Celebrate World Ocean Day with Rosewood: A Commitment to Coral Conservation and Ocean Sustainability
As World Ocean Day approaches, Rosewood Hotels is proud to reaffirm its commitment to protecting our planet’s precious marine ecosystems through awareness and action, by championing education, advocacy, and community engagement at several of our resorts.
From coral conservation efforts at Rosewood Phuket and Rosewood Baha Mar, to sustainable fishing practices at Rosewood Mayakoba and Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, the hotel group is dedicated to educating guests and creating sustainable impact within the luxury lifestyle space.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Kona Village is an ardent supporter of Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee (KMLAC) on the “Try Wait” initiative, which has implemented a 10-year rest for a 3.6 mile stretch of coastline to restore marine resources from Kalaemanō to Kikaua Point. A collaborative effort between local families, fishermen, and KMLAC, this community-based plan seeks to restore marine resources and ensure traditional, subsistence, and cultural fishing practices.
In partnership with the nearby Ke Kai Ola- Monk Seal Rehabilitation Center, the property facilitates fishing for invasive tilapia from the onsite fishpond, which will be used to feed healing Hawaiian seals as they recover at the center.
Kona Village engages and inspires the next generation of conscious travelers through the property’s Rosewood Explorer’s Keiki Club. To learn more, please watch this short film with the resort’s sustainability manager, Lauren Nakoa.
Rosewood Baha Mar is preserving the pristine marine environment off Nassau’s Cable Beach through its partnership with The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and educating the next generation of Bahamians and visitors on how to protect coral reefs, which are critical both for ecosystem preservation and for supporting local livelihoods dependent on fishing. Guests are invited to take a hands-on approach through Rosewood’s Citizen Science Program, where they can actively participate in the rebuilding of reefs, through a snorkeling adventure with experienced ocean guides, with 100% of the proceeds going to BREEF. Guests can adopt coral fragments to plant within the surrounding waters and volunteer for local beach clean-ups with the organization.
The resort’s certification Preferred By Nature™ is a mark of our commitment to making responsible choices and implementing increasingly sustainable practices in our everyday operations and in our partnerships with local producers.
Guests can also help combat plastic pollution by participating in a beach clean up. All collected cans and bottles will be recycled by the non-profit organization Cans4Kids that raises funds for local schools and youth organizations.
Beyond minimizing any adverse effects of its own operations on the environment, Rosewood Phuket is also investing in local initiatives designed to conserve the destination’s land- and seascapes for future generations. The resort is pioneering new standards in erosion control and has also contributed to the placement of 340 artificial reef structures in the nearby Emerald Bay, both intended to support the long-term protection of local waters and help replenish aquatic life. Rosewood Phuket controls erosion by having bioswales and retention ponds to help protect the ocean and marine life from stormwater runoff. The resort also saves water by collecting rainwater, using water efficient fixtures and efficient irrigation for plants. Rosewood Phuket also features teen activities where guests can learn about ocean conservation and take part in making a difference.
Rosewood Mayakoba is certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a Seafood Watch partner and is an active champion of Come Pesca, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable seafood and fishing practices. As a longtime ambassador of the program, Executive Chef Edgar Chavez has helped coordinate and expand the resort’s annual Amigos del Mar event, which highlights the importance of sustainable sourcing to maintain the balance of our oceans and guarantee the availability of fish populations for future generations .
On daily eco-tours, guests have the opportunity to observe Mexico’s abundant wildlife and learn about protection and rehabilitation efforts for the sea turtles that make their home in the region. The resort offers excursions for children in the morning, followed by a tour for adults and families.