New on-site Marine Educator and increased eco-friendly options bring greater choice, interactive activities and green education to the hillside and waters of Petite Anse
Seychelles – 2012-10-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Seychelles mainland of Mahé is known for its beautiful landscapes, with jungle-crested mountains spanning the length and breadth of this granitite island, which is surrounded by the turquoise and azure waters of the Indian Ocean and bordered by coral reefs that create a haven for incredible marine life.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, known for its beautiful setting next to the white sands and blue ocean of Petite Anse bay, has joined together with specialist marine education and conservation company WiseOceans to bring awareness of the marine life in this ecosystem and importance of protecting this precious underwater environment. The horseshoe-shaped bay at Petite Anse creates a shelter from the larger swells that can be found on some beaches in Seychelles, making it possible to swim and snorkel year-round.
Rosie Fisher, the resident WiseOceans Marine Educator, is available on site daily, giving a “Who’s Who On The Coral Reef” talk each morning, followed by a guided snorkel tour in the bay.
“Guests love the snorkelling here, and having the talks and guided snorkels with Rosie really heightens the experience for them, by letting them get so much more from it,” says Diarmuid Connolly, leisure experience manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.
Rosie also gives talks in the early evenings about turtles, which have been known to nest on the beach at the Resort; whales and dolphins; and coral. She also discusses the myths surrounding sharks, in an attempt to displace some of the fears and myths gained thanks to their bad reputation on the big screen, and teaches about the amazing whale sharks that swim in the waters, eating plankton around Four Seasons Resort Seychelles during September and October.
She also teaches the young people at the Resort’s Kids For All Seasons Pti Torti (Little Tortoises) club all about marine life, and why it is so important we protect it.
Upcoming projects include providing data to local NGOs as they look to build a larger picture of the ocean around Seychelles, and to start a coral propagation project in the bay.
Alex Porteous, general manager at the Resort, comments, “The Marine Education program is an important part of a larger project to continue supporting sustainability in our little piece of paradise here in Petite Anse. We realize that we are just a small part of this ecosystem, but we could have a larger negative impact on it if we didn’t provide checks on ourselves.”
He continues: “In the last 4 months we have brought in a Green Option for guests who would like to opt to have the linens refreshed less frequently to save water; biodegradable body wash and sun lotions at the beachside to ensure that we don’t add any chemicals to the ocean that could bleach the coral; and introduced the Green Fund, allowing guests to donate towards the work that WiseOceans is doing to protect and promote the oceans. We are working closely with them to look for ways that we can do more. It is important to us as a company, and we know that it is important to our guests.”
Talks and group guided snorkels provided by WiseOceans are provided on a complimentary basis for Resort guests, but they can also opt to take a private guided snorkel for a small additional fee, which goes directly into the Green Fund to fund further WiseOceans projects. Rosie is also providing marine education for all the staff at the Resort, and will be giving swimming lessons to staff to allow them to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
Marine Educator Rosie Fisher sees things from a guest’s perspective: “I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to educate and entertain guests about the incredible marine life here in Petite Anse. The bay is teeming with a vast array of fish and coral; we even saw dolphins here a couple of weeks ago. My work means that people can understand a little more about the natural balance and fragility of the coral reef and the life surrounding it, while also having a great time seeing the beautiful shapes and colours of the fish. It’s an incredible world down there – and you will be surprised what you can learn by just 30 minutes snorkelling with WiseOceans. It will really open your eyes.”
Hotel Press Contact
Caroline O’Grady
Public Relations Coordinator
Petite Anse, Baie Lazare
Mahé, Seychelles
Email Caroline O’Grady
T. +248 439 3321
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WiseOceans Marine Educator Rosie Fisher