Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary
Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary
I do fantasize about just getting away from it all and just take a dip in one of the most sophisticated resorts in Cebu. I wanted to try diving so much but I would prefer snorkeling just to see those colorful corals and fishes just minding their own businesses. Speaking of snorkeling, the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary just opened last month. Well, better late than never, right?
After six months of shutdown for the fishes and corals to recover, a ceremonial dive at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort back in September 1 was organized. I apologize for the late news but again, it’s better than passé.
The sanctuary
Some of the those who have took part during the early morning dive were the hotel executives and the top corporate clients who have provided utmost support in reestablishing this sanctuary not just for the visitors but also in the preservation of corals in Cebu. The Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary was founded under the stewardship program of the Lapu-Lapu City Government. This goes to show that they’re going to be the responsible ones in the maintenance and supervision of the sanctuary in the next 15 years. That’s some responsibility right there.
The 5-hectare sanctuary is blessed with oodles of corals perfect for a tour. The fishes have regained their confidence to multiply once again and should be enough to liven up the area once again.
The crew
The Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary will never be possible without the will for environment preservation of Timothy Wright, general manager of Shangri-La Mactan Resort, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, renowned TV celebrity and biologist, Professor David Bellamy as well as Lapu-Lapu City First Lady Paz Radaza and Lory Tan, WWF-Philippines president. This project was realized back in February 12, 2007.
The management
The management of the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary will be handled by the Shangri-La Mactan Resort’s staff that will be trained as fish wardens. They will make sure that the maintenance and preservation of the sanctuary is boundless. Of course, rules should be implemented for proper safeguarding.
Last may 2007, a second recertification of ISO 14001 was received by the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. This is to certify that they have netted the International Environmental Management System standard requirements like the sewage treatment facilities and biodegradable cleaning tools, to name a few.
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