Reef Worlds announced today its partnership with The Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) to develop and promote near shore resort reef tourism projects that improve marine habitats. MOSF and Reef Worlds share a common goal of providing tourism-based projects that respect and embrace the local culture, environment and economic welfare of an area.
“MOSF’s focus has always been on the advancement and development of marine conservation and sustainability initiatives,” stated Jennifer Pitzer, MOSF Managing Director. “After numerous discussions it became clear that there are strong synergies between our two organizations. Reef Worlds’ unique approach to dynamic reef development and habitat tourism is a win-win opportunity for marine conservation, local communities and the tourism industry.”
“Our goal is not just to create awareness that coral reefs, specifically near shore reef systems off resorts, are dying and gone, but to try to move the needle resulting in significant regional change,” said Patric Douglas, Reef Worlds CEO.
As defined by the National Geographic Society, geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents. MOSF and Reef Worlds are engaging in geotourism projects that encompass key sustainability principles and highlight a destination’s geographical character. Projects are designed to emphasize the distinctiveness of the locale and benefit visitors and residents alike.
Using eco-friendly materials designed to be a haven for marine life, Reef Worlds develops Dynamic Reef projects that merge marine science, art and culture. These structures not only draw tourism, but they also alleviate the pressure on existing natural reefs, which are experiencing devastating losses. Due to the unique nature of Reef World designs, tour operators and resort managers quickly realize a return on their investment and attract tourists to their location. Reef World is already engaged in Dynamic Reef development projects in Dubai, Mexico and the Philippines.
MOSF and Reef Worlds will initially focus on key destinations in the Caribbean. The opening of Cuba to U.S. tourism is anticipated to cause a profound shift in Caribbean tourism. While this may be a daunting prospect to tourism operators in the region, there is also an opportunity to differentiate themselves and benefit from the spillover effect of increased traffic. More than ever, today’s tourists not only expect, but also demand, unique and authentic travel experiences. For many, this includes selecting vacation experiences that enable engagement in activities that benefit the environment.
MOSF and Reef Worlds will work with existing and new tourism operators to identify coastal areas and resort operations that will benefit from the development of dynamic reefs. Both organizations will engage with coastal communities, at a grassroots level, to establish solutions that are locally managed, environmentally and economically sustainable, and culturally relevant.
About the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation
Founded in 2013, the Marine & Oceanic Sustainability Foundation (MOSF) is a Delaware non-profit dedicated to the positive global promotion of successful marine conservation and education initiatives. MOSF researches and documents proven, successful marine conservation projects that balance ocean health and human prosperity. With the support of public and private sector partners, projects are selected for documentation and replication based on a model that evaluates financial feasibility, long-term sustainability, and the use of scientifically sound practices. MOSF engages coastal communities, at a grassroots level, to ensure that project implementations are culturally sensitive, community-driven and receive the support they need to thrive. For additional information, please visit our website atwww.mosfoundation.org.
About Reef Worlds
At the intersection of art, science, and the environment is Reef Worlds. When a unique team of film and television designers, dive site developers, and marine biologists got together they dreamt of a better way to experience the undersea realm the result was Reef Worlds. The global issue of coral reef habitat loss is a real challenge. As a “out of sight, out of mind” conservation problem the challenge is to reengage people with reefs and oceans in a tangible way. Reef Worlds resort based Dynamic Reefs create a sustainable way to educate, inspire, build habitat and revenues that can be used for additional conservation projects like coastal Mangrove rehabilitation. For additional information, please visit our website at www.reefworlds.com.
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