Environmental Credentials

A Statement about the Environment

In a time when everybody is sensitized to environmental issues, a gentle approach to the sustainable management of holiday destinations has become mandatory.
In a place where even the slightest action on the environment may induce a disproportionate reaction, addressing environmental concerns at local level has always been primordial.

Reethi Beach Resort has always shared these concerns about operations in such a fragile environment and since the management take-over more than 10 years ago they have ranged on the top of every agenda.

The Mission Statement of the Company was already laid down since the resort’s inception as maintaining the natural environment on the island as much as possible – and so provide a setting of tropical and truly Maldivian atmosphere integrated in the undisturbed habitat for endemic animals and plants.

The resulting reputed experience would however not be possible without investing in technical innovations and the most efficient exploitation of resources in the back of the house operations of the resort.

Sometimes with state-of-the-art technology, sometimes with inventive alterations to existing concepts and, yes, sometimes with less results than hoped for – over the years has paid off in a significant reduction in usage of fuels and consequently a carbon footprint far lower than most other resort operations in similar conditions.

But just as the answer to a footprint cannot be offsetting an impact elsewhere, we believe that the changes for the future need to take root in the direct surroundings first, inextricably linking environmental commitment to social commitment.

Our support of local communities has thus traditionally resulted in a very close relationship to surrounding inhabited islands and from active, financial, organizational support of community projects to the introduction of a comprehensive apprenticeship programme tailored to local needs, the links span all directions of life.

As the third influential link to establish a full, sustainable and transparent approach to environmental issues, we then aim at spreading our message to you, our guest.

Take a guided tour of the back of the house and we will introduce you not only to how a resort is operated but will also be shown some of the modifications that make us green – with a gentle approach.

Being green now does not mean renouncing all comfort – just the sensible indulgence – and for a reason the resort’s motto has always been “Nature with Comfort and Style”.

 

SOME OF OUR ENGAGEMENTS & ACCHIEVEMENTS

›› Awarded KUONI’s Green Planet Award for 6 consecutive years

›› Silver Accreditation of Travelife

›› Partnering with Earth Hour since four years

›› Initiator of Baa Atoll Project in 2007, an NGO of all resorts & islands in the atoll working on regional and national environmental issues

›› Scholarship & Hajj support schemes

›› Voluntary maintenance and upkeep of surrounding uninhabited islands

›› Bottling of our own drinking water in re-usable glass bottles

›› Re-cycling of water for irrigation purposes

›› Hot water production through heat exchange of running power generators

›› Alternative pool sanitizing through ionization

›› Consistent emphasis on biodegradable products in all areas

›› Re-fillable guest amenities, linen economizing scheme, power-keys in all guest rooms

›› Efficient “RRR” Waste Management

›› Plastic bags & plastic drinking straws abolished on the island

›› Pilot project of bio-gas production

›› Pilot project of natural mosquito-control

›› Emphasis on Purchasing Local Produce

›› Emphasis on Purchasing Bulk & Catering Packaging

›› Emphasis on Purchasing Organic

›› Delicate refurbishments re-using existing materials and adding from certified suppliers sourcing from sustainable projects; replacement of equipment to highest energy efficiency ratios

›› The total build up area of the island ( including the water bungalows ) at 16% of the land area available.

›› Introduction of least-impact erosion control

›› Coral Propagation Tests with Reef Monitoring


THE BAA ATOLL PROJECT

Reethi Beach Resort has initiated the Baa Atoll Project in 2007, an NGO of all resorts & dive schools in Baa Atoll. While representatives originally convened to find means of protecting the dwindling shark population in the area, BAP has since then proceeded to manifold topics.

With participation extended to officials of all local and regional islands, national ministerial delegates, national safari-boat and fisheries associations BAP has played an instrumental role in active and pro-active engagements in the entire North Province.

›› An MoU for visits to Hanifaaru Bay regulating boat traffic has been implemented. With safari-boats, live-aboards and surrounding resorts as signatories the sustainability of this world renowned congregation site for manta rays and whale sharks is ascertained

›› In cooperation with AEC, the Atoll Ecosystem Conservation project, the entire area of Baa Atoll has become a contender to the status of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

›› End 2009 shark fishing was banned

›› In July 2010 the law to ban all trade with all shark products has been passed

›› Resorts in the area are financially contributing to the means for diversification of formerly fishing population

›› Partnership programmes with neighbouring local communities are enforced

›› Establishment of a centralized waste management centre in the North Province area

›› Supporting of national conservationist campaigns

›› Supporting of international campaigns

›› With Reethi Beach the first to have stopped night fishing excursions in 2008, Baa Atoll is becoming the first night-fishing free atoll in the country



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