Coral Reef Reforestation - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of this coral reef sustainability project?

The main objective of our project is to initiate the regeneration of the Tulum reef area by setting up coral nurseries and increasing the presence of healthy and genetically diverse marine species. Our goals encompass installing coral nurseries, transplanting 1000 to 5000 coral fragments/colonies annually, enhancing live coral coverage on the ocean floor and fostering the functional recovery of the site by promoting biodiversity. 

Our activities involve mapping and evaluating potential regeneration sites, selecting restoration sites, identifying healthy reef patches as donor zones and conducting the installation and transplantation processes. We closely monitor the survival of nurseries and transplanted fragments/colonies, track coral cover increase, assess reef structure and function and engage in capacity building for Tulum’s local divers volunteer group. Additionally, we focus on communicating and promoting the project to raise awareness about the significance of coral reef conservation.

2. Why is preserving the coral reef important?

Coral reefs are essential ecosystems that play a role in coastal protection, supporting marine life and providing food and livelihoods for communities. They act as natural barriers against waves and storms, nurture young marine species, contribute to global food security, attract tourists and hold cultural significance.

Sitting in front of our home is the Mesoamerican Reef, a vibrant and diverse underwater world that teems with marine life. Stretching over 1000 kilometers from the north of Cancun to the Bay Islands in Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is one of the most remarkable and biologically diverse regions on the planet. The commitment made by countries to safeguard this reef is now echoed as a call for communities and businesses to embrace a "Blue Economy Model" that balances profit and environmental well-being, ensuring the Mesoamerican Reef thrives sustainably.

3. How will Our Habitas Tulum contribute to coral reef sustainability?

Our home is implementing key initiatives in our efforts to support coral reef sustainability. We're reducing single-use plastic, advocating responsible snorkeling and diving practices and backing local conservation projects. Our Environmental Management System (EMS) revolves around energy, water, waste, community and biodiversity, guiding our environmental commitment.

Central to our approach is reducing plastic waste and adopting better waste management through recycling and composting. Projects like the Plastic Hunter Initiative and Puntos Limpios educate our local community while managing plastic disposal. We're also collaborating with Cooperativo Ambio's Scolel'te Program for carbon offsetting through reforestation. Lastly, we’re emphasizing training our teams to adopt sustainable habits and have joined forces with local tour operators to ensure responsible marine activities. Through these actions, we're actively contributing to global coral reef restoration and fulfilling our commitment to environmental well-being.

4. What steps are being taken to protect the coral reef from damage caused by guests?

Starting from check-in, We create an atmosphere of care, aiming to connect guests with their inner selves and intentions through a welcome ceremony. During this time, we educate and inspire responsible and eco-conscious behavior throughout their stay. We promote the use of our eco-friendly personal care items and provide reef-safe sunscreen at self-service stations. These stations also display informative signs about the Mesoamerican Reef and global coral reef awareness, encouraging responsible tourism practices.

Education is important to us, so our Moro restaurant and bar teams happily discuss marine conservation, sharing their knowledge and experiences. Additionally, we've teamed up with trusted local tour operators to ensure responsible snorkeling and diving experiences.

5. Are there opportunities for guests to get involved in the sustainability efforts?

Guests can actively participate in our sustainability initiatives, from offsetting their carbon emissions to conserving linen in their rooms and minimizing single-use plastics, notably plastic bottle purchases. We provide unrestricted access to refillable, drinkable water to support this effort.

As integral members of the environmentally aware Tulum community, we extend various engagement opportunities for guests. This includes participating in beach cleanups, attending informative workshops or volunteering alongside local partners and organizations. If you express your interest in contributing to the community, we'll happily provide you with impactful activities tailored to your stay.

6. How does Our Habitas Tulum work with local communities to support the conservation of coral reefs?

We collaborate closely with the local community in Tulum to protect the coral reefs. Through our partnership with Oceanus, a Mexican non-profit organization with extensive experience in reef conservation, we're actively involved in regenerating the Mesoamerican Reef. Working together, we "plant" coral colony fragments to enhance the reef's biodiversity and health.

Oceanus, A.C. has been dedicated to coral reef conservation for over a decade, conducting research, monitoring and restoration activities for thousands of coral colonies. They are committed to building the capacity of local volunteer divers in Tulum, enabling them to monitor the reefs and participate in coral gardening. 

Through this collaboration, we seek to inspire responsible reef snorkeling and diving practices throughout the local reef-based business sector. Additionally, we've partnered with reputable local tour operators to ensure responsible snorkeling and diving experiences, aligning with our commitment to coral reef conservation.

7. What certifications or accreditations does Our Habitas Tulum have for its sustainability practices?

We are dedicated to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. In 2021, our commitment to sustainability was recognized by martourism.org, which granted us their certification for our sustainable practices. Our practices align with the 45 guidelines for the hospitality industry outlined in the SDGs.

Martourism is the organization behind the "Integrated Ridge to Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion Project" (MAR2R Project). This initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aims to promote sustainable and socially responsible tourism in the Mesoamerican Reef region.

8. Will there be educational programs about the coral reef ecosystem?

We're excited to introduce coral gardening and planting camps in the upcoming year. Additionally, we're working on informative materials to educate our guests about the significance of coral reef conservation. We also take pride in hosting engaging talks on coral reefs and marine conservation for our guests and the local community. Throughout the year, we focus on enhancing the capabilities of Tulum's local volunteer divers group through capacity-building initiatives.

9. Can guests participate in snorkeling or diving activities near the coral reef?

We provide captivating coral reef experiences for our guests through snorkeling and diving activities. These activities offer not only a chance to explore the Mesoamerican Reef and coral ecosystems but also an opportunity to learn about their importance. 

Our experienced guides educate participants about responsible snorkeling and diving practices, sharing guidelines and best practices. These measures are designed to minimize any negative impact on the coral reef while maximizing positive contributions to its well-being.

10. How does the hotel minimize its environmental footprint overall?

We operate under an Environmental Management System (EMS), a framework that reduces our environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The EMS revolves around five pillars: Energy & Carbon Footprint, Water, Waste, Community and Biodiversity. Our commitment to sustainability includes energy-efficient technologies, water-saving appliances and a thoughtful linen-changing program. We're focused on waste reduction and are dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics through internal audits and sustainable alternatives. Collaborating with local organizations, we manage excess waste through recycling and composting, adhering to the mantra of "reduce, reuse, refill, and recycle" deeply ingrained in our ethos.

11. Can guests make donations to support the coral reef sustainability project?

Our initial objective involves planting 1,000 coral colonies within the first year, which we plan to scale up to 5,000 coral colonies annually eventually. Every contribution matters, and you can easily show your support through our Donorbox platform on our RISE page.

We offer different ways to contribute: 1 colony for $50, 10 colonies for $500, and 25 colonies for $1,250, as well as an option for open donations. If you stay with us, you can personalize the cement base where the coral will be planted on the ocean floor. Additionally, you'll receive project updates through our mailing list (if you opt for it). 

12. Are there any success stories or notable achievements from the project so far?

We've thoroughly mapped and evaluated five potential regeneration sites, ultimately selecting the Blue Hope site from the top two options as our starting point. Furthermore, we've identified healthy reef patches that will serve as donor zones to support our restoration efforts.

At the Blue Hope site, we've taken concrete steps by placing 1,000 cement bases on the ocean floor and successfully planting 450 coral colonies. Monitoring protocols are now in place, covering aspects such as the growth of transplanted colonies, the increase in coral cover and the overall health of the reef structure.