Debuting in the Indian Ocean, Fari Islands Brings Home Ambassadors of the Environment
Wednesday 3rd of March 2021
The many ocean tales passed down generations of sea-folk, magical sea creatures, expeditions to the hidden wonders or the simple island life shaped by the waters has wound a lifestyle of traditional Maldivian culture that reflects our unmistakable connection with the nature that surrounds us. For many years, these stories from once upon a rare blue have captivated visitors to this unique island destination. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, we wish to bring this connection and island spirit to our guests through authentic and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Debuting in the Indian Ocean for the first time, Jean-Michel Cousteau partners with Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to bring his Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Maldives, making the property the first and only resort in the region to have this honor. Joining five other properties of the flagship around the world, this preservation program will enrich the experience for guests of all ages to the natural Maldivian wonders both above and below water.
Since the foundation of Ocean Futures Society in 1999, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated his entire life to working with leaders of countries and industries, and especially the next generation, to share with them the value of ocean heritage, the need to protect it, and specific actions for sustainable management. His explorations into seeking the secrets of the unknown world beyond sight led to the creation of over 75 films, many educational programs and lectures with the most esteemed names in the environmental advocacy world.
“Extending the Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Maldives was an obvious next step for the brand as it will allow our naturalists to create new and cutting-edge programming for the resort’s guests,” said Richard Murphy, Chief Scientist at the Ocean’s Future organization and lead for the Ambassadors of the Environment teams. He has been working with Jean-Michel and his father in 1968 and has accompanied them as a photographer, scientist, educator, and spokesman for the Cousteaus.
According to Murphy, the program is named so because their vision it to inspire people to return home with the motivation to live more sustainably and to appreciate the importance of protecting the nature that keeps our planet habitable for us and all other species. Interestingly, the program was initially organized for kids but their parents came eager to join in and today, the Ambassadors program is for guests of all ages but the message is always the same – protect our marine resources.
Murphy is looking forward to working with the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands team and having the opportunity to venture in to the healthy rich house reef of the island is more than a delight.
Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives revealed that this iconic partnership will further the resort’s commitment to a sustainable future and bring this incredibly important environmental preservation aspect through to the guest experience.
As part of the program, an exciting array of immersive and educational activities that explores the rare geographical reserve of unexplored ocean depths. Each program’s menu of activities varies on what the region supports however, programming may include kayaking, underwater photography and videography, rock wall climbing, night snorkeling, astronomy and more. Guests can marvel under the seas, explore the nature and discover a whole new world with Cousteau-trained Naturalists and environmentalists. The Ambassador of the Environment Program connects guests with nature offering an inspiring experience for all generations, just as jean-Michel strongly believes.