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OUTRIGGER “Zones In” on Ocean Conservation

Posted by Kathy Foley

6/9/2023

RELEASE NUMBER 18|23

HONOLULU – OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels is proud to be a pioneer for the planet. Since the founding of its global OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative in 2014 – the company has preserved, protected and planted more than 100 football fields of coral reef and was the first Hawai‘i hospitality brand to champion reef-safe sunscreen and provide it for guests. Watch the OUTRIGGER Zone video, HERE.

This June for World Ocean Month, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has pledged to make a difference at its premier beach resorts worldwide as part of its larger ESG (environment, social, governance) platform. Activations connected to ocean health and conservation will take place at each OUTRIGGER resort throughout the month that celebrate, educate and inspire guests and hosts to care for our ocean. A sampling of World Ocean Month activities includes:

FIJI

  • Castaway Island, Fiji Resort will hold an environmentally themed race in addition to planting coral, making fish houses (a natural habitat for marine life), cleaning up underwater and planting coastal fruiting trees that provide fruit, shade and protection.
  • OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort will have a beach and roadside cleanup, realign and clean coral tables, remove Crown of Thorns starfish, which damage coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral decline, plant coral and make and sink fish houses.

THAILAND

  • OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, in association with Mangrove Resources Conservation Center and the local community, will plant 2,000 mangrove trees and collect trash on the shore where the mangrove trees are being planted. Mangrove trees reduce shoreline erosion, protect coastal communities against flooding and are a habitat for fish.
  • OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort will join Trash Heroes in a community beach cleanup and also join Baan Tai Crab Bank in releasing baby crabs into the ocean. Those participating will be educated on the lifespan of crabs, the importance of habitat and responsible fishing practices.
  • OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort will join Phuket Mangrove Resources Conservation Center and the local community in planting 2,000 mangrove trees in addition to releasing fish and prawns to the sea for the conservation of a sustainable mangrove forest.

MALDIVES

  • OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort will have coral planting, a whale shark and manta excursion, an evening documentary with property marine biologist on ocean sustainability, arts and crafts using plastic from the ocean, a school visit to bring awareness to ocean conservation, plus activities and a data identification session on whale shark and manta and its importance.

O‘AHU

  • The 7th Annual OUTRIGGER Zone Day at Waikīkī Aquarium will take place on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with educational and hands-on booths and plans to smash the record for most “Genki Balls” made which help to clean waterways. Guests, visitors and hosts are welcome to join in on the fun.
    • OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort will also invite the Waikīkī Aquarium on property to present its Hawaiians and the Sea to guests, visitors and locals. The Aquarium Education department will educate on the tools and implements early Hawaiians used for fishing, gathering and other essential tasks.

MAUI

  • Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger and Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado by Outrigger will participate in beach cleanups and OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa will care for its adopted highway.

KAUAI

  • Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger will engage host children in a coloring contest voted on by hosts, guests and others for fun prizes.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND

  • OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Fairway Villas Waikoloa by Outrigger and Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger will partner with Kahalu‘u Beach for a clean-up and to support the “Reef Teach” team who will educate on cauliflower coral spawning at Kahalu‘u Bay. Coral gametes need suitable reef areas to recolonize within the bay if given a chance to settle undisturbed by human activity and/or pollutants.

“As a global toes-in-the-sand brand, OUTRIGGER has a front-row seat to our ocean and we have a responsibility for its care now and for future generations,” said Monica Salter, VP of global communications and social responsibility. “We aim to inspire action for the good of our planet this World Ocean Month and beyond.”

OUTRIGGER’s Hawai‘i resorts are now Green Seal certified as well as a founding member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Responsible Stay and are part of Global Hotel Alliance’s new Green Collection.

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Click HERE for a PDF of this release.