Blue Ventures was honoured yesterday by the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards for its work with volunteers to protect threatened marine habitats in Madagascar.

During ceremonies at the Excel Conference Centre in London, Blue Ventures was Highly Commended in the category for Best Volunteering Organisation.

“With the growing debate over tourism and its impact on the environment, the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards are an important reminder that people can enjoy their holidays in ways that benefit both people and nature,” said Richard Nimmo, managing director of Blue Ventures. “Blue Ventures believes tourism can be a powerful conservation tool, providing incentives to keep natural resources healthy and productive.”

The First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards are the largest of their kind and recognize tourism organisations that respect and benefit local people and places. Blue Ventures was chosen from among 1200 nominations.

Blue Ventures brings more than 100 paying volunteers to Madagascar each year, training them in SCUBA diving, scientific research and on-the-ground conservation. Their work protects threatened coral reefs and other marine habitats that local communities rely upon for survival.

The First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards are sponsored by responsibletravel.com, The Times and Geographical Magazine.