Non-profit organisation The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has implemented
an educational programme intended to save the world’s coral.
CORAL’s Reef Leadership Network is aimed at training a selection
of volunteers from local tour operators and marine parks about coral
reef conservation, resource management and sustainable tourism practices.
After completing their studies the local CORAL Reef Leaders are then
expected to impart their knowledge and skills to other locals and
tourists and so reduce the damage inflicted on coral reefs.
In Mexico where the scheme has already been introduced the Cozumel
Reefs National Park has signed an agreement which recognises the CORAL
Reef Leadership Network as the official training scheme for the 1,200
tour guides that operate in the marine park.
Ramiro Ferriol, CORAL Reef Leader, Cozumel, and General Manager, Sand
Dollar Sports, said: "It's important to our future to be involved
in conservation work. We have to be leaders. It's simple and takes
just a little extra effort, but the rewards for our planet and our
businesses are much greater."
The system has also been launched in Hawaii and is to be rolled out
in Belize and Fiji by the end of the year.
Bookmark or Share
