In May 2022, the entire island of Saint Barthélemy was added to Mission Blue’s list of Hope Spots. Spanning 22 kilometres within the Caribbean archipelago, Saint Barthélemy is world-renowned as both a beloved yachting destination and an ecological marvel that is home to treasured coral reefs, manta and sting rays, leatherback sea turtles, sharks, sea urchins and vibrant fish – with sightings of humpback whales also reported. The fertile marine life below the surface contributes to the island’s popularity as a scuba diving destination, with more than 20 different sites around the country. The designation of the French-speaking island nation as a Hope Spot recognises the work of of Didier Laplace and his team at Coral Reef Restoration Saint Barth, which has included raising public awareness, surveying and aiding coral restoration projects around the coastlines of Saint Barthélemy.