Ocean Cay MSC receives major environmental accreditation
Pierfrancesco Vago has been appointed as the Champion for the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve which has been formally designated a ‘Hot Spot’ by Mission Blue.
Ocean Cay MSC joins a network of 154 Hot Spots – places recognised as critical to ocean health with the ultimate goal of achieving the status of Marine Protected Areas – under the Mission Blue banner, a non for profit organisation to promote the protection of marine ecosystems.
MSC Cruises took over the responsibility of Ocean Cay in 2015, an artificial island that had suffered from decades of industrial work such as aragonite sand mining.
MSC embarked on an ambitious restoration initiative, collaborating with the Government of The Bahamas, leading universities, marine scientists and conservations to restore the island’s ecosystems.
The project has already seen nearly 5,000 trees and 75,000 plants, flowers and shrubs planted on the island and the health of surrounding waterways is also flourishing with strengthened numbers of marine life like the loggerhead sea turtle.
The Marine Restoration Programme covers 64 square kilometres of marine waters and ecosystems around Ocean Cay and furthered its practices to surrounding reefs under the Super Coral Programme.
The MSC Foundation is also planning to further this work and engage the attention of many thousands of cruise visitors every year, raising awareness of the urgent need for ocean conservation efforts worldwide.
“This recognizes the comprehensive restoration efforts and commitment to protecting marine biodiversity,” president and chairman, Mission Blue, Dr. Sylvia Earle, said on the designation of Hope Spot status to Ocean Cay.
“Led by Pierfrancesco Vago, the restoration of Ocean Cay has been a multidisciplinary effort to re-establish the ecological balance in this limestone island and its surrounding marine estate.
Ocean Cay will inform thousands of people weekly about the crucial importance of growing and out planting thermally tolerant corals for marine conservation, ocean health and human wellbeing.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Foundation Board Member and Chair of the Executive Committee, and Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, agreed it is a momentous occasion for MSC and Ocean Cay.
“Being designated a Hope Spot is an important recognition for Ocean Cay Marine Reserve and helps focus attention on how we all have an important duty as caretakers of our Blue Planet,” he, said.
“That responsibility is why the scientific research and restoration efforts of our Super Coral Programme aim not just to create resilient coral reefs around Ocean Cay and in The Bahamas, but to simultaneously contribute to conservation knowledge and initiatives worldwide.
“I thank Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue for their tireless efforts, which inspire us all to cherish and safeguard the rich biodiversity of our oceans.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Dr Sylvia Earle msc Ocean Cay Ocean Cay The Marine Restoration Programme Pierfrancesco VagoLatest News
South African Airways ups capacity between Perth and Johannesburg amid sustained demand
Lekker! You WA travellers are now even closer to beef jerky and safaris thanks to South African Airways.
WATCH: Norwegian Cruise Lines unveils plans for brand new Norwegian Luna in Sydney
NCL celebrated the launch of Luna with a full moon inspired event and we were on the scene with our cameras to share it.
Hawkins Limited scores NZ$800m construction contract to oversee build of Auckland Airport’s new domestic terminal
Half a century between domestic terminal construction, and we thought our layover was long.
Footy fans panic as cancelled flights leave matchday plans in doubt, while Qantas & Jetstar reveal AFL Grand Final plans
Airlines are scrambling to avoid getting between footy fans and their team and/or their beer and meat pie tonight.
PROFILE: Leanne Geraghty, chief customer and sales officer, Air New Zealand
Nothing like punching above your weight in a competitive field. No, we are not talking rugby.
Quark Expeditions offers three exclusive itineraries to see the Northern Lights
We also thought this picture was a UFO sighting at first, but rest assured it's not.
Silversea announces new Venetian Society Reunion voyage for 2025
Silver Spirit sounds like the name of an older woman I met at a yoga retreat in Bali one time.
Storm Boris leads to worst flooding in 20 years in Europe
Weather does not discriminate, but some insurers do. It's always good to check the fine print, too.
Brisbane chooses Amadeus for an exceptional airport experience
Not sure about you but I can't read the word Amadeus without Mozart playing automatically in my head.
