These resorts in the Maldives are at the forefront of sustainability

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(CNN) — As the lowest-lying nation in the world — much of which is just a few feet above sea level — the nearly 1,200 Indian Ocean islands scattered across the sun-drenched atolls of the Maldives aren’t just famous for their magazine cover-ready-to-use beaches and bungalows, but because of their increasing vulnerability to rising sea levels.

According to reports from NASAas many as 80% of these islands could be uninhabitable by 2050.

And that’s not the only pressing threat to the environment. The remoteness of the island and limited waste facilities – coupled with a large influx of tourists (more than 1.7 million per year, pre-pandemic) – has led to improper waste handling, with the Maldives Tourist Board going so far as to encourage visitors to export their own non-biodegradable waste.

The delicate ecosystem of coral reefs — a huge lure for divers and snorkelers — has also suffered massive damage: a scientific study survey in 2016 found that climate change-induced coral bleaching had damaged more than 60% of the country’s reefs.

“A major draw for tourism is the healthy ocean environment that visitors come to see. It’s clear that this kind of environment needs to be preserved to continue attracting high-spending tourists,” said James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation, an agency that assists stakeholders on small island destinations — including in the Maldives — to achieve sustainable development goals.

This nature-based tourism is indeed a paradox here. While much of the country’s 540,000 residents depend on related income for their livelihood, the tourism industry is often accused of exacerbating the environmental crisis. Resorts in the Maldives claim high energy and resource demands and create excessive waste production – and perhaps most painfully, rely on emission-heavy, long-haul flights to bring in the tourists.

As a result, many of the country’s more than 150 luxury resorts aren’t just choosing to “go green” for good PR optics—experts say operating as sustainably as possible in the Maldives is essential for business survival on the planet. long-term.

In addition, some resort initiatives, such as those towards clean energy infrastructure, are also good for their profits.

“The high cost of importing fuel to power noisy, polluting generators just doesn’t make sense compared to the much lower cost of solar, wind and battery storage,” says Ellsmoor.

Today, several Maldivian resorts are leading the way with innovative sustainability actions that help minimize impact – while proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

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Recycling facilities on site

Historically, much of the nation’s waste has been mismanaged, relegated to open incinerators or removed into the sea, causing air pollution, damaging the marine ecosystem and/or backwashing in the process. Fortunately, the government has taken steps to solve these problems.

In the meantime, research shows that tourists per capita are the largest waste generators in the Maldives. In response, some island resorts are now using creative waste management solutions.

Eco-pioneer Soneva Resortswhich, for example, operates two properties in the Maldives, has a robust composting program and also operates their Eco Centro – an on-site waste disposal facility that recycles about 90% of the resorts’ plastic, aluminum and glass waste.

Everyone is involved in recycling at Soneva.

Soneva

The company also launched its Makers’ Place concept at Soneva Fushi last year, where makers and artists reuse “waste” in salable arts and crafts, such as wall tiles and glassware.

Fairmont Maldivesmeanwhile – which aims to be the “first zero-waste resort” in the country – launched its Sustainability Lab earlier this year, which also focuses on re-shaping plastic, glass and aluminum waste from resorts and oceans into tourist souvenirs and local products ( such as turtle-shaped luggage tags and stationery for nearby schools).

The facility is destined to become a regional recycling center for the surrounding communities, with a further mission to educate local school children about recycling and conservation.

Sam Dixon, in-house sustainability manager and resident marine biologist at Fairmont Maldives, says the collaboration between schools is important because they “encourage the next generation to be passionate about protecting the ecosystem and marine life that inhabit it.”

Solar energy installations

One resource that the tropical Maldives have in abundance is sunshine, providing a path to renewable solar power generation that more resorts are looking to tap into.

in 2018, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island became the first resort in the country to run entirely on solar energy, thanks to nearly 1,000 solar panels covering the roof of “The Retreat” (a hub for restaurants, wellness and shopping).

Other properties that have integrated substantial solar projects include: Dusit Thani Maldives, where solar panels cover the roofs of the main resort buildings; The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, which runs mainly on solar energy (guest villas are covered with panels); and LUX* South Ari Atollclaiming the world’s largest floating solar power plant at sea (bonus: the eco-friendly solar platforms create a sort of artificial reef for marine life).

And it’s not just resorts that are switching to solar. Earlier this year, Gan International Airport also announced plans to become the Maldives’ first fully solar-powered airport.

‘Zero-Food-Mile Dining’

With limited farming infrastructure, most of the food items served in the Maldives have to be flown in. To help offset some of that carbon footprint, reduce associated packaging waste while cutting costs, several resorts have stepped on the (kitchen) board to develop their own “zero-food-mile” solutions.

Amillafirst, it has a host of sustainable food initiatives that go beyond the more standardized vegetable and herb gardens, including a banana plantation, hydroponic garden, mushroom hut, coconut processing facility, and a “Cluckingham Palace” chicken coop of your choice.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, calls itself “suppliers of mindful cuisine,” with an on-site organic permaculture garden open to foraging guests; zero waste kitchens; food menus that promote plant-based diets; and an in-house water-bottling facility.

Patina Maldives: delicious and green.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Guests dining at Zero at . restaurant Sun Island Resort & SpaMeanwhile, a dining experience of almost no food miles is promised, with an emphasis on produce picked from the hotel’s garden and fresh seafood from fishermen – all served at a table tucked into the treetops.

Guest Retention Programs

Zoona Naseem is the Maldives’ second certified PADI Course Director. But instead of working with tourists, she opened a diving center for local women and children.

With the Maldives facing such major environmental problems, many travelers feel compelled to help.

Marteyne van Well, regional director at Six Senses Laamusays visitors to the Maldives are increasingly looking for sustainable resort brands that offer conservation initiatives and education.

“Travelers are looking for more local experiences because they want to feel like they’re contributing to the local communities,” she says, noting that such resort sustainability initiatives these days are simply “a must to even a potential guest.” to attract.”

Six Senses Laamu visitors can meander with the largest team of marine scientists in the country, part of the resort-led Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a group that has successfully protected hundreds of sea turtles and manta rays and covers more than one million square feet. to sea grass.

Resort guests can sign up for a variety of activities focused on marine conservation, including regular reef cleanups, weekly conservation talks, guided snorkeling excursions by marine biologists, and a junior marine biology program for children.

Other impressive resort conservation programs include those led by the Coco collection, with two Maldives properties behind the vet-led ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Center and a team of resident marine biologists responsible for ocean recovery. Guests can participate in trips to plant coral trees, participate in reef cleanups, or even help rehabilitate rescued turtles.

Gili Lankanfushimeanwhile, a new Marine Biology Center will be launched later this year with a dedicated research space and a comprehensive coral regeneration program, where guests can participate in hands-on coral reef cleaning and rehabilitation and study conservation alongside resident marine biologists.

Ultimately, says Van Well, with the rise of more conscious consumers, the Maldives resort’s job is to give guests “tips and some of our little secrets on how to live a more sustainable life that they can take home.” take — and this takeaway is highly valued and appreciated by our guests.”

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