World Mangrove Day – Wednesday 26th July

Necker Island where they are planting mangroves

Today it is World Mangrove Day.  And, in a bid, to get millionaires planting more mangrove, Virgin Limited Edition has launches mangrove conservation tour.  It has done so for guests on Necker Island to help connect them to the importance of its environment.

The company is encouraging its guests visiting the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to make a lasting contribution.  It wants them to get stuck in helping to replant critical mangroves during a stay on Necker Island.

Necker is one of the most famed private islands in the world and Sir Richard Branson’s home. it is also known for its progressive initiatives in conservation and sustainability. The launch of the mangrove conservation tour is an extension to some of the incredible work on the island that will allow its guests to be further connected with the surrounding environment.

The idea behind the initiative is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and rehabilitating this crucial ecosystem of the British Virgin Islands.

Centre of operation

Necker Island holds the environment in which it resides at the very centre of its operation. In recent years, the addition of three giant wind turbines to add to its solar farm ensure the island can run on up to 100% renewable energy.  This goes hand in hand with water irrigation systems, staff uniforms made from recycled ocean plastics, and reef friendly sunscreen, just as a start. 

Its wildlife conservation programme on island has seen endangered Giant Aldabra Tortoises breeding there.  That’s the only place outside of their natural environment in the Seychelles. The flamingo population was brought back to the BVI and Necker Island’s knowledgeable wildlife and conservation team.  They ensure guests get opportunities to learn about the species and interact with them.

Its newly launched Mangrove Tour goes another step further in its conservation efforts with the opportunity to participate in regenerative activity, through planting critically important mangroves.

The experience will be offered to guests in partnership with Unite BVI, the not-for-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. It is supported by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite, which focusses on tackling community and environmental changes.

hey are planting mangroves on Necker Island

The guided tour, operated by local business GroundSea Adventures, reinforces Virgin’s commitment to ensuring the environment around Necker thrives.  This gives those joining the opportunity to get hands-on with planting mangrove propagules at the HLSCC National Mangrove Nursery on the neighbouring island of Tortola.

Significant role

Mangroves play a significant role within the ecosystem of the British Virgin Islands, from protecting communities through coastal resilience. They capture carbon and provide a sheltered home for marine life, such as lobster, jellyfish, and sharks.

However, destruction of mangroves from human activity and the damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Back then, 90% of the territory’s mangrove population was devastated. This has caused significant vulnerability to the BVI’s ecosystem. Since then, Unite BVI, has been working closely with local organisations to raise money for its regeneration.

All profits of this new Necker guest experience will go to GroundSea Adventures and Unite BVI, to support projects and mangrove out-planting.

During the guided tour, guests will have the opportunity to either stand-up paddle or kayak, in a single or a double kayak, through indigenous mangroves. Learn from an expert guide how the propagules are cultivated. See the work that goes into their rehabilitation and preservation. As well as lending their hand to planting the propagules themselves.

Purposeful experiences

Other purposeful experiences in the pipeline for Necker Island guests include the opportunity to get involved in youth empowerment projects on the island of Tortola. As well as the chance to dive the BVI’s first artificial reef-come-art installation, The Kodiak Queen. The proceeds of that go towards free swimming lessons in the community.

The mangrove conservation experience costs $165 for adults and $135 for children aged 12 to six. The price includes boat and taxi transfers, a donation to the HLSCC National Mangrove Nursery and out-planting. There is no cost for children aged six and under. However, they are required to share a double kayak with an adult.