This June, the idyllic Red Sea destination of Somabay is transforming into a hub for ocean conservation with a vibrant program of events for World Oceans Day and beyond. Entitled “Ocean Month,” this initiative aims to educate guests on the importance of protecting our oceans and empower them to take action through a series of immersive experiences, informative talks, and hands-on activities.
This comprehensive guide delves into the exciting details of Somabay’s Ocean Month program, exploring the various activities and their potential impact on promoting responsible tourism and marine conservation.
Fostering Ocean Literacy: Educational Activities for All Ages
Somabay’s Ocean Month program recognizes the importance of educating both young and old generations about the wonders and challenges facing our oceans.
Sparkling a Curiosity for Marine Life: Kicking off the month are engaging activities for children, including introductory diving sessions and underwater exploration opportunities. These experiences aim to ignite a passion for marine biodiversity within the hearts and minds of young explorers.
Learning from the Experts: Somabay goes beyond basic awareness by offering comprehensive lectures from in-house marine biologists and sessions with organizations like Turtle Watch Egypt. These interactive opportunities provide guests with a deeper understanding of critical marine conservation efforts.
Films with a Message: Throughout the month, film screenings like “Planet Ocean” offer an immersive way to learn about the intricate ecosystems and diverse inhabitants of the world’s oceans.
Celebrating World Oceans Day with a Splash!
A Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion: On June 8th, World Oceans Day, Somabay hosts a special screening of freediver Khaled El Gammal’s documentary. This personal journey, beginning with his first dive in Somabay, sets the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion. Experts from Orca Dive Center, adventurer Omar Samra, and Somabay representatives will delve into crucial ocean conservation topics. This evening culminates in a relaxing yoga session and serves as an introduction to the month’s diverse calendar of events.
Taking Action: Engaging Activities Promoting Conservation
Somabay’s Ocean Month program goes beyond education and actively integrates guests into meaningful conservation efforts:
Guided Snorkeling and Fish Identification: Families can embark on snorkeling tours or participate in workshops aimed at understanding the importance of fish identification. This interactive learning experience fosters a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the underwater world.
The Art of Ocean Protection: A unique event invites guests to participate in an art workshop dedicated to creating signage highlighting ocean protection messages. This creative activity allows participants to contribute to raising awareness and inspire others.
Diving Against Debris: For certified divers, Somabay offers a chance to be part of the solution by participating in “Diving Against Debris” sessions across several dates. This impactful initiative allows divers to actively remove plastic pollution from the Red Sea, leaving a positive mark on the marine environment.
World Sea Turtle Day Partnership: On June 16th, Somabay joins forces with Turtle Watch Egypt for a special event at the S.Cape Beach Club. This collaboration raises awareness about sea turtle conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
Ongoing Ocean Clean-Ups: Throughout the month, Somabay collaborates with the five renowned hotels on the property, as well as local NGO HEPCA, the Orca Dive Center, and the Robinson Dive Center, to organize regular ocean clean-up initiatives. This ongoing effort helps combat plastic pollution and protect the local marine ecosystem.
Somabay’s Ocean Month program exemplifies responsible tourism in action. By offering engaging activities and educational experiences, they empower guests to become stewards of the ocean and advocate for its sustainable future.
Somabay’s Commitment to Marine Conservation
Somabay’s dedication to ocean conservation extends beyond Ocean Month. Their recent recognition as a finalist for the OceanLove Innovation Award highlights their ongoing efforts in coral reef restoration and holistic conservation practices within the Red Sea region.
Key Takeaways:
- Somabay’s Ocean Month program features a range of educational and action-oriented activities to promote awareness and encourage responsible tourism practices.
- Events include film screenings, lectures, workshops, guided tours, and hands-on clean-up initiatives.
- The program aims to inspire guests and foster a sense of responsibility for protecting the marine environment.
- Somabay’s commitment to conservation is further emphasized by their ongoing efforts in coral reef restoration and collaboration with local NGOs.
