Heritage Marine Education Centre: 1 year of impact

Covering more than 70% of our planet, the ocean is essential to climate regulation, biodiversity and food security. For island communities such as Mauritius, its health is directly linked to resilience. Through ER Hospitality, ER Group actively supports education and conservation initiatives that safeguards marine ecosystems, in alignment with the biodiversity pillar of its Sustainability Framework.
 

In this context, Heritage Resorts & Golf partnered with Reef Conservation, an NGO engaged in marine conservation and education, to develop and launch the Heritage Marine Education Centre in Bel Ombre in December 2024. 

A space to learn, explore and protect
 

Located at C Beach Club, the Heritage Marine Education Centre was created to raise awareness about Mauritius’ rich marine and coastal ecosystems, and the essential roles they play in maintaining ecological balance.  
 

The centre features interactive exhibits on lagoon biodiversity, coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal forests. Designed to be accessible and engaging, the space welcomes visitors, both guests of C Beach Club and Heritage Resorts & Golf, and the public, helping them understand the connections between these ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.
 

On-site marine biologists bring this mission to life. Through beach walks, guided sea outings and educational sessions, they share their expertise and introduce visitors to the conservation work taking place in the region of Bel Ombre. Visitors are not only observers: they are also encouraged to participate in regeneration initiatives alongside experts. 

Placing the community at the heart of conservation
 

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Heritage Marine Education Centre. Beyond its roles as an education attraction, the centre serves as a learning hub for the wider Bel Ombre community.
 

Through tailored programmes for Mauritian youth and partnerships with local schools and organisations, Heritage Resorts & Golf aims to nurture a strong sense of environmental responsibility. By connecting young people and residents to their surrounding ecosystems, the initiative contributes to the long-term sustainability of Bel Ombre’s natural resources.
 

This collaborative approach reinforces the idea that safeguarding marine ecosystems is a shared responsibility and positions the centre as a model for sustainable tourism that benefits both its visitors and the general public. 

A first year of positive impact
 

In just one year of operation, the Heritage Marine Education Centre has already made tangible results: 

• Around 6,900 visitors of all ages welcomed to discover Mauritius’ marine biodiversity
• Four marine experiences delivered, combining interactive exhibits on lagoon biodiversity, coral reefs, seagrass beds and coastal forests
• 930 community members and 330 students engaged on the importance of preserving marine ecosystems
• 130 Heritage Resorts team members trained in sustainability awareness
• Representation at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) by Flavio Joseph, Sustainable Development Manager, and Pourani Chinapian, Marine Biologist.
   

These results reflect a growing culture of ocean stewardship, rooted in both education and action. 

Alignment with ER Group’s Sustainability Framework
 

This first year is the starting point of a long-term commitment. The ambition is to strengthen ecosystem restoration efforts and embed biodiversity awareness at the heart of the hospitality experience.
 

Through collaboration with experts in their field and a structured approach to conservation and education, the Heritage Marine Education Centre actively contributes to ER Group’s Sustainability and Inclusive Development Framework. By linking tourism, learning and regeneration, the initiative supports the preservation of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems while reinforcing the resilience of the territory.