Zannier Bãi San Hô and SASA Marine Animals Rescue Center Renew Commitment to Coral Reef Restoration in Vietnam
Zannier Bãi San Hô is proud to announce the continuation of its impactful collaboration with SASA Marine Animals Rescue Center, reaffirming their shared dedication to the protection and restoration of coral reefs along Vietnam’s central coast. Building on the success of their partnership since September 2024, both organizations aim to preserve the unique marine ecosystems that define the Dak Lak region.
TWO YEARS OF TANGIBLE PROGRESS
Since the inception of the collaboration, Zannier Bãi San Hô and SASA have achieved remarkable milestones in marine conservation. At the beginning of the partnership, a comprehensive assessment of the underwater environment across the three reef areas revealed that corals covered 60% of the 26,000 m² reef, with 99% being soft corals and only 1% reef-building corals. While the limited presence of reef-building corals presented a challenge – with colonies still young, small, and sparsely distributed – the assessment identified more than 40 species of reef-building corals and 20 species of soft corals. These species play a crucial role in providing the structural foundation of the reef and supporting its long-term resilience and biodiversity.
Building on the success of the first onsite conservation action in 2025, SASA returned to the property in June 2026 for its latest mission. The joint efforts focused on three key areas:
Reef Cleanup: Removal of 180 kg of ghost nets, plastic trash, and debris, as well as ~250 kg of sunken wood across the reef area.
Invasive Species Control: Removal of 11 Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) and ~1,000 Drupella snails, significantly reducing threats to coral health.
Coral Restoration:
Planting 200 m² of coral rescued from ghost nets and sunken wood, using micro-and macro-fragmentation methods, with species including Acropora, Pocillopora, Turbinaria, and Montipora.
Establishing a 100m² coral garden with five structural zones, hosting diverse species such as Euphillia and Goniopora.
Deploying protective mooring buoys to safeguard the planting area, informing local fishermen.
These actions have not only enhanced the reef’s resilience but also provide a foundation for long-term biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
A SHARED VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The collaboration between Zannier Bãi San Hô and SASA reflects their shared values: a desire to implement measures to conserve water, protect local wildlife, and promote sustainable tourism. As a resort that holds the preservation of its coral bay in its name, Zannier Bãi San Hô has been committed to these principles since its launch – proven by achieving Green Globe certification since February 2023.
“This partnership exemplifies the power of collective action in preserving our marine ecosystems,” said Alain Bachmann, General Manager of Zannier Bãi San Hô. “By combining our resources and expertise with SASA, we are not only protecting the reefs but also enriching the experiences of our guests, who can witness firsthand the beauty and fragility of these underwater worlds.”
Mr. Chien Le, Founder of SASA, added: “Our joint efforts have already yielded measurable results, from reducing invasive species to replanting vital coral fragments. This continuation allows us to build on this momentum, ensuring the reefs thrive for generations to come.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Encouraging signs of recovery have been observed, with an increasing number of coral colonies, greater diversity of species, and a richer array of colours bringing new life and vibrancy to the reef.
The renewed collaboration will focus on expanding coral planting efforts to cover additional areas, enhancing the monitoring of marine life and reef health, and engaging the community through educational programs and awareness campaigns, including a promotional video to highlight the importance of coral conservation.
ABOUT ZANNIER BÃI SAN HÔ
Perched on a secluded peninsula in Dak Lak, Zannier Bãi San Hô is a 98-hectare luxury re-sort designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, with 97% of its premises covered by lush native vegetation. Since its opening in December 2020, the resort has prioritized sustainability, featuring 655 solar panels, a 30% reduction in energy consumption since 2022, and the elimination of single-use plastics. It also recycles 100% of its food waste and initiated a coral preservation program in 2023. The resort offers 73 villas, 3 restaurants and bars, a spa, leisure facilities, and a watersport activity center, all facing a private and protected coral reef bay. Guests can enjoy immersive experiences, including water sports, marine activities, and discoveries of local fishermen’s life, seashell farms, and shrimp farms.
ABOUT SASA MARINE ANIMALS RESCUE CENTER
Founded in 2018 by Chien Le, SASA Marine Animals Rescue Center is a pioneering organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of marine life in Vietnam. Through hands-on conservation projects, scientific research, and community education, SASA works tirelessly to restore the health of Vietnam’s coastal ecosystems. The center’s collaboration with Zannier Bãi San Hô is a testament to its mission of fostering partnerships that amplify impact and drive meaningful change.
CONTACT
Quentin Guiraud
PR & Communication Manager
qguiraud@zannier.com
+32 (0) 472 05 57 19
