Hotel keeps oceans clean and safe through eco-conscious projects

A mangrove tree-planting project in one of the brand’s flagship resorts in Phuket. — Outrigger Hotels and Resorts

An international hotel brand is observing World Oceans Month, which kicked off on June 8, with a series of “environmental actions” across its nine flagship properties around the world.

These environmental actions – nicknamed Ocean’s Eleven – began earlier this month, and will be carried out until Aug 31.

Outrigger Resorts’ properties, namely in Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius, Maldives and Hawaii in the United States, are hosting multiple sustainable and eco-conscious projects as part of the Ocean’s Eleven efforts. These projects are an extension of the brand’s Zone (Ozone) global conservation initiative that provides enriching experiences for guests, employees and local communities.

In line with the company’s branding, the initiatives are mostly focused on creating and maintaining healthy oceans and coral reefs.

In Thailand, some of the projects include a beach cleaning exercise and mangrove tree planting in three different areas in Phuket, Thailand and weekly clean-up efforts around Koh Samui island, a collaborative effort with Trash Heroes Koh Samui.

Meanwhile, in-house marine biologist at the Outrigger Maafushivaru Maldives Resort, Lynn Kessler, will collect data on manta rays and whale sharks for local NGOs working on conservation programmes. Kessler is also working with a sea turtle protection group that carries out undersea clean ups, and is available for talks and presentations on marine biology at the resort for guests.

In Mauritius, locals believe that education and awareness on marine life and the environment should begin at a young age. With this in mind, Outrigger Mauritius took some local children on an “ocean awareness trip” in conjunction with World Oceans Day, and is set to hold beach cleaning activities with local schools in August.

Ever heard of a “fish house”? It’s similar to an aquarium except that these are placed in the ocean. This week, guests at the resort’s property at Castaway Island in Fiji will get the chance to learn how to create fish houses.

Apart from these highlights, more activities are said to be added to the list soon.

“As owners and operators of beach resorts from Mauritius to Hawaii, Outrigger has a front-row seat to the link between healthy oceans and healthy communities,” said Monica Salter, Outrigger’s vice president of global communications and social responsibility, in a statement.

“The goal for Ocean’s Eleven – 11 weeks of marine action and awareness raising – is to inspire both guests and hosts to take individual action towards a sustainable lifestyle. This will hopefully make a positive impact for the planet beyond our almost three-month intensive period of action,” she added.