PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Announce Alliance as Science & Marina Partners
26 June 2024, Golfito, Costa Rica: Marina Bahia Golfito (MBG)—a leading Costa Rica superyacht, sportfishing and eco-tourism haven—and The International SeaKeepers Society (SKS)—a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community—announce a formalization of their March 2024 Memorandum of Understanding as Science & Marina Partners. Additional steps toward creating a research and education center, and ongoing patronage of visiting scientists and growth of the conservation community, are also underway.
“With SeaKeepers board members and special invitees having spent a week as guests of Marina Bahia Golfito in Golfito, Costa Rica—renowned for its incredible biodiversity—it took only the moment of our arrival to know that this sacred place with its unparalleled habitat from rainforest to the sea is the ideal location to establish a thriving partnership,” says Jay Wade, SeaKeepers Board Chairman. “As Science & Marina Partners, we will work closely together to further SeaKeepers’ ocean conservation mission and to establish a research center in keeping with the sustainable development of the marina by parent company, Enjoy Group,” he says.
Science & Marina Partnership is First Initiative in a Wider Aspiration to Develop a Global Hub for Marine Research & Conservation Efforts
“As expansion of Marina Bahia Golfito continues, our focus has always been on balancing the beauty of our natural wonders with the growth of this southernmost part of Costa Rica where the richness of marine life and rainforest habitats serve as foremost influences of ecological conscientiousness balanced with a thriving local community,” says Javier Pacheco, Executive President of Enjoy Group and Marina Bahia Golfito.
“The Science & Marina Partnership between SeaKeepers and MBG provides a unique opportunity and ideal environment to establish groundbreaking research and conservation projects that will have a lasting impact on our understanding and protection of marine ecosystems worldwide,” says Wade.
The SeaKeepers/Marina Bahia Golfito Science & Marina Partnership is well underway to help promote a new era in marine conservation. Plans include the convening of global marine and environment thought leaders, scientists, and activists in Golfito. Planning is underway to establish the SeaKeepers/Marina Bahia Golfito Marine Research Center. It will feature innovative laboratories, research vessels, educational programs, and will promote collaborative efforts with local, regional and international conservation initiatives, serving as a conduit to promote sustainable practices.
“As our partnership develops, we proudly invite global yachting, ecology, environment, science, and sustainability communities to join us. Inquire about program initiatives, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the myriad ways we can all be of service to our oceans, reefs, rainforests, flora and fauna and each other,” says Wade. “Together, we make a difference in safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.”
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IMAGES, © 2024 Marina Bahia Golfito
Marina Bahia Golfito – Kayaking Mangroves along the Osa Peninsula
Marina Bahia Golfito – SeaKeepers Ready to Take to the Sea – February 2024 Visit
About Marina Bahia Golfito
Located in one of the most vibrant destinations in Costa Rica, Golfito Bay is a “gulf within a gulf”, a pristine landscape framed by the lush mangroves of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas National Parks and home to some of the richest biodiversity in the world. It is here that yachtsmen, big game anglers, eco-adventurers, boaters, surfers, and outdoor lovers of all ages and interests reconnect with nature through an array of exhilarating adventures and activities.
This lush spot in the Central American Pacific Rim offers the necessary amenities starting with berths of 40 to 350 feet in length. In addition, AMAKA Ocean Living Lodge (oceanfront hotel), La Playa Restaurant, and the MBG Crew Lounge offer worldclass services for those visiting on land and those who arrive by sea.Marina Bahia Golfito is a property of Costa Rican hospitality company, Enjoy Group, and a part of IGY’s global network.
About Enjoy Group
Since 1973, Enjoy Group has innovated, developed, and managed projects in the hospitality industry of the Costa Rica and the Central American region. Deeply dedicated to its guests’ and employees’ experiences, Enjoy Group currently operates more than a dozen properties, including hotels, restaurants, destinations, and corporate services, making it a leading company in the tourism sector.
Enjoy Group is committed to generating a positive impact through commitment to five strategic pillars: company employees and families, environmental protection and responsibility, social and community outreach, ethics and transparency, and adequate supplier management.
Enjoy Group—LinkedIn
About The International SeaKeepers Society
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific.seakeepers.org
