Mamanuca Environment Society applauded the resort for the great work.

The Castaway Island Resort in partnership with the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) has planted corals covering a total reef area of 419.19km².

MES has applauded Castaway for the great work in restoring their coral reef ecosystem.

“Since 2015, Castaway together with MES have managed to replant or and plant new corals,” Castaway manager, Steven Andrews, said.

Mr Andrews made the comment while delivering his OZONE message to the guests.

Meanwhile, the Outrigger Group Resort’s mission is to mitigate the top three threats to coral reefs and involve guests in environment activities when on their property.

Early this month, in-house guests, kids club, Malolo District School Environment class, staff and the MES partook  in activities like coral planting, butterfly fish count, trash line game and coastal tree planting.

“We celebrated the significance and impact of the oceans around the planet, by highlighting their many contributions to human society and it’s a global celebration of ocean and collaboration for a better future,” said Marine and Environment Education officer Jessie Matai.

Coral planting commenced with two tables consisting of 66 cookies with the participation of in-house guests and the Malolo District School Environment class.

With the inclusion of the butterfly fish count activity, the students and kids club helped in recording an aspect of Castaway’s amazing coral reef biodiversity.

“Nearly 60 per cent of the world’s remaining reefs are at significant risk of being lost therefore the Outrigger Group of resorts will help restore the crucial coral reef system,” said Bitsy Kelley.

Ms Kelley is vice-president and corporate communication officer for Outrigger Enterprises Group, Hawaii.

The trash line game is aimed at driving home the importance of waste management and the duration of how long it could take for a type of waste to decompose.

“This activity is really fun and educational as it promotes how to manage waste so that they don’t end up in our ocean” said Maciu Bolanilau, Environment class member.

The participants then took part in the coastal tree planting to restore the coastlines of the resort. A total of 20 coconut trees were planted by the students and kids club.

“The tree planting initiative is convenient with the hope that when kids returned to Castaway they would see and witness what they have planted,” Vaseva Ravulo, Activities attendant said.

Castaway Island Resort celebrated World Ocean Day with the mission to grow corals and make a positive impact in helping to protect coral reefs.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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