Partnerships

The catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of the borders of Trinidad and Tobago – as well as the gates of Spring Hill Estate – and the total cessation of operations, served to highlight the vulnerability of the Asa Wright Nature Centre. As observed by one journalist at the time, “The COVID-19 crisis has plunged the Caribbean into an existential crisis that seriously challenges its development model”. This analysis was equally applicable to the AWNC. Hence, the Board of Management held a series of visioning sessions with the aim to restructure its self-financing operational model.

After a fair and rigorous comparative evaluation process of potential partners of Asa Wright Nature Centre, HADCO Experiences was selected as the preferred concessionaire to operate the ecolodge and restaurant. Under the concession agreement, HADCO Experiences will occupy and carry out its hospitality business within the building compound and environs on Spring Hill Estate and enjoy ancillary rights. The AWNC will still have a presence on Spring Hill Estate and will continue to carry out its conservation and educational programmes and revitalize its sustainable agricultural activities.