A Marine Discovery Programme is a bespoke initiative designed to immerse individuals in the wonders of marine and coastal environments. Through tailored activities, scientific research, and community outreach, these programmes aim to educate, engage, and inspire people to value and protect the oceans.
WiseOceans (Discovery) has been at the forefront of developing such programmes in collaboration with luxury resorts worldwide since 2012.
A Blue Planet
About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Water is home to some of the most important ecosystems, for the survival of many species, including humans. Oceans produce around 50% of the oxygen available on Earth. Around the globe, over 500 million people directly depend on coral reefs. WiseOceans is a global marine conservation and education organisation, with specialism in coral reef restoration. At WiseOceans, we firmly believes in positivity and empowerment as the means through which education can inspire action! To this end, we work around the world to develop Marine Discovery Programmes.
Guest Activities
Central to a Marine Discovery Programme is the array of guest activities that blend recreation with education. Participants, regardless of age or experience, can engage in a variety of experiences to discover or deepen their connection to the marine world. Our most popular activity is ‘Guided Snorkelling Tours’. These are led by experienced Marine Biologists and offer guests a detailed overview of the local marine environment e.g., coral reefs and their inhabitants,. It aims to foster a deeper appreciation for underwater ecosystems. We also offer Marine Life Talks, often called ‘Ocean Conversations’. During these interactive sessions guests learn about marine biodiversity, the importance of conservation, and the challenges facing our oceans. Programmes also include activities that link with our science and conservation initiatives. For example, we offer ‘Coral Workshops’. These often comprise guests contributing to our reef restoration project by adopting their own coral fragments. A presentation is delivered, before guests obtain hands-on experience in coral propagation. In addition to our primary brochure, we also offer activities for younger guests! These could include snorkelling lessons, marine crafts and games, and the experience to shadow one of our Marine Biologists!
Science and Conservation
As well as guest engagement, our Marine Discovery Programmes often encompass a Reef Restoration Project, as well as various other conservation initiatives, such as ecological monitoring. WiseOceans integrates marine biology expertise with active conservation projects, ensuring that each programme has a positive ecological impact on the area of development, while our teams have a conservation and sustainability advisory role to our partner resorts. Key conservation efforts include coral reef restoration projects, reef monitoring and surveys, sea turtle nesting monitoring, marine megafauna data collection, and erosion monitoring of beaches, and coastlines.
Community Outreach and Education
At WiseOceans, we strongly believe that all conservation efforts are tightly linked to community involvement, making education and outreach fundamental to Marine Discovery Programmes. We work closely with local communities and stakeholders to foster a culture of ocean stewardship through school outreach programmes, public awareness campaigns and capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives. For example, our Marine Scholarship Programme.
In Conclusion
A WiseOceans Marine Discovery Programme provides a gateway for people to better understand, appreciate, and protect our oceans, and the life that calls them home. Through guest activities, scientific research, and community outreach, we are leading the way in marine experiences and education in the leisure and travel industry. Whether you are a traveller looking to explore the underwater world, a scientist passionate about research, or part of a community eager to protect your local environment, our programmes can provide a benefit. Dive in, discover, and be part of the change for a healthier ocean!
Coral Nursery
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