Maldives - pioneers in sustainable tourism

The Maldives is leading the way on sustainability as a global player in the international scene as the world's lowest-lying country. Sustainable climate solutions are highly prioritised by the government and luxury hotels are working to implement sustainable measures.

With 1,192 coral islands, the Maldives is surrounded by world-renowned reefs that are home to more than 2,000 marine species including dolphins, turtles, stingrays and whale sharks. A total of five per cent of the world's reefs are found in the Maldives and three UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves.   

In recent years, the country has been working extensively on climate change, presenting development plans for sustainability at the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), and is a leading advocate of funding for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Maldives' goal is to manage climate change better in the future, including by preparing for extreme weather events and by cooperating with other island nations. The ambition is to be a model of sustainability and to position tourism as economically viable in coexistence and harmony with the environment, culture, and people. 

Some examples of government initiatives

• Develop and inaugurate an eco-tourism project, with a focus on sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Formulate and implement a special policy to provide solutions for the expeditious completion of unfinished resorts for economic sustainability in all regions of the Maldives.
• Develop and inaugurate a special "Coastal Tourism" project for Addu to promote local island tourism that brings economic sustainability to residents of the city.
• Start a special programme to increase the number of women employed in the tourism sector to ensure inclusivity and gender parity.

Examples of initiatives from the hotel industry

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives Goes Green with Solar Power

The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives has introduced solar energy as its main energy source and intends to fully switch to solar energy to become carbon neutral. Plastic water bottles have been replaced by reusable glass bottles. In addition to its commitment to sustainable energy practices, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has implemented a zero-waste initiative within the resort's dining facilities, including Kula, an all-day dining restaurant.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Unveils New Eco-Centre

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives has the Coral Lines project which provides a nursery environment for new corals to grow, bolstering the house reef and monitoring health and survival types across coral genotypes. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the famed conservation project, where they will learn about coral reef restoration and even adopt a coral. Working hand-in-hand with the Manta Trust to protect Manta Rays, and the Olive Ridley Project to rescue injured sea turtles.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & SPA Achieves the prestigious Green Globe Certification

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has this year been certified with the Green Globe for its sustainability efforts. Coral regrowth takes place by planting corals on frames and can be adopted by tourists. Waste will be treated by a biogas plant. Seawater is desalinated to save 375,000 plastic bottles annually. Cultural activities are carried out with the local population, especially women, to preserve the cultural heritage.

Joy of Preserving - Safeguarding the planet

JOALI is a luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand driven by a commitment to sustainability and female empowerment. They have created a series of meaningful changes – for their guests, for local communities, and for the planet. Every aspect of their culture and strategy is woven around “responsible luxury”. Joali practises four key focus areas: Joy of Preserving, Joy of Nurturing, Joy of Empowering and Joy of Conserving.

Step into a Greener Tomorrow with Nova Maldives

Nova Maldives has sustainability as a guiding principle in everything from energy to waste management. It is also keen to preserve culture and has various activities linked to the local community. It is a partner of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and ensures coral regeneration through their Coral Frame sponsorship program.

An island that cares for the future

The Nautilus environmental work ranges from supporting local talent to sustainable building materials. They also work to protect turtles and ensure that guests can adopt coral frames. Only locally caught fish is served in the restaurants and there is the largest wall of plants in the Indian Ocean. The hotel also employs the highest proportion of local people in senior positions.

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