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Heritage Marine Education Centre

Dive into Bel Ombre’s rich marine world

Paving the way for marine stewardship

The Heritage Marine Education Centre is an interactive centre for environmental protection and education, created at the initiative of Rogers Hospitality to honour their commitment to sustainability. With a focus on the expansive Bel Ombre lagoon – comprising several dozen hectares of reef habitat and seagrass beds — the centre opens doors to knowledge, discovery, and exciting field trips to its visitors. It also serves a dual purpose as a research centre, even housing a laboratory for biologists. Across wetlands, seagrass, coral reefs and the ocean floor, come uncover the treasures of the ocean at the Heritage Marine Education Centre.

Preservation of the Bel Ombre Lagoon

Together with a team of biologists, the Heritage Marine Education Centre works to protect the marine ecosystem in all its diversity.

Coastal Forests & Wetlands

Composed shoreline trees like mangroves, Bel Ombre’s coastal forests and wetlands are home to an enchanting diversity of marine flora, each contributing to the maintenance of the ecosystem.

Seagrass & Coral Reefs

Underwater, seagrass meadows and coral reefs are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. They provide habitats and food for crabs, shrimps, birds and marine mammals.

Ocean Floor

Harnessing the power of history, science, geography and anthropology, we uncover the mysteries of Bel Ombre lagoon’s blue depths, which includes pelagic species like tuna, marlin and more.

Marine fauna

Crabs, shrimp, pelagic fish, birds and molluscs… These lagunar species can all be observed in Bel Ombre. By studying their habitats and needs, the Heritage Marine Education Centre supports their continued existence.

Ourmission

Supported by our 'Now for Tomorrow' sustainability programme, we are working towards meaningful change to protect and conserve Bel Ombre's vibrant ecosystems, from ridge to reef. Our efforts are guided by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that track our progress.

Restore0m² of lagoon
Raise awareness in0 schools in the southern region
Plant0coral nubbins as part of a nursery project
Reach0 schools through our education campaigns

Hands-on learning and discovery

What can you do in the Heritage Marine Education Centre?

Hands-on learning with biologists, interactive sessions and marine excursions guarantee an insightful and entertaining experience at the Heritage Marine Education Centre.

Immersive Visit

Deep dive into the history, science and nature of Bel Ombre with an interactive tour that will reveal all of the lagoon’s mysteries and secrets, from the wetlands to the marine fauna.

Educative Walks On The Bel Ombre Beach

See the Bel Ombre beach under a new light. Explore the microworlds that exist, unseen, in the Bel Ombre beach on a relaxing, educational walk with a passionate marine biologist.

Glass-Bottom Boat Outings In Bel Ombre

Explore the wonders of the ocean floor on a glass-bottom boat, and gaze at the pelagic fish, corals, marine forests and other organisms that make up Bel Ombre’s rich marine ecosystem.

Citizen Science Experience

Together with passionate scientists, our visitors can participate in efforts by Reef Conservation NGO to preserve mangrove forests, through the Mangrove Matters application.

Laboratory Experiments

The Heritage Marine Education Centre opens its laboratory doors to visitors, allowing them to observe fascinating organisms under the microscope and engage in discussions with in-house marine biologists.

Visitors can explore the Heritage Marine Education Centre and take part in a range of educational activities free of charge on booking. Please note that certain experiences, such as boat activities and guided tours of the mangrove area, may be subject to additional charges. Please contact us for further details on prices and availability.

Restorationprojects

This new marine education centre will be a key infrastructure for the conservation initiatives undertaken by international entities and Reef Conservation NGO, with the support of Heritage Resorts & Golf.

Coral Nursery with Reef Conservation & United Nations Development Programme

With technical support from Reef Conservation, the Rogers Hospitality Group is working towards a small-scale coral nursery, with capacity-building steps made in March 2024. 10 hotel team members were trained to ensure its smooth running and raise public awareness. The Group has invested Rs 1.9 million in this project, which aims to grow 1,500 coral cuttings to restore 200 m² of lagoon.
Nature-Based Solutions for Protecting Coastal Zones with European Union

Financed by the EU, this project aims to restore the seagrass ecosystem. This led to an analysis of the eDNA of the Bel Ombre lagoon to better understand and eventually better protect the ecosystem. This further revealed the presence of the 5 most common seagrass species in Mauritius, which are essential for the survival of 367 marine species, including many species of fish. This greater understanding of the ecosystem allows for better protection.
Breakwaters and groyne installation

In 2017, following an in-depth scientific study of the Bel Ombre lagoon by Dr Kerry Black in 2016, the Heritage Resorts & Golf installed three breakwaters and a groyne to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels on beach erosion. Ten artificial reefs were also installed to reinforce the system. The results are encouraging: various species of fish, algae, coral and invertebrates have developed on these reefs.

Meet our team

Corinne Stoutenbeek

Chief Sustainability Officer, ER Hospitality

Flavio Joseph

Sustainable Development Executive , Heritage Resorts & Golf

“Let’s bring scientific research to the general public to strengthen conservation efforts.”

Anouska Geerowar

Centre coordinator & marine biologist

“The marine centre is remarkable for its educational mission, and for its role as a place for scientific research.”

Pourani Chinapian

Marine biologist

“Even though we live on an island, many people’s knowledge of the marine environment is limited.The centre's mission is to improve that.”

Our Partners

Collaborating for a sustainable future

Founded in 2004, Reef Conservation is a local non-governmental organisation in Mauritius that works to safeguard marine and coastal areas. The NGO has adopted a "Ridge to Reef" concept, which brings together interconnected land and marine-based ecosystems, while involving stakeholders for a holistic approach to reef conservation.

Good Practices to preserve our oceans

Reduce Plastic Use

Choose reusable items made of sustainable materials over single-use plastics.
Spread Awareness

Educate yourself and others about the importance of our oceans, and advocate for ocean protection.
Join Cleanups

Participate in local beach and coastal cleanups to protect our oceans.
Use Eco-Friendly Products

Limit the use of harmful chemicals and other pollutants that can reach oceans. Use sunscreen that is coral reef-friendly.
Choose Sustainable Seafood

Support responsible fishing practices and choose local sources as far as possible.

The CentreIn images

Explore the Bel Ombre lagoon

Ready to go on this marine adventure and protect our oceans?

Phone: (+230) 5428 9293

The Heritage Marine Education Centre is open 7 days a week and hosts self-guided visits 24/7. Our marine biologists are available from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to guide your visits or engage with you about the intricate ecosystems of Bel Ombre.

Since seats for excursions are limited, it is essential for visitors to book ahead of time. These excursions can also be organised on a private basis, at an additional cost. To ensure the safety of participants, the smooth running of these excursions depends on the weather conditions.

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Now For Tomorrow Sustainability Fund

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