Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is launching a coral propagation program in collaboration with the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang to protect and preserve the pristine, yet fragile, marine ecosystem surrounding the resort. The resort’s shores are fringed by natural coral reefs that are biologically diverse and a great asset for snorkelers. It is an ideal setting for families to introduce their children to the wonders of marine life and appreciate the importance of caring for the environment.
In line with the commitment of Six Senses to sustainability, the resort collaborated with a team of marine biologists from Nha Trang’s Institute of Oceanography for a feasibility study in 2018 to carry out a complete assessment on the coral reef condition at Ninh Van Bay before rolling out the coral propagation program. The procedure is done by carefully transplanting coral fragments onto artificial reef structures. The team regularly monitors the growth of each coral frame to learn about the types of marine life it is attracting. By increasing the reproduction of the most successful clones, scientists hope to develop more resilient coral offspring that can withstand high ocean temperatures and global warming.
Guests can join a build-a-reef session with the resort’s sustainability and experience team and sponsor their very own dedicated coral frame. The session includes attaching coral fragments onto a custom frame, placing it in the bay, and leaving to grow naturally into new reef habitats and help to boost existing coral reefs. The resort will encourage multiple sponsorships and the possibility of resort guests returning to see how their own coral frames are flourishing. Those who sponsor a coral frame will also receive a photo of the frame periodically to show the progress of coral growth.
The successful launch of the program has been another highlight on the list of conservation efforts underway at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Andrew Whiffen, general manager, said, “The coral propagation program around the resort has been a great milestone for our sustainability team and partner organization. We love the opportunity to dedicate resources to projects that we care deeply about and that give back to our local environment and community.”
To sponsor a coral frame, guests can contact the resort’s sustainability team by emailing [email protected] or calling +84 258 3524 268.
