Sustainable Efforts in Maldivian Hotels That Will Convince You to Book Your Stay

The Maldives is probably the world’s lowest-lying nation, there’s rarely a natural elevation more than 6 feet above sea level. Therefore, the global warming crisis could be devastating for the islanders. At the current rate, the rise of the sea level would mean more than 80% of the Maldives will become uninhabitable by 2050, according to reports from NASA and the US Geological Survey.

On the other hand, the Maldives’ economy is based on the tourism industry, accounting for 28% of the country’s GDP. Their limited, but spectacular islands and atolls are the best resource they have to ensure a steady and growing income.

A sustainable tourism policy is key for survival and also to enhance the quality of life of the islanders. According to the recent Tourism Master Plan by the Tourism Ministry of the Maldives, the government will support the agencies that take responsibility and focus on environmental conservation, not only for the sake of an industry but also for future generations.

Even though the country is well aware of the importance and is putting the best efforts to achieve sustainability, there’s a long way ahead. For example, inter-island transportation depends on seaplanes and boats; therefore, reducing the carbon emission entirely is not possible at this stage, but with continuous efforts and incremental changes it’s not out of reach.

Hotels’ and resorts’ efforts towards sustainability

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is one of more than 150 Maldivian hotels. As a case study, let’s look into their philosophy and vision regarding sustainability.

Located on an island of its own, the resort is bordered by a stunning reef that’s brimming with marine life. The resort’s sustainability measures are long, including safeguarding the local community, minimising the impact on nature, and so on.

Wave Energy project

Initiated by The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Japan together with the Maldives government and Kokyo Tatemono Company, this is a renewable energy program powered by the famed surf break of Kandooma Right. The plant will generate 20 kilowatts of electricity once the preliminary phase is commenced in early 2022. The output will be increased 20-30% in the future.

Solar energy

The Maldives, located close to the equator, is blessed with sunlight year-round. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives installed a solar panel system consisting of 596 panels equivalent to an area of 7 tennis courts in September 2020.

The estimated output of the panels is 306,601 kWh annually, which is 5% of the required energy for the resort. To put into perspective, the resort can power up all guest villas for 32 days in a year only with solar energy. It also saves 81,000 litres of diesel annually. The reduction of the cost against the implementation cost might not seem significant, but the reduction of the carbon emission is outstanding; the effect is equivalent to the absorption of CO2 by 9,360 trees in a year.

Electricity, water and waste management

The resort practices a waste management system for the staff and visitors. Separate labelled waste bins are set up across the premises to recycle food, plastic, metal and other types of waste. They use draining water from the A/C system and harvest rainwater to use in gardening, ‘foot baths’ etc. The resort had managed to cut down 60% of the energy consumption by switching to LED bulbs, and inverter air conditioners.

Community engagement

The inclusion of the local communities is one of the key aspects of sustainability. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives conducts many projects to include the locals in sustainability efforts and to enhance the quality of their lives.

The resort has initiated and contributed to several projects such as providing long term assistance to the Home for People with Special Needs, conducting engineering workshops for residents of Island Guraidoo and donating a water plant.

They have collaborated with Male Medical Association and ADK Hospital to conduct various medical programs in the community.

Each month the staff comes together for beach and harbour cleaning, coral and tree planting. Besides the long term, expensive projects, imposing simple regulations, such as banning single-use plastics as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma has done, and practising a sustainability-focused way of life can make significant positive changes.

There are more than 150 hotels and resorts around the Maldives, and the number is growing. Sustainability is one of the most important pillars of their map to success. Next time when you are in the Maldives, and when enjoying an unparalleled luxurious service, keep in mind that adhering to sustainability practices is the way you pay gratitude to the beauty of nature.