TRAVELLING AND PROTECTING THE OCEANS AT THE SAME TIME

Our oceans are critical to life on Earth, and gradually we are waking up to the damage that is being done to them, and the actions we need to take to protect them.

The world’s oceans supply most of the oxygen people breathe while absorbing some 30 percent of human-made carbon dioxide, meaning healthy oceans are vital to addressing climate change.

So how can we enjoy the oceans and look after them at the same time?

Beyond Green, a portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges offering a range of guest experiences in unique locations around the world, believes that traveling well, and with intention, can be a powerful force for renewing our planet and enhancing the lives of all its people.

So, we asked them for some tips to help us travel AND protect our beautiful oceans:

 

 Say no to single-use plastics:

A shocking forecast from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation confirms that if the world’s population proceeds on its current path, plastics could outweigh all the fish in the ocean by 2050.

To help reverse this trend it is imperative for people to avoid single-use plastic water bottles and seek out sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges that are committed to do the same. All Beyond Green members, from Ireland’s 800-year-old Ashford Castle to Botswana’s new Xigera Safari Lodge, have eliminated single-use plastic water bottles from their properties in adherence to the strict sustainability indicators outlined within the brand’s vetting process, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Help keep beaches clean: 

Visiting beautiful beaches whilst on holiday is the perfect way for travellers to relax and unwind, but unfortunately many beaches across the globe are battling litter and micro-plastic waste washed up on their shores.

To help turn the tide of plastic pollution, guests can actively get involved with local beach cleans during their stays at Beyond Green member properties including joining ‘green teams’ at Costa Rica’s beachfront Arenas Del Mar and Turtle Inn in Belize whose staff regularly volunteer to help clean up their local areas.

Support transformational opportunities:

The Blue Climate Initiative, supported by The Brando in French Polynesia, has brought together world sustainability experts, including Beyond Green co-founder Costas Christ, to co-author a new book, Transformational Opportunities for People, Ocean, Planet, to advance action for global marine conservation and combat climate change. Guests at The Brando can also meet with visiting marine scientists at its on-site Ecostation to learn about critical conservation initiatives and lend a hand by releasing fish larvae and baby turtles under the guidance of marine conservationists.

Embrace eco-organisations through travel:

At Zanzibar’s andBeyond Mnemba Island guests can join staff to watch turtles hatch and learn more about the broader work conducted by Oceans Without Borders, andBeyond’s marine conservation initiatives. These support the establishment of marine protected areas and promote coastal conservation. Islas Secas in Panama partners with the Islas Secas Foundation to support an array of ocean conservation projects and eco-education programmes for local students.

 

FACT BOX

For further information, visit www.staybeyondgreen.com