Reef Restoration: Finding Solutions for Coral Reefs in the Caribbean

In the face of the challenges of climate change, the Iberostar Coral Laboratory has established itself as a beacon of hope for the recovery of the Caribbean's marine ecosystems. This cutting-edge facility, promoted by the Iberostar Group—world-renowned in the hospitality industry—represents a firm commitment to environmental conservation and a proactive response to the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs.

The Coral Laboratory, located on the beach at the Coral Level hotel in Iberostar Selection Bávaro, is a symbol of the innovative approach and responsible management that characterize the Iberostar Group. This facility embodies the company's vision for the future, focused on caring for the oceans and creating an environmental legacy for future generations.

More than a research center, the Coral Lab also functions as a learning space. Built on the structure of an old yoga palapa, it combines rigorous scientific standards with an educational approach that includes activities for children through the Star Camp program. This integration helps raise awareness among guests about the fundamental role of coral reefs in the balance of the marine ecosystem.

The laboratory was completed in just one year thanks to the collaborative efforts of a team specializing in sustainability, in collaboration with scientists, government authorities, and non-governmental organizations. It currently houses ten different coral species, with a total of 180 individuals—a remarkable number considering that many similar facilities only work with a few species.

This initiative is an example of how the private sector can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices. As research on coral bleaching and the resilience of different species continues, the urgency of replicating these types of projects on a larger scale becomes more evident.

In addition to its work on land, Iberostar is developing an ambitious ocean restoration program. This multinational initiative includes eight coral nurseries and more than 100 underwater structures, housing more than 2,000 coral fragments. The nurseries are strategically located off various properties of the hotel chain:

• Playa Paraíso Complex (2 nurseries)
• Iberostar Cozumel (1 nursery)
• Bavarian Complex (2 nurseries)
• Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus (1 nursery)
• Iberostar Costa Dorada (1 nursery)
• Jamaica Complex (1 nursery)

The location of these nurseries demonstrates the potential for collaboration and human intervention to accelerate the recovery of coral ecosystems, which are highly threatened by global warming.

The restoration program is part of Iberostar's Sustainability Movement, a comprehensive strategy focused on protecting the ocean and promoting responsible tourism. This vision is supported by pillars such as the transition to a circular economy, responsible seafood consumption, and the improvement of the ecosystems surrounding its properties.

The Iberostar Group's commitment also extends to other regions, such as Playa Paraíso in Mexico, where another research station is located that expands the scope of this work.