Limiting Our Environmental Impact in Nosy Be: Concrete Actions by Corail Noir and Aqua Madagascar

In Nosy Be, the ecological challenge is significant. This island, a treasure of biodiversity, faces increasing pressure from a growing population and rising tourism. Unfortunately, there is still no structured waste sorting or recycling system in place. Most waste is burned, releasing pollutants into the air and soil—an alarming reality for this fragile ecosystem.

As Jacques Cousteau once said:

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

Faced with this challenge, it is our responsibility, as a hotel and diving center, to act at our scale and reduce the impact of our activities.

Reducing Waste on a Daily Basis: Local and Responsible Initiatives

At Corail Noir Hotel and Aqua Madagascar Diving Center, every effort matters when it comes to limiting the amount of waste produced. For instance, we have installed a water filtration system to eliminate the need for plastic water bottles. Guests can refill their reusable bottles directly at the hotel, avoiding the consumption of dozens of single-use plastic bottles during their stay.

 On the supply side, we encourage our local partners to reduce unnecessary packaging and deliver in bulk whenever possible. This collaboration with our suppliers is essential for reducing waste at the source and promoting more sustainable practices on the island.

While these initiatives alone are not enough to tackle all challenges, they have allowed us to significantly reduce our environmental footprint while raising awareness among our staff and visitors. 

Community Engagement: Beach Cleanup in Ambaro 

Our commitment does not stop at the hotel doors. Last November, we organized a beach cleanup session in Ambaro, a village close to our property. The event brought together our team, willing guests, and local villagers. Together, we collected all kinds of waste: plastic bottles, cans, metal scraps, abandoned clothes, and other pollutants that might otherwise have ended up in the ocean. 

The Aqua Diving Center, proudly certified as a Blue Oceans SSI partner, played an active role in this initiative. This label, awarded by the international organization SSI, recognizes diving centers committed to protecting marine ecosystems. It was a proud moment to see our divers and staff rolling up their sleeves alongside the locals, in a spirit of solidarity and camaraderie.

The cleanup ended at sunset, a symbolic reminder that even the smallest actions can brighten the future of our planet.

A Long-Term Commitment

Although we do not claim to clean all of Nosy Be, we firmly believe that every gesture matters. Beyond the immediate environmental impact, these clean-up initiatives raise awareness among local communities and travelers about the importance of preserving nature.

Encouraged by the success of this first cleanup, we are already planning another session in the coming months. Our goal is simple: to multiply small efforts for a larger collective impact.

Why Do These Actions Matter?

Nosy Be is home to exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity, from coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to tropical forests inhabited by lemurs and chameleons. Preserving this unique environment is a responsibility we share with our visitors and local partners.

By reducing our waste, adopting more sustainable practices, and involving the community, we are doing our part to protect these natural treasures. 

Join Us in Our Efforts!

Whether you’re a hotel guest, a diving enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, you can participate in these initiatives during your stay. Together, let’s make Nosy Be an example of sustainable tourism where nature and hospitality coexist harmoniously. 

Would you like to learn more or contribute to our environmental actions? Contact our team or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on upcoming initiatives.