ECHO Resorts, Gayana Dive Centre and MERC launch MARINE AWARENESS MONTH to Promote Marine Conservation
Read the latest exciting news of the latest initiative at ECHO Resorts, Gayana Dive Centre, and the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) in their recent press release. They are launching Marine Awareness Month, a two-month-long campaign running from July through August, aimed at promoting marine conservation and highlighting their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our marine environment.
KOTA KINABALU, June 26, 2024 — ECHO Resorts, Gayana Dive Centre, and MERC proudly announce the launch of Marine Awareness Month, a two-month-long campaign dedicated to marine conservation. This initiative will run from July through August, and aims to highlight and expand the ECHO group’s collaborative ongoing efforts in protecting and preserving the marine environment.
Gillian Tan, General Manager of Bungaraya Island Resort and Owner’s Representative of ECHO Resorts, shares her excitement about this campaign, stating, “We are thrilled to launch Marine Awareness Month, a dedicated period to amplify our conservation efforts. Our conservation message is simple: show people the beauty of the Ocean and when they fall in love with it, they will naturally want to protect it. We are inviting our guests and industry partners to participate in activities such as coral planting, beach clean-ups, and educational programs in hopes to foster a deeper appreciation and commitment to marine conservation. We want to engage our guests in meaningful activities that contribute to the health of our marine ecosystems so that everyone leaves here knowing that they too can make a difference in their everyday lives.”
Activities and Initiatives
- Coral Planting Initiative – Throughout July and August, a portion of the revenue from every booking will go towards planting a coral on behalf of the guests. Guests are invited to visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) and will have the option to participate in the planting process themselves or have it done for them, resulting in a significant contribution to reef rehabilitation by the end of the campaign.
- Beach Clean-ups – Fortnightly beach clean-ups will be organized, inviting guests to join in with the ECHO team to help clean various beaches in need. This hands-on activity allows guests to actively contribute to maintaining the beauty and health of Sabah’s coastal areas, keeping our beaches pristine and plastic-free
- Underwater Clean-ups – ECHO’s designated team of trained professionals will be conducting fortnightly underwater clean-ups, with specific opportunities for guest divers to participate. These clean-ups aim to remove debris, ghost nets and discarded plastic from the Reef, creating a cleaner and healthier marine environment.
- School Visits – Educational visits to the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) will be arranged for local schools. These visits aim to educate young students about marine conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the marine environment.
- Volunteer Programs – Guests will have the opportunity to volunteer at MERC for half a day, engaging in activities such as cleaning coral, measuring clams, and cultivating plankton. This immersive experience allows guests to contribute directly to the conservation efforts.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Marine Awareness Month is a joint collaboration between Gayana Dive Centre, MERC, and ECHO Resorts. This partnership underscores the collective commitment to marine conservation and sustainability. The support from industry leaders across Sabah further enhances the impact of this campaign.
About MERC
Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) serves as the catalyst for the establishment of ECHO Resorts. MERC–recognised by the ASEAN Biodiversity Centre–has achieved significant milestones, where it has successfully and effectively propagated, nurtured, and reintroduced seven distinct species of Giant Clams into Malaysian waters with strategic collaborations of local universities and experts. These efforts have been recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records in 2010. MERC continues to provide guests with the unique opportunity to actively engage in marine conservation initiatives and contribute to the propagation of coral ecosystems. Recently, MERC completed the installation and commissioning of the Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure and Calcification Accretion Units in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia to monitor the health and biodiversity of coral reefs and seawater.
About Gayana Dive Centre
Gayana Dive Centre, nestled within the picturesque Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park on Gaya Island, offers an unparalleled diving experience that blends adventure with conservation. As a key initiative of ECHO Resorts, the PADI certified dive centre is dedicated to promoting marine conservation through its unique approach where all proceeds support the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC). Divers from around the world can explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life including seasonal whale shark migrations and elusive nudibranchs, and participate in conservation efforts such as giant clam propagation. The Gayana Dive Centre stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving the underwater world, providing both novice and experienced divers with unforgettable encounters while fostering a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems.
About ECHO RESORTS
All three ECHO Resorts’ properties (Gayana Marine Resort, Bungaraya Island Resort and Borneo Eagle Resort) are designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Gayana Marine Resort’s over water villas, its spectacular backdrop of virgin jungle, lush mangroves and sea encourages visitors to safeguard and revitalize the island’s invaluable marine environment. Bungaraya Island Resort is an exquisite showcase of harmony between human architecture and lush nature, including home to the most species of hibiscus in our country, epitomizes coexistence. Borneo Eagle Resort’s pristine surroundings and unexploited beauty, complemented by natural volcanic mud pools and magnificent coral reefs, represents nature’s majesty.
Quote from Gillian Tan “We are incredibly blessed to be situated in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which offers amazing dive experiences and opportunities for marine conservation. Our commitment to protecting the reefs, propagating Giant Clams, and working with international partners sets us apart. We invite guests and industry partners to join us in making a positive impact on our marine environment, especially during Marine Awareness Month. Every little bit helps.” said Gillian Tan, General Manager of Bungaraya Island Resort and owner’s representative of Echo Resorts.
Conclusion
ECHO Resorts, Gayana Dive Centre and MERC invites travellers from around the world to participate in Marine Awareness Month, at the same time experience the beauty of Sabah’s marine ecosystems, and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. This campaign highlights the group’s collaborative dedication to environmental preservation, offering guests a luxurious and eco-conscious retreat.
For more information, please contact our specialists on 01494 678 400.
