In honour of World Oceans Day, Beyond Green, a new sustainable travel brand that launched in April, has spotlighted five eco-conscious properties around the globe with pioneering marine conservation programmes dedicated to preserving the ocean’s ecosystems to help protect indigenous wildlife and regenerate coral reefs.
From educational marine research initiatives to exhilarating diving experiences, each of the following properties have created a range of unique hands on activities inviting guests on-property to learn about the importance of the ocean during their visits to some of the world’s most beautiful far-flung island destinations.
Turtle tagging and monitoring at and Beyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania): Situated on an exclusive island off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, the private paradise with just 12 luxury beach bandas, boasts some of Africa’s most magnificent coral reefs. Home to one of only two protected nesting sites in Zanzibar for the endangered green sea turtle, the property launched a turtle tagging and monitoring programme in collaboration with its Oceans Without Borders marine conservation initiative. During their stay, guests can join daily turtle conservation patrols along the beach to monitor and record activity, and also help escort hatchlings to the sea.
Humpback whale conservation at Islas Secas (Panama): Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí off the coast of Panama, the private owned 14-island archipelago is a remote eco-paradise with sustainable tourism and marine preservation at its core. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, and the retreat features both a learning and dive centre, encouraging guests to participate in research and conservation efforts including observing the migrating humpback whales. The resort is powered entirely by solar energy, purifies and reuses all its wastewater for irrigation, recycles 100% of its food waste, and supports conservation and community projects both locally and nationally.
Excellent marine conservation initiatives
Eco diving experience at Turtle Inn (Placencia, Belize): Nestled between the jungle and the longest coral reef in the Western hemisphere, the oceanfront retreat is one of two Family Coppola Hideaways in the Caribbean and home to 25 thatched beach huts on Belize’s southern coast. To help handle the growing environmental issue of the non-native lionfish population destroying the barrier reef, the resort offers guests a unique diving experience to catch and cook the fish using traditional eco methods. The hotel’s on-site green team also organise regular staff education sessions, beach clean-up campaigns, and help fund local marine conservation.
Coral reef regeneration program at Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Bora Bora, French Polynesia): Set on an idyllic white sand beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean in Bora Bora, the floating resort features 84 overwater villas and is home to a protected natural marine lagoon that serves as a research project for coral reef regeneration. Marine biologists visit weekly to research and maintain the lagoon and coral nursery, and guests are invited to join regular visits to learn more about the local sea life conservation that is implemented.
Local community support at Miavana by Time + Tide (Nosy Ankao Island, Madagascar): Ringed by flourishing coral reefs, the tropical island escape is home to 14 luxurious beachfront villas and is committed to sustaining and protecting the surrounding land and sea ecosystems. In keeping with the company ethos of giving back to people and the planet, the Time + Tide Foundation works with the local community to support education opportunities for girls and women, while also providing additional initiatives for economic empowerment. Environmental preservation is also a key component of the foundation’s efforts, including hands on wildlife conservation such as monitoring of nesting sea turtles, marine and terrestrial biodiversity surveys, and active support for the Crowned Lemur Conservation programme.
For more information or to book, visit www.staybeyondgreen.com
