Cousteau will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara on November 11 for 7-plus decades of contributions to the conservation and education of the oceans and marine life
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara– World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, Wildlife Heritage Areas, and have named a large portion of The Santa Barbara Channel Islands as the 9th Whale Heritage Area in the World. Santa Barbara local Jean-Michel Cousteau is the President and CEO of Ocean Futures Society and honorary President of the World Cetacean Alliance. The explorer and conservationist has spent over seven decades working on behalf of the planet’s oceans and inspiring people worldwide to protect them and conserve marine life for future generations. This recognition as a Whale Heritage Area means the World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance will work with a coalition of responsible travel businesses and wildlife charities to highlight the region’s commitment to promoting responsible ecotourism, providing ocean educational opportunities, supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts, and honoring the timeless cultural connection to whales. This is a big step forward for responsible tourism, as more people become aware that zoos and aquariums exploit animals for entertainment. Wildlife Heritage Areas will meet an increasing demand from tourists to ethically see wild animals in the wild.
“Whale Heritage Areas are becoming the gold standard for responsible whale watching destinations worldwide,” says Cousteau. “But they also have so much more to offer. By interweaving natural and cultural elements and placing communities at their very heart, these areas will become places where people respect, celebrate, and protect cetaceans and their ocean home long into the future. I am very excited to finally have one of these Whale Heritage Areas in my hometown of Santa Barbara, California.”
Cousteau will be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award on November 11 at the Ocean Futures Gala at the Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara, commemorating this and many decades of his enduring work for our planet’s oceans. Guests will enjoy sustainably sourced cuisine, local wine, and cocktails while dancing the night away. The Gala and weekend activities will support the work of the Ocean Futures Society (OFS), a marine conservation organization founded by Jean-Michel Cousteau in 1999 and based in Santa Barbara.
The celebratory event is supported by local companies and organizations such as Visit Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Rusack Winery, Por La Mar Nursery, Westerlay Orchids, The Ritz-Carlton Brand and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.
To experience this genuinely memorable weekend with Jean-Michel Cousteau and be inspired to act on behalf of whales and Santa Barbara’s local marine environment, please click HERE or contact The Ritz Carlton-Bacara at (805) 968-0100.
The Ocean Futures Society (OFS) continues to impact millions globally with its inspirational films, outdoor educational programs, books, curriculum, and multimedia presentations.
The OFS Mission: Explore the global ocean, inspiring and educating people worldwide to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean’s vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet.
About The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Set against a backdrop of golden beaches and lush mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean in the heart of Santa Barbara. The iconic Central California resort spans 78 acres and features 358 guest rooms and suites, two natural beaches, lush gardens, and a collection of amenities including: a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness center; three salt-water infinity pools; six culinary venues including the signature Angel Oak, housing the resort’s 12,000-bottle wine collection; robust activities program for guests of all ages; and 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The property is distinctly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering easy access to the region’s best vineyards, and is just minutes from the center of charming and historic Santa Barbara.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Bethesda, MD, part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 100 hotels in 32 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.