RIU Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy by launching its first partnerships with two NGOs in Mauritius—Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) and Adolescent Non-Formal Education Network (ANFEN). These collaborations will promote marine conservation and youth vocational training, reinforcing RIU’s dedication to social and environmental responsibility.

Restoring Coral Reefs with the Le Morne Coral Restoration Project

Through its partnership with Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), RIU is supporting the Le Morne Coral Restoration Project, a three-year initiative aimed at restoring at least one hectare of degraded coral reefs in the Le Morne lagoon.

This project will establish coral nurseries, cultivating various coral species before transplanting them to damaged reef areas. The initiative is also committed to local community involvement, offering training programs for Mauritian fishers to become “coral gardeners”.

By providing employment opportunities in reef conservation, the project aligns with the Mauritius National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which highlights marine ecosystem protection as a national priority.

The Mauritius Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping has consistently emphasized the urgent need for coral reef restoration to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

RIU’s initiative supports this goal by enhancing marine biodiversity, protecting coastal ecosystems, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Empowering Vulnerable Youth Through Vocational Training

RIU is also backing Adolescent Non-Formal Education Network (ANFEN) by supporting the Ecole Culinaire Aline Leal, an educational program providing technical culinary training for at-risk teenagers who have dropped out of traditional education.

This initiative not only equips students with practical food preparation skills but also addresses literacy, life skills, and personal development, ensuring their long-term employability.

The project aligns with the Mauritius Human Resource Development Council’s (HRDC) initiatives to enhance youth employment and vocational training opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

The Mauritius Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science, and Technology has highlighted the need for alternative learning pathways, especially for young people at risk of social exclusion. By partnering with ANFEN, RIU is helping bridge the gap between education and workforce integration, offering equal opportunities to underserved communities.

RIU’s Broader Sustainability Efforts

Beyond Mauritius, RIU Hotels & Resorts has global biodiversity and social inclusion initiatives spanning the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and the Maldives.

The company actively protects coral reefs and marine ecosystems while promoting youth employment programs in countries such as Mexico and Spain.

RIU’s Proudly Committed sustainability strategy focuses on environmental conservation and social impact, ensuring that tourism development benefits both local communities and natural ecosystems.

Sustainable Tourism and Future Commitments

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) has been advocating for eco-friendly tourism practices, recognizing coral reefs as vital for coastal protection and marine biodiversity.

RIU’s partnership with CGC and ANFEN contributes to these efforts by supporting sustainable tourism models that preserve Mauritius’ natural and cultural heritage.

With 98 hotels in 21 countries, RIU Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its sustainability-driven operations, reinforcing its role as a responsible global tourism leader.

By integrating marine conservation and youth empowerment programs into its corporate strategy, RIU is ensuring a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where it operates.

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