Bel Ombre, 18 December 2024. Heritage Resorts & Golf is proud to announce the successful launch of the Heritage Marine Education Centre, which took place on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
This initiative, developed in partnership with NGO Reef Conservation, aims to educate guests of all ages about the vital marine and coastal ecosystems in Mauritius and the crucial roles they play. In addition, on-site marine biologists will focus on the regeneration of seagrass and coral reef ecosystems through scientific research, education, and active community involvement.
The centre will feature interactive exhibits on lagoon biodiversity, coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal forests, accessible to all ages.
ENHANCING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Marine biologists, Anouska Geerowar and Pourani Chinapian, will be on hand to share their knowledge and passion for these unique ecosystems. From beach walks to guided outings at sea, guests will be able to discover closely the conservation work being done in the region and to engage in regeneration initiatives alongside experts.
Raoul Maurel, Chief Operations Officer of Heritage Resorts & Golf, states: “By offering scientist-led exhibits and conservation activities, it deepens our guests’ appreciation of the marine ecosystems that need protection. Beyond this, our properties, Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort and Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, have been Green Key certified since 2017, recognising our comprehensive sustainable standards from marine conservation to waste and energy management. Our beach restaurant, the C Beach Club, was also honoured with this distinction last September.”
JOINING EFFORTS TO PROTECT BEL OMBRE’S LAGOON
Rogers Hospitality’s Chief Brand & Communication Officer and Sustainability Leader, Axelle Mazery, explains: “ The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and represent about 95% of its biosphere. They play a crucial role in regulating climate, absorbing over a quarter of human-generated CO2 emissions and around 90% of excess heat, while supporting the livelihoods of some 3 billion people who rely on them for protein and economic stability. Protecting these vital ecosystems is essential, as pollution from land ultimately affects our oceans and marine life. At Rogers Hospitality, we recognise our role in marine education and conservation. While tourism can impact the marine environment, it can also support conservation when managed sustainably. By partnering with local organisations such as Reef Conservation and implementing sustainable initiatives, we aim to protect marine ecosystems and promote respect for marine resources. This is in line with our ‘Now For Tomorrow’ sustainability programme, which focuses on responsible hospitality and conservation efforts.”
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR MARINE STEWARDSHIP
One of the key areas the Heritage Marine Education Centre aims to capitalize on is community involvement, developing a range of activities to support this goal. The centre will serve as an essential educational hub for both guests and the local community. Through tailor-made programmes for Mauritian youth and partnerships with local schools and organisations, the hotel group aims to foster a deep sense of environmental responsibility in the community in which it operates. This approach not only enhances the long-term sustainability of Bel Ombre’s natural resources but also strengthens the bond between the resort and the surrounding community.
Building on this community-centric approach, the newly opened centre will offer a range of initiatives designed to engage and educate local residents. From interactive exhibits showcasing the biodiversity of the lagoon and coral reefs to specialized programs highlighting the importance of seagrass beds and coastal forests, the centre will provide a comprehensive learning experience. This collaborative approach ensures that the protection of Bel Ombre’s marine ecosystems becomes a shared responsibility, creating a model for sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local population.
COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION: NURTURING CORAL REEFS AND SEAGRASS ECOSYSTEMS
François Rogers, president of the NGO Reef Conservation, adds: “This partnership between Reef Conservation and Heritage Resorts & Golf marks an essential step towards raising awareness and preserving our marine resources. The sea is much more than a landscape for Mauritians and our visitors: it is a pillar of our identity, a heritage to be preserved. This new marine education centre will be a key infrastructure to host our conservation initiatives and sustain the momentum of our ongoing restoration programme. It will also provide opportunities for citizen science, enabling visitors and the local community to actively participate in the preservation of marine ecosystems through an immersive experience, for a sustainable future where everyone plays a part in protecting our environment for generations to come.“
By adopting a multi-faceted strategy to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems and partnering with stakeholders who are experts in their field, Heritage Resorts & Golf will be able to achieve the Rogers Hospitality Group’s sustainability goals of promoting education, conservation and regeneration of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and involving guests in regeneration initiatives alongside experts.
