On World Oceans Day the resort began expanding its coral gardening experience with a selection of hands-on activities!
TravelAnne Staff Writers & Four Seasons Resorts
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Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica in partnership with Peninsula Papagayo and the Culebra Reef Gardens Alliance are reimagining the Coral Gardening program by providing more accessibility to the initiative. According to the UN Environmental Program, it is estimated that 25 percent of coral reefs have already disappeared, and an estimated two-thirds of all coral reefs are at risk today.
“It is our mission to revitalize the waters around Peninsula Papagayo, and we are thrilled with the results thus far,” says Susana Vicente, Head of Sustainability at Peninsula Papagayo. “As an essential part of the Papagayo Legacy program, Four Seasons and Peninsula Papagayo are committed to expanding the program and creating more opportunities for guests and residents to experience the coral reef project and have a meaningful impact on the sea life around Peninsula Papagayo.”
To date, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica along with its partners have planted more than 4,500 coral fragments onto 47 coral nurseries throughout three restoration sites, achieving a success rate of 83 percent survival and bringing new life to the waters around the Peninsula Papagayo. In a period of eight to 10 months, partners have been able to achieve an acceleration in coral growth that typically takes 12 to 15 years. The reimagined program involves a tiered approach to introduce coral restorations throughout the Peninsula, with opportunities for guests to participate both in and out of the water.
Complimentary Snorkeling
Resort guests can visit a section of the coral nursery with complimentary guided snorkelling in Playa Blanca, where they can view the project's progression from above. Before the snorkelling session, guests will receive an introduction to the program along with information on how coral restoration works and its importance to marine life. During the activity, they will be able to spot marine life inhabiting the waters around the restored reef – including turtles, seahorse, octopus and stingrays. These interactions will directly support the continuous monitoring of marine wildlife by sending the information to the research team.
Adopt-a-Coral
Anyone can participate in the coral program without setting foot in the water with the Adopt-a-Coral fundraising initiative. With three levels of giving, supporting the efforts to revitalize the coral reef around Peninsula Papagayo is easier than ever. Those who participate with a donation will receive an adoption certificate and a US tax-exempt receipt.
Coral Planting
During this unique experience, guests will have the opportunity to plant and adopt their own coral structure, directly contributing to the expansion of the project. Guests will plant more than 40 coral fragments and add their personalized name plate onto two metal structures placed on the beach shore. Once finished, these "coral heroes" will snorkel to see their structure being installed in the existing nursery and will receive a personalized adoption certificate and a surprise giveaway. Families with children over age 12 are welcome to participate in one of the 15 experiences available this year.
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