In the face of global climate change, Iberostar’s Coral Lab has provided a beacon of hope for corals. This state-of-the-art facility, launched by the globally recognized hospitality leader, Iberostar Group, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and our proactive approach to mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

As pioneers and leaders in the hospitality sector, we at Iberostar Group have always believed in the power of innovation and the importance of stewardship. Our Coral Lab, strategically placed at the beach of the hotel Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bávaro, exemplifies this belief, standing as a symbol of our dedication to creating a more sustainable future for our oceans and the generations to come. It’s a testament to Iberostar’s dedication to leading the way in environmental sustainability and marine conservation.

Iberostar’s Coral Lab is more than a research hub; it’s a center of learning. Constructed on the site of a former yoga palapa, the lab adheres to strict scientific standards while welcoming visitors, including children participating in Iberostar’s Star Camp entertainment program. This innovative approach enables Iberostar to enlighten and motivate its guests about the significance of coral reefs and their role in our ecosystem.

Our dedicated team of sustainability experts, in collaboration with a network of scientists, government officials, and NGOs, completed the lab within a year. The lab now houses 10 species—comprising 180 individual corals. This is a significant achievement, considering most facilities only house a few species.

Iberostar’s Coral Lab exemplifies how corporations can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering sustainability. It stands as a testament to Iberostar’s dedication to crafting a more sustainable future for our oceans and future generations. As we continue to work to study the impacts of climate change on corals, we are reminded of the pressing need for more such initiatives. After all, the well-being of our oceans is not merely a concern for marine biologists or environmentalists; it’s a concern for all of humanity.

While the Coral Lab is there, on land, to study the impacts of coral bleaching and how we determine the corals most resilient to climate change, there’s work in the ocean that’s being done. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on our planet’s fragile ecosystems, Iberostar’s multinational reef restoration initiative is making significant strides in marine conservation. This bold project features eight coral nurseries, over 100 structures, and an impressive collection of more than 2,000 coral fragments.

The nurseries are strategically located in front of the following Iberostar properties:

• Playa Paraíso complex (2 nurseries)

• Iberostar Cozumel (1 nursery)

• Bávaro complex (2 nurseries)

• Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus (1 nursery)

• Iberostar Costa Dorada (1 nursery)

• Jamaica complex (1 nursery)

These nurseries, strategically positioned in front of various Iberostar properties, showcase the power of collaboration and the potential for human intervention to aid in and scale the recovery of our planet’s coral reefs.

Iberostar’s reef restoration program is a key component of Iberostar’s sustainability movement, our comprehensive strategy for ocean protection and responsible tourism. This movement is built on pillars such as moving towards a circular economy, promoting the responsible consumption of seafood and improving ecosystems surrounding our properties.

Our commitment to protecting the precious ecosystems surrounding our properties extends to Playa Paraíso in Mexico, where another research station is situated, amplifying the scope and influence of our essential work.

As the world continues to wrestle with climate change’s impact on our delicate ecosystems, our multinational reef restoration initiative is proof that tourism can positively impact the health of ecosystems around the globe. Through restoration and education efforts, we can build toward a brighter future that involves preserving these precious ecosystems for generations to come.