BORA BORA—Surrounded by the legendary sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, The St. Regis Bora Bora is home to a rich underwater ecosystem. This week the resort announced a partnership with BoraEcoFish, an aquaculture company whose main purpose is to spread information and educate the public on marine organisms and reef development in Bora Bora. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is working closely with BoraEcoFish to preserve the region’s rich underwater ecosystem—one of the immediate key projects is protecting the lagoon area at the property.
The marine environment is an integral part of the Polynesian culture and economy. Effective immediately, the resort and BoraEcoFish have begun implementing the Maritimate Preservation Program intended to educate the resort’s guests and local visitors on the importance of the marine environment. The program focuses on several components which combine science in a fun, interactive format; including the prominence of ecological exploitation of marine organisms, and the importance of protecting the Napoleon fish, a highly endangered species in some Pacific countries.
The crystal clear waters of Bora Bora are filled with a variety of both fish and sharks. Of the 400 shark species listed in the world, about 20 of them are living in Polynesia and have been on the protected list since 2006. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and BoraEcoFish have implemented a “Shark Park,” to raise awareness and educate the resort’s guests about these great creatures. Covering an area of 150 square meters within the resort, the location of the Shark Park was selected to best meet the requirements of these animals. Reef adjustments and the implementation of several large fish families recreated a suitable environment for the healthy development of the black fin and nurse sharks. These types of sharks live a relatively stable lifestyle and can co-exist peacefully with stingrays and other fishes.
Guests will be able to obtain information about the preservation of these denizens of the deep and the Shark Park from a registered biologist at BoraEcoFish. The resort will host weekly events allowing visitors the opportunity to learn more about the marine environment, and preservation tips. A Marine Eco Center will be located at the end dock behind Spa Miri Miri and will provide guests and the public with informational materials regarding the Polynesian marine environment, its inhabitants, the threats it faces and the different means used to ensure its preservation. Together, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and BoraEcoFish hope to inform hotel guests and visitors about the importance of conservation and biology of the different species that can be found in Polynesian waters.
For more information on the resort, visit www.stregis.com/borabora.
