Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–A number of resorts in the Maldives have proven that the concepts of luxury and sustainability can complement each other.
James Elsmore, CEO of Island Innovation, an agency that helps stakeholders in small island destinations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, said, “A big draw for tourism is the healthy ecosphere that people visit to see. It is clear that this kind of environment must be preserved. in order to continue to attract high-spending tourism.
The tourism sector is often blamed for exacerbating the environmental crisis.
Maldives resorts claim a high demand for energy and resources, which leads to an increase in waste production. Not only that, but it relies on long and emissions-laden flights to bring tourists to it.
Experts believe that sustainable business is essential to the Maldives’ 150+ resorts, to keep their businesses alive.
The Government of the Maldives is enforcing policies that encourage sustainable tourism measures. It has, in turn, set its aspirations for national carbon neutrality by 2030, and implemented a ban on single-use plastics, by 2023.
On-site recycling facilities
Previously, much of the country’s waste was poorly managed, polluting the air and damaging the marine ecosystem.
Fortunately, the government has taken steps to address these issues.
For example, environmentally-leading Soneva Resorts, which operates two hotels in the Maldives, has a robust composting program. It also operates an on-site Eco Centro waste treatment facility, which recycles approximately 90% of the resort’s plastic, aluminum and glass waste.
In parallel, Fairmont Maldives, which aims to be the country’s “first zero-waste resort”, launched its sustainability lab earlier this year.
The facility is set to become a regional recycling center for surrounding communities, with the further task of educating local schoolchildren about the importance of recycling and conservation.
Solar installations
The tropical Maldives boasts sunshine, paving the way for renewable solar energy, which more resorts are looking to take advantage of.
In 2018, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island became the country’s first 100% solar-powered resort, thanks to nearly 1,000 solar panels covering the rooftop of The Retreat, a dining and recreation hub.
Other properties that include large solar projects include Dusit Thani Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives.
Luxe South Ari Atoll houses the world’s largest floating solar power plant, at sea.
It is clear that resorts are not the only ones that rely on solar energy. Earlier this year, Gan International Airport also announced plans to become the first airport in the Maldives to be powered entirely by solar energy.
Due to limited agricultural infrastructure, most of the food served in the Maldives must be airlifted.
Motivated to help offset the carbon footprint, reduce associated packaging waste, and at the same time save costs, many resorts are developing local alternative solutions.
For example, guests dining at the Zero Restaurant at Sun Island Resort & Spa are promised to focus on fresh seafood and produce from the hotel’s garden.
Guest Protection Programs
With the Maldives facing such dire environmental risks, many travelers feel compelled to help.
Visitors to Six Senses Laamu can collaborate with the largest team of marine scientists in the country, as part of the resort’s “Maldives Underwater Initiative” (MUI) initiative.
This group has successfully protected hundreds of sea turtles, and more than a million square feet of seagrass.
Resort guests can take part in a range of marine conservation activities, including regular reef cleanups, weekly conservation lectures, marine biologist-led diving excursions, and a marine biology program for young children.
Meanwhile, Gili Lankanfushi Hotel will launch a new marine life center later this year, with a dedicated research space, and an expanded coral reef regeneration program.
Guests can participate in the hands-on cleaning and rehabilitation of coral reefs along with marine biologists.
The resort’s mission is to offer “small tips and secrets on how to live a more sustainable life that they can apply at home,” said Martin van Weyl, regional general manager at Six Senses Laamu.