracked the secret of vanilla pollination, and today, we use his technique. It involves care, a steady hand, and yes, a toothpick! We were lucky enough to have some orchid flowers to see and pollinate! Gina showed us how and we got to try it out ourselves!
Future Eco-Warriors
Next, we got to see how Vanilla Paradise Nevis keeps things eco-friendly. We became eco-warriors for the day, learning how they use coconut husks and mango leaves instead of harmful chemicals. They even find their own vanilla plants from the nearby Nevis Peak Forest – who knew that vanilla grows in the wild on Nevis? It's like a self-contained vanilla haven! The wooden poles up which the vines grow are taken from the same forest but in a sustainable way, meaning that the trees can still carry on growing. We saw hundreds of these poles with vines creeping up in their “homes” aka, shade houses. The canopy of these shade houses protects the vines from the fierce Nevisian sun and lets them think they are still in the forest.
The Taste of Paradise
Now, the part we were all waiting for: the taste test! We got to sample delicious vanilla tea, extract, and even cupcakes. Let me tell you, real vanilla is a whole different world compared to the supermarket stuff! We learned how to analyse the flavours and talked about all the different ways vanilla can be used in cooking. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Vanilla: A Tourism Powerhouse for Nevis
But vanilla is more than just yummy desserts, we learned. It can actually be a big draw for tourists! Gina explained how Vanilla Paradise Nevis hopes to attract visitors who want to see how vanilla is grown and experience its unique flavours. This could bring more money to our island and create new jobs for people in the community. We thought this is pretty awesome.
Careers in Paradise: Exploring Agrotourism
Speaking of jobs, we got to discover a cool career path called agrotourism. It's a mix of agriculture and tourism, which is perfect for people who love nature, sustainability, and sharing knowledge with others. We learned about all the different jobs involved, from being a tour guide to caring for the plants – some of us even said they wanted to work in agrotourism when they grow up!
A Sweet Conclusion: More Than Just Vanilla
By the end of the trip, our heads were buzzing with new information. We learned about history, sustainability, tourism, and of course, the magic of vanilla! It wasn't just a fun day out; it was a chance for us to become more informed global citizens who appreciate taking care of the environment, responsible tourism, and of course, the deliciousness of real vanilla!
I hope you enjoyed reading about our field trip adventure!” - Staharr
Vanilla Paradise Nevis would like to extend a special thanks to Ms. Zanique Henry from Charlestown Primary and Ms. Shaundell Bernard and Mrs. Kishanna Hobson from St. Thomas' Primary for bringing the students to visit us. Their dedication to fostering a love for learning and the environment is truly inspiring. Thanks also to Ms. Anthea Caines and Ms. Azelleah Percival from the Nevis Island Administration’s Ministry of Tourism for making these trips possible and opening the student’s minds to the possibilities of agrotourism on Nevis. We look forward to welcoming future classes and sharing the magic of vanilla with them!
Do you, just like our young visitors, want to experience the magic of Vanilla Paradise Nevis for yourself? We offer regular tours of the farm, led by Gina and John, where you can learn more about sustainable vanilla cultivation. Sign up for your tour today here.
