Picture this: You’re relaxing by the beach, the warm sun on your skin, the soothing sound of waves, and the vibrant coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear waters. But have you noticed that, lately, the underwater world seems a bit… quieter? The beautiful coral reefs that once flourished around Mauritius have been under threat due to climate change and coral bleaching. It’s a real problem for the environment, and also for the island’s thriving tourism industry. But here’s the good news—Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels is diving into action with a groundbreaking project to restore and preserve these precious marine ecosystems!

 

Coral Crisis, But Hope Is On the Horizon 

On June 21, 2024, Beachcomber Resorts, in partnership with Reef Conservation and the European Union, launched the Land Based Coral Culture for Restoration, Conservation, and Education project. The event took place at the beautiful Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, and was attended by some pretty important folks, including EU Ambassador Oskar Benedikt, Reef Conservation President François Rogers, and Beachcomber CEO Stéphane Poupinel de Valence.

So, what’s the plan? The main goal is to establish a coral nursery on land, where corals can be grown and nurtured before being carefully reintroduced to the ocean. This initiative isn’t just about saving coral—there’s an educational component too, which will help raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine biodiversity.

Why Coral Matters to Mauritius 

Mauritius is blessed with a stunning lagoon, protected by reefs that stretch across 243 square kilometers. These reefs are home to 159 species of coral and 340 species of fish. However, due to a series of coral bleaching events, much of this underwater paradise has been severely degraded. The live coral cover has dropped from 50% in 2002 to a concerning 20% by 2018. Some coral species are now rare and even face extinction.

The team at Beachcomber knows that the future of Mauritius’ tourism is deeply linked to the health of its reefs. After all, who doesn’t dream of snorkeling in vibrant lagoons surrounded by tropical fish? So, this initiative is a win for both the environment and the tourism industry—preserving the beauty that draws visitors from all over the world.

The Restoration Plan: What’s in the Works? 

This ambitious coral restoration project will unfold in three phases over five years. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Phase One: A thorough inventory of the coral species will be conducted to identify the best areas for restoration.
2. Phase Two: A state-of-the-art coral nursery will be built at Paradis Beachcomber to cultivate rare and endangered coral species. Construction starts soon, with the nursery expected to be up and running by 2026. Over the next four years, the goal is to restore at least 0.8 hectares of reef!
3. Phase Three: An educational center will open at Paradis Beachcomber, offering workshops to local communities, school groups, and guests. These workshops will teach the importance of coral reefs in protecting biodiversity and preventing coastal erosion.

Everyone’s Onboard! 

This project is a true community effort, with support coming from all angles. François Rogers, President of Reef Conservation, highlighted the educational focus, which will involve local children, residents, and tourists. And EU Ambassador Oskar Benedikt applauded the collaboration, noting that the European Union is committed to supporting local environmental actions in Mauritius.

Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, which is known for its commitment to sustainability, has included this project as part of its Environmental and Social Charter. This charter contains 52 sustainability commitments, and the group has also earned the prestigious EarthCheck Gold label for their environmental efforts.

Why You Should Care 

We all know that coral reefs are essential for marine life. They provide homes for thousands of species, help protect coastlines from erosion, and maintain a healthy ocean ecosystem. By supporting this restoration project, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels is not only helping the environment but also ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty of Mauritius’ underwater world.

So, the next time you’re planning a getaway to Mauritius, remember that your visit is supporting efforts to protect these incredible coral reefs. Whether you’re a nature lover, a beach enthusiast, or just someone who wants to make a positive impact, this project is proof that we can all make a difference.