In a groundbreaking announcement, MSC Cruises has revealed a comprehensive infrastructure development program for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, solidifying its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. The heads of agreement were formally signed at a ceremony in Bimini, attended by The Bahamas' Prime Minister, The Honorable Philip Davis, The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Honorable Chester Cooper, and other key government officials.
The new investment, aligned with the initial vision of creating a positive and enduring impact on both the environment and local communities, is poised to significantly benefit the Bahamian economy, generating employment opportunities in construction and providing long-term jobs on the island.
The enhancements to Ocean Cay will include additional amenities for MSC Cruises guests, staff accommodation, environmental infrastructure, and operational and technical advancements. For guests, exciting additions include excursion centers supporting watersport activities and island tours, a sea dive and snorkel center, and additional food and beverage outlets, enhancing the overall experience for those visiting the destination.
An essential development component is establishing the MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre, serving as a hub for biologists, coral reef experts, and students. This center will feature interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, and coral exhibition tanks, offering educational opportunities to guests on the importance of marine ecosystems and the urgency of protecting the world's oceans.
Ocean Cay is already home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, a vital initiative contributing to understanding the region's coral reef resilience. The island hosts coral nurseries thriving with young and critically endangered species of endemic reef-building corals, instilling hope in the restoration of these fragile ecosystems. MSC Cruises is also making significant strides toward sustainability, with plans for a third solar farm, an advanced wastewater treatment plant, and a landscaping program to further diversify and develop the island's sustainable environment. Native and adaptive trees, grasses, and shrubs will be planted to control erosion, improve vegetation, and support ecosystem health. This aligns with MSC Cruises' commitment to achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions for Ocean Cay.
Accompanying these developments will be new accommodation buildings, expanding amenities for island staff, and increasing staff numbers from 150 to 280, further contributing to the local economy. In a demonstration of its ongoing social responsibility, MSC Cruises has pledged support for the LJM Maritime Academy and the University of The Bahamas, aiming to enhance the training of Bahamians aspiring to join the maritime sector. Ocean Cay, once an industrial sand excavation site, was transformed by MSC Cruises into a flourishing marine reserve and private island destination in 2019. Since its opening, the island has garnered numerous awards for tourism and environmental stewardship.
For the upcoming winter 2023-24 season, MSC Cruises is set to deploy its largest capacity in the North American market, featuring five ships – MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape, and MSC Seashore – all making stops at the renowned Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
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