Marine Conservation Institute announces the recipients of the first annual JEDI Ocean Award for Sonoma County teens. The JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) award celebrates local Black, Latinx, POC and Indigenous Sonoma County high school students interested in pursuing studies in marine science and conservation biology. This year’s winners are Kiara Lizarraga and Veronica Jaramillo. 

In her winning essay, Lizarraga writes: “often when standing tall, taking in the breathtaking view over the cliff that scans over the ocean, we humans seem like a tiny pebble on the bottom of the ocean; yet, we have an incredibly immense impact on it.” The winner, who is a sophomore at Maria Carrillo High School, describes her “great respect and appreciation for the ocean, not just for being the largest carbon sink or being at least half of the Earth’s oxygen source but for allowing me to feel free, comfortable and inspired.” 

Jaramillo, a junior at Roseland University Prep, says “I want to inspire others to have faith in the positive aspects of what we are facing, rather than being lost in despair  . . . I want to bring more awareness and connectivity to everyone, no matter their age, gender, or race.” In her winning application, Jaramillo writes: “I cherish the beauty of the ocean . . . Each granule of sand is like a human being, and the infinite beach that touches and reaches under the ocean is like the network of humanity.”

The JEDI Award, generously funded by the Jack London Yacht Club, will celebrate Lizarraga and Jaramillo with a monetary prize, a one-on-one mentorship session with a marine conservationist, an insider tour of Bodega Marine Laboratory, free enrollment in the Eco-Conscious Diver’s Complete Introduction to Marine Conservation course, and publication of their winning essays on Marine Conservation Institute’s internationally-read blog.

The team at Marine Conservation Institute believes that diversity is the key to resilience and growth—both in the ocean and in our communities. “Early recognition and celebration is key to inspiring enthusiastic young people to continue their studies in environmental fields,” says Dr. Lance Morgan, president of Marine Conservation Institute, “and we hope that this award will inspire diverse students from Sonoma County to become tomorrow’s ocean leaders.”

Hope Reef, the start of the world’s largest coral reef restoration program, has been unveiled off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The reef, which can be seen on Google Earth, has been built to spell the word H-O-P-E and is a symbol to show the world how positive change can happen within our lifetime.

Scientists estimate that if the world does nothing, 90% of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone by 2043, impacting nearly 500 million people who depend on them for food, income and coastal protection^[1]. The effort to solve this requires global cooperation on a massive scale and SHEBA^® hopes to play the role of catalyst, helping to ensure the future has coral reefs and fish.

While the unveiling of Hope Reef takes place today, its restoration began two years ago. Since then, coral cover has increased from 5 to 55%, fish abundance has increased and we have seen the return of species such as sharks and turtles. By the end of 2029, SHEBA’s^® ambition is to restore more than 185,000 square meters of coral reef at sites around the world – roughly the size of 148 Olympic Swimming Pools.

Viewers who watch the SHEBA^® Hope Reef story, “The Film That Grows Coral” on YouTube will help raise money for reef restoration. With every view, the advertising money generated is invested into coral reef restoration through campaign partner, The Nature Conservancy. This is the first time ever that 100% of the funds from a YouTube channel have been monetized for sustainability efforts.

Providing a simple but effective solution, Hope Reef uses innovative ‘Reef Star’ technology – 90cm-wide, star-shaped, steel structures that are handmade by the local community in Indonesia. Each star is joined underwater to create a strong web that covers the seabed and provides a stable base for coral fragments to regrow. 

Professor David Smith, Chief Marine Scientist at Mars Inc., said: “We’re thrilled to unveil Hope Reef and show that there really is hope for our oceans. Our efforts around the world to restore and regenerate these precious ecosystems are showing exciting results and having a positive impact on local communities, which we’re delighted to see. We hope our efforts inspire others to join us so we can all play our part in helping to prevent the extinction of our coral reefs.”  

Dr. Elizabeth McLeod, The Nature Conservancy’s Global Reef Systems Lead, said: “Coral reefs are the heart of our oceans, supporting over a quarter of marine life. Reefs also supply millions of people worldwide with food, livelihoods, life-saving medicines, and protection against storms. It’s imperative that we scale up our work to protect and restore the long-term health of these vital ecosystems, as well as addressing the threats that have caused their decline and building their resilience to a changing climate.” 

Since 2008, SHEBA^®‘s parent company, Mars, Incorporated, has invested more than $10m in research, restoration and community engagement as part of its coral reef program. In addition, the company has invested $1 billion to drive action for the protection and restoration of the planet and those who inhabit it through its Sustainable In A Generation Plan. 

Tracey Massey, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition said: “This is a symbol of hope – hope for the future of our oceans and the start of a movement to restore these vital ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy and our other long-standing partners on coral restoration around the world ensure a promising start to drive further action, acting as catalyst to inspire others and help create a healthy, thriving planet for both people and pets.”

To play a role in reef restoration, so that we have more coral today and more fish tomorrow, watch and share this video #hopegrows: The Film That Grows Coral

Opening in 2022, the $300 million re-imagined “Jungle Island” will feature a thrilling aerial adventure course with zip lines, up-close animal encounters, water attractions, one-of-a-kind entertainment and nightlife, and a new hotel, just minutes from downtown Miami and Miami Beach

 ESJ Capital Partners (hereinafter: ‘ESJ”), an Aventura, Florida-based commercial real estate firm and a registered Investment Advisor, has secured the final approvals necessary to move forward with developing a one-of-a-kind eco-adventure destination and hotel on 18.5 acres of prime waterfront in Miami.

