Le Méridien Maldives Spotlights Women Helming The Resort’s Sustainability Initiatives

Sunday 5th of March 2023

With International Women's Day 2023 around the corner, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is honouring the women who are at the forefront of the resort’s sustainability initiatives. The resort takes pride in bringing forward females that occupy inspirational and vital roles within operations that reflect the ethos and philosophy of the brand to restore and protect the world’s greatest natural structures.

Given its strategic location, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa lies surrounded by nature’s assets from indigenous flora and fauna to vibrant coral reef ecosystems teeming with marine life. As such, the need to safeguard these resources become equally crucial and the resort has numerous on-property initiatives to support its commitment to sustainability. Women are also the leading force behind these endeavours from restoring coral reefs to managing the largest hydroponic farms in the Maldives.

This article will highlight two such faces, who are manoeuvering the green initiatives at Le Méridien Maldives, celebrating women today and every day.

Juby Thomas, Horticulture

Juby Thomas is the Head Horticulturist at the resort who entirely oversees and manages the on-site hydroponic gardens. She is tasked with ensuring that all produce at the farm is organic, pesticide-free and replenished with rainwater stored in a 30,000-litre tank. A champion horticulturist, Juby has been integral in the success behind the thriving greenhouse program that has encouraged guests to interact and create impactful connections with the greenery of the Maldives.

Moreover, it has fostered an interest among guests to know the sustainability efforts of the resort. The greenhouse also offers a unique dining experience for guests where freshly harvested ingredients are incorporated into meals. Likewise, the greenhouse has supplied fresh produce to other neighbouring islands in the vicinity of the resort and is a blueprint for all food menus at Le Méridien Maldives. Therefore, Juby plays a pivotal role in being an ambassador of sustainability at the property, on which various activities depend.

Candice Gunning, Marine Biologist

An animal lover through and through, Candice Gunning first set her heart to become a vet before finding her passion in marine biology. She then went on to study how ecosystems work and their fundamental role in creating a better tomorrow. Channelling her love for the oceans, Candice educates others on marine conservation projects ongoing at the resort. Under her leadership, she has devised marine programmes that teach guests about turtles, stingrays, mangroves and seagrasses and their importance to natural habitats.

Additionally, she even guides guests on snorkelling tours and dolphin cruises and assists in creating a culture of conservation through a unique coral restoration activity. By allowing families to get up and close to coral gardens and their preservation efforts, she helps instil in them a responsibility to conserve. Besides, protecting the natural reservoirs of the resort, Candice is also actively engaged in safeguarding the natural habitats of sea creatures.

Nilesh Singh, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa remarked, “We are extremely proud to have Juby and Candice as female leaders in our sustainability efforts. Their dedication, passion, and sense of responsibility towards the environment are inspirational, and we are confident that through their guidance and efforts, we will continue to achieve our sustainability goals”.