That vital building block of marine life, large coral reefs, are in danger of disappearing from around much of the Caribbean. Smaller varieties of coral, which do not grow high enough to protect fish and other forms of marine life, are taking over. The cause has been attributed to pollution, over-fishing and rising water temperatures. The Kerzner Marine Foundation (KMF) was established a year ago with a US$5 million budget over 5 years to foster the preservation and enhancement of global marine ecosystems. Yesterday the Atlantis Marina at the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas was awarded Blue Flag marina certification by the international organization, the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Sol Kerzner, Executive Chairman of Kerzner International, said: "We have long been aware of the threats facing our oceans, and for many years we have been dedicated to promoting ocean awareness, conservation and education to our many guests and employees through development of innovative marine life habitats and programs. The Company is committed to extending these standards to our properties around the world.” He added, "I am so proud that we have reached another milestone in protecting our most valuable natural resource."

In order to earn and retain Blue Flag status and standards, Atlantis has made several additions to its 63-slip luxury port. Signage displayed prominently at the marina office outlines the Atlantis Marina code of conduct, which includes proper disposal of recyclable goods in separate bins for oil, batteries and aluminium cans. Additionally, the resort has partnered with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to publish a handbook which provides boaters with facts about the Islands of The Bahamas and the country's precious marine resources, along with fish-catching laws, lists of indigenous endangered marine species and environmentally protected areas which are prohibited by watercraft.

The strategic focus of the KMF is protecting the integrity of tropical marine ecosystems which are becoming increasingly threatened due to overexploitation and overpopulation. Priority is placed on projects that include the development and management of marine protected areas, coral reef conservation, as well as dolphin and whale conservation and research in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The ocean-themed destination resort located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas has a seven-acre lagoon and a 34-acre marine environment that includes the world's largest open-air marine habitat. The Blue Flag signifies that stringent water quality, safety and environmental management and education programs have been established by the resort. (E-11.03.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage