RIU Hotels & NGOs: 2 Partnerships for Marine Protection & Education

The renowned hotel chain RIU Hotels & Resorts has embarked on a momentous collaboration with two local NGOs, Coral Garden Conservation and the Adolescent Non Formal Education Network, marking its first foray into partnerships on the island of Mauritius. This initiative signifies a bold advance in RIU’s sustainability strategy, aptly named “Proudly Committed,” and underlines the hotel’s ambition to foster positive change in both the environment and local communities through ecological restoration and social inclusion.

At the heart of this commitment lies the Le Morne Coral Restoration project, spearheaded by Coral Garden Conservation.

Over the next three years, RIU is aiming to restore at least one hectare of damaged coral reefs within the serene lagoon of Le Morne.

This ambitious endeavour will see the establishment of coral nurseries, nurturing various species that will eventually be transplanted to degraded areas, thus bolstering marine biodiversity.

However, this initiative is not solely about environmental rehabilitation; it actively involves local fishermen, who will receive training to become “coral gardeners.”

This engagement not only empowers the community but also forges a vital connection between environmental stewardship and economic opportunity for the coastal residents of Mauritius.

In parallel, RIU’s collaboration with the Adolescent Non Formal Education Network (ANFEN) will benefit the Aline Leal Culinary School, an educational programme aimed at equipping socially disadvantaged adolescents—who are at a risk of dropping out of the traditional education system—with vital technical training in food production.

This initiative goes beyond enhancing technical skills and employability; it also encompasses essential life skills, literacy, and personal development, ensuring these young individuals gain equal footing in the job market.

Beyond these exciting partnerships, RIU is actively pursuing a host of biodiversity protection initiatives across various destinations, including the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and the Maldives.

Furthermore, the hotel chain is championing social inclusion programmes in multiple countries, with a particular focus on enhancing the employability of vulnerable youth in Mexico and Spain.

Through its “Proudly Committed” sustainability strategy, RIU aims to create a lasting positive impact on both the local communities and the environment in the areas where it operates, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Source: Le Mauricien