By the Caribbean Journal staff

Bonaire’s leading hotel has a major new partner: world-renowned ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau.

The hotel has formalized a partnership with Cousteau, who is the grandson of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, to raise awareness for ocean conservation efforts among Caribbean travelers.

The announcement follows a visit to Bonaire by Cousteau earlier this year.

 “On a recent trip to Bonaire, I encountered Harbour Village Beach Club and it is truly a first-class destination resort in every way with a strong environmental conscience,” Cousteau said. “From their reef preservation initiatives to their Great Adventures Bonaire program, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center offering scuba diving, snorkel trips and educational dive courses, the property is committed to an ocean ethic.”

Cousteau will also expand his nonprofit Ocean Learning Center, which is based in New York City, to Bonaire, with a headquarters at the Harbour Village.

“My vision is for Harbour Village to be the center of a ‘think tank’ on critical conservation and environmental issues facing our planet through two annual Global summits and conferences,” Cousteau said. “Our programs will bring together those working earnestly in the field and some of the best minds in the world in order to seek solutions required to save our water planet, while educating resort guests about the importance of ocean conservation.”