The $300 million project is an ambitious re-imagining of the historic “Jungle Island,” a zoological theme park and botanical gardens built in 1936 that once boasted the largest and rarest collection of exotic animals and birds. It is located on Watson Island, roughly five minutes from both downtown Miami and the world-renowned South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

Inspired by some of the world’s most successful eco-adventure destinations and conceived by a team of the top hospitality/nature attraction experts, ESJ’s master-plan for redevelopment of the park caters to the 21^st-century guest, while still preserving historic elements that has made the Jungle Island experience a favorite landmark for nearly a century – including an unparalleled collection of over 50 parrot species in its multi-story aviary. 

Set to re-open in mid-2022 as “Jungle Island: Miami’s Adventure Oasis,” the redesigned park will include the only aerial adventure course in South Florida featuring zip lines, ropes courses, bridges, and climbing nets suspended up to 60-feet in the treetops; a 19,000-square-foot trampoline park; interactive and hands-on animal nature tours that allow guests to get up-close and personal with over 100 species of wild animals, such as swimming with capybaras; a 1,200-seat outdoor amphitheater with new and unique, family- friendly entertainment featuring aerialists and acrobats; elevated dining and nightlife experiences; a Mediterranean-style beach club and cocktail lounge on Miami’s only private beach; and several water features including a new 900-foot “lazy river”  that meanders through the park’s lush green and animal habitats.

A key component of the park will be a new 300-key, family-friendly eco-resort, scheduled to open in late 2024 or early 2025. 

Based on market research, ESJ expects to draw more than 500,000 guests during its first year of operation, comprising a 50-50 mix of both local/domestic visitors and out-of-market travelers.  

“Florida is finally getting its first true eco-adventure park, where nature and wildlife provide inspiration for guests to explore, play, challenge themselves physically, or simply relax,” said Arnaud Sitbon, CEO of ESJ. “Best of all, it’s going to be in a city that is one of the world’s top-rated travel destinations, just minutes from Miami’s top-rated beaches and attractions. It’s a privilege to have the honor of breathing new life into this much-beloved landmark, and our hope is that it will spark appreciation and respect for nature and our planet’s precious wildlife.”

“A nature-oriented destination of this magnitude in the heart of Miami’s urban core is truly remarkable,” said Micha Dubernard, Senior Vice President of ESJ Capital Partners. “In addition to providing a unique attraction that enhances Miami’s reputation for tourism and culture, Jungle Island’s lush habitat will also serve an important ecological role by helping absorb some of the city’s carbon emissions and serving as a natural preserve for Florida’s wading birds and other wildlife.”

According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), there is substantial demand for this type of venue.  “We are extremely pleased to add such a compelling attraction to our community,” said William D. Talbert III, President & CEO of the GMCVB.  “We look forward to continue working with the Jungle Island team.”

In 2019, Greater Miami attracted a record-breaking 16.3 million overnight visitors and an additional 7.9 million day tripper, for a record number of 24.2 million total visitors with a total economic impact close to $18 billion, according to the GMCVB. Industry experts expect Miami’s hospitality and tourism industry to recover steadily over the next year, in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccine roll outs. 

In addition to the adventure park and nature attractions, Jungle Island will also feature a strong corporate appeal, with more than 10  indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, catering to small or large groups, and ranging from small celebrations to 1000+-person gatherings. 

ESJ acquired Jungle Island in April 2017, which involved the transfer of the existing land lease on the City of Miami-owned Watson Island to ESJ.  In August 2018, Miami voters approved a city charter amendment to waive competitive bidding and allow ESJ to modify Jungle Island’s lease and allow the construction of a 300-room hotel. In February 2021, the City of Miami provided final approval on a long-awaited land-use ordinance change and special area plan, both necessary to redevelop the 18-acre property with a hotel and additional recreation amenities. ESJ plans to begin construction on the new adventure park this summer, and will break ground on the new $100+ million hotel in 2022, pending a final building permit.

To lead Jungle Island’s transformation, ESJ has pulled in some of the world’s leading hospitality, attraction, entertainment and construction experts. These include IDEAS Brand & Experience Design, led by 25-year Disney executive Bob Allen; HKS Architects, an interdisciplinary global design firm which recently completed Royal Caribbean’s $250 million redevelopment of CocoCay Island; EoA, an award-winning design firm; Gardiner & Theobald, an independent construction and property consultancy noted for its development of Miami’s acclaimed Faena District and the $4 billion Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas, the largest resort development in the Western Hemisphere; and several additional specialists in the field of animal entertainment and education.

For more information about Jungle Island updates, bookings and hours of operations please visit www.jungleisland.com. 

About ESJ Capital Partners

ESJ Capital Partners, founded in 2008, is a diversified, institutional vertically integrated, real estate investment firm. ESJ utilizes its breadth of experience and expertise to invest in attractive opportunities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.esj.us. 

About Jungle Island

A favorite South Florida landmark since 1936, Jungle Island is located across from the cruise ports, between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Miami’s premier eco-adventure park proudly takes guests on an epic journey through adventure, nature and play. From thrilling attractions, behind-the-scenes VIP tours, elevated dining experiences at a waterfront restaurant & lounge to unforgettable interactions with some of the world’s most fascinating animals, Jungle Island offers guests a variety of real-life jungle adventures. For regular updates, follow @JungleIsland on social media and visit www.jungleisland.com.