an unexpected partnership on lovango cay, U.S. Virgin Islands aims to save the surrounding coral reefs
Development and environmental protection have been at odds for as long as modern human civilizations have existed. A resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands is hoping to change that.
At the beginning of the construction process for the Lovango Beach Club & Resort, the owners were searching for ways to have a positive impact on the local environment. Their journey lead them to Reef Response, a small group of coral scientists working to restore coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Reef Response team finishing a dive to collect coral from one of their nurseries, in preparation for outplanting.
Lovango Resort & Beach Club is located on the east end of the small and mostly uninhabited island of Lovango Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Reef Response worked with Lovango Beach Club & Resort to build three zones surrounding the island that would be geared toward the different stages of coral restoration.
Rescue Zone: Loose or damaged corals are brought here first where they’re placed in a coral nursery that’s free of predators and other environmental stressors.
Research Zone: A portion of the corals from the Rescue Zone will be used for experiments to help learn more about the best techniques for optimal survival and growth of coral outplants.
Restoration Zone: This is where successful techniques tested in the research zone are scaled up, with the end goal in restoring a degraded reef to a self sustaining ecosystem.
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Although this partnership is still in its early stages, the initial outcomes are quite promising. Beyond supporting science and restoration initiatives, the resort has made each of the three zones effortlessly accessible by snorkeling from shore. Remarkably, the coral nursery in the rescue zone is aiding in the revitalization of numerous reefs in the Virgin Islands, not just those bordering the resort. Furthermore, Lovango has generously funded internships and educational opportunities for locals with a passion for pursuing a career in marine science.
Learn more about the Lovango coral restoration project through Vol.1 of The Coral Chronicles!