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.