The 3 biggest trends shaping travel in 2024
It is important to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to knowing what's going on in travel.
Non-stop travel options as Indians takes flight to Australia
It's a bit of a carrot and stick approach, but in this case the 'lathi' is a bit too hefty. See you in Jaipur for GX!
Qantas soon to open enhanced Broome Regional Lounge
Why is it that the stock images before something has been built always look like something from Paranormal Activity?
Bookings now open for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
With all these conference centres popping up, Sydney and Melbourne will be getting very scared indeed.
Australian Cruise Association confirms Board of Management with Port Authority boss as chair
Was this photo before or after the Board meeting, that is what we want to know.
Veriu Group’s Punthill Sunshine ready to welcome its first guests
When we lived down the road from Sunshine, liveability was not in the lexicon. Glad it is on the rise now though.
Fiji Airways collaborates on feasibility study for SAF made from sugarcane
This sounds like a sweet deal for all of the Pacific islands if they can get it off the ground.
Business Events Victoria encourages applications for regional business events funding
Business Events Victoria is encouraging conference and event organisers to apply and make the most of all regional Victoria has to offer. The funding is part of the Regional Business Events Program, which is being delivered by Business Events Victoria in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau. The program supports national and international businesses to host […]
Club Med offers savings on its Japan ski resorts
If skiing in Japan has long been on your vision board then now is the time to move!
Travel Portland returns to ANZ with trade program
When it comes to visitors, us Aussies are definitely the most wanted. It isn't like we can do weekend stays...
Cameron Daddo heads to Vietnam on new golf tour with Luxury Escapes
Pairing Daddo with O'Hern seems like a perfect match for a Pro-Am. Topical reference, this is not.
Azamara Cruises returns to ANZ for a hot summer of voyages
If you are looking for the suite life on a smaller ship cruising locally this summer, this is probably it.
SITA study reveals technology is the key to unlocking the passenger experience of the future
Are you on board with the digital revolution? Perhaps that's a loaded question, because no one really has a choice.
Alaska Airlines completes multi-billion dollar acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines as carriers join forces
You swap the beanie and gloves for a pair of boardshorts, or vice-versa, but we know which order we'd be doing it!
Emirates announces winners of ultimate sports fan incentive
With the cost of flights to sporting events on the up, this really is a prize worth winning.
Australian Tourism and Hospitality Skills Symposium set for Brisbane in November
First up, the Government needs to open the gates to more OS students with work visas so they can work in hospitality.
WTTC announces final line-up for 24th Global Summit in Perth
We wonder who will be running the travel world when all the leaders are in Perth next month. See you there?
REVIEW: Pullman Adelaide is a classy stay just minutes from the action
We're getting better and better at sampling buffet breakfasts, and the Pullman Adelaide might just be top of the class!
Women In Travel: Why we still need female-only networking with Flight Centre’s Katrina Ryan
You have less than two weeks to enter this year's awards. And it's free! What are you waiting for!?
Bali’s hospitality sector agree technology, community and cooperation are key to future
We presume that no delegate from Australia, sporting a Bintang singlet, was present at this event.
NZ watchdog to sue Jetstar for misleading consumers
If you're feeling short on cash it might be time to check if you are entitled to compensation (said in advert voice).
African Wildlife Safaris set to celebrate 40th anniversary with specials
Having been around for 40 years, we expect they have the lion's share of Australians travelling to Africa.
Collette launches Encompass Campaign, a new and enhanced tools for travel agents
Great - Collette University - just as along as we don't have to add another degree to understand it.
Macao tourism campaign enters second phase
The key takeaway here is that there is a quiz and you can win some fabulous prizes!
Global CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead steps down
Maybe now that she has time on her hands, Kelly can jump on a cruise and relax.
IndiGo and Amadeus enter strategic NDC partnership
There are more partnerships in the airline industry these days than there are on Married At First Sight.
APT donates more than $100,000 to the Vietnam’s Blue Dragon charity
If a short walk was all it took to raise $100k, then our office needs to lift its game.