The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Celebrates 2023 Ocean Conservation Milestones
Wednesday 17th of January 2024
As a testament to its commitment to environmental conservation, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a key player in the Fari Islands’ lifestyle concept, marks the beginning of 2024 by celebrating its achievements in ocean conservation throughout 2023.
'Eye in the Sky' Drone Technology:
The resort has been at the forefront of environmental education since its opening in 2021. In collaboration with British PhD researcher Melissa Schiele, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands utilizes 'Eye in the Sky' drone technology for a sophisticated ocean plastics monitoring program. The drones are employed to better understand the location and movement of ocean plastics, including discarded fishing nets (ghost nets). In 2023, the resort's efforts resulted in the removal of 19 ghost nets weighing an estimated 1100kg. The initiative also played a crucial role in rescuing five olive ridley sea turtles entangled in abandoned nets. Through rehabilitation efforts, three turtles were successfully reintroduced to the ocean.
The drone program, with 751 flights since opening, has provided valuable data for critical research on plastic aggregation, ghost net locations, and ongoing wildlife monitoring. Over 21 ocean species were observed in 2023, showcasing the ecological impact of this pioneering initiative.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program:
Home to the Maldives' first Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program, the resort continues its collaboration with the renowned oceanographic explorer. In 2023, the program contributed to coral regeneration by planting 40 coral frames. These frames, featuring coral frags from Pocillapora and Acropora, now serve as successful new habitats visible in the resort's welcome jetty. The resort will host Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2024 from April 8th to 18th, offering guests exclusive educational experiences and Q&A sessions with the legendary explorer.
Community Footprints:
Through its Community Footprints programming, the resort extends its commitment to environmental awareness by engaging with local schools. Five educational excursions in 2023 covered topics such as ocean conservation, the impact of ocean plastics, and insights from the resort community's drone research. Ten global environmental dates, including World Shark Day and Earth Day, were marked with educational activities and beach clean-ups. Guests were actively involved in supporting ocean debris collection on resort shores and local islands.
Sustainable Practices:
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, integrates sustainable practices into its daily operations. Initiatives include increasing renewable energy production through solar power infrastructure, water purification, greywater treatment, and a robust composting program for food waste. The resort promotes a considered approach to luxury living with reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable amenity jars, and eco-friendly straws. Organic Bamford amenities are replenished on-site, contributing to the reduction of imported plastic, and the desalination plant minimizes plastic use in the country.
For more information and real-time updates, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram.