Marine conservation is at the core of Reethi Faru's environmental mission. The resort's dedication to preserving the underwater ecosystem is evident from its comprehensive conservation initiatives. One of the key projects is coral propagation, aimed at revitalizing the delicate coral reefs that are vital to marine biodiversity. By growing and transplanting coral fragments, the resort helps to restore damaged reefs, providing a habitat for countless marine species.
Reethi Faru's hydroponic garden is a shining example of innovative, sustainable agriculture. In specially designed greenhouses and designated land patches, the resort grows a variety of fruits and vegetables using hydroponic systems. This soil-less method not only conserves water but also reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Guests and staff enjoy fresh produce such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, and herbs, all grown in controlled environments. Papayas, bananas, and passion fruits are cultivated semi-wild, adding to the resort's fresh food supply, along with coconuts that are harvested throughout the island. By sourcing the remainder of its fresh produce from local farms, Reethi Faru supports local agriculture and reduces its carbon footprint.
Harnessing the abundant sunshine of the Maldives, Reethi Faru has installed 3,602 photovoltaic cells on the roofs of its buildings. This impressive solar energy system has a total capacity of 1.021 megawatt-hour, significantly reducing the resort's reliance on fossil fuels. The solar energy initiative not only decreases the carbon emissions but also sets a benchmark for renewable energy use in the hospitality industry. By integrating solar power into its energy grid, Reethi Faru exemplifies how luxury and sustainability can coexist seamlessly.
The Maldives is renowned for its population of manta rays, majestic creatures that captivate divers and snorkelers alike. Reethi Faru has partnered with the Manta Trust to launch the Manta ID Project, an endeavor aimed at understanding and conserving these enigmatic creatures. Through a meticulous photo identification process, each manta ray is cataloged based on the unique spot patterns on its ventral side. This data helps researchers track individual mantas, studying their behavior, migration, and population dynamics. Guests are encouraged to participate by capturing and sharing photos of mantas during their snorkel and dive excursions, fostering a sense of involvement in marine conservation.
Fresh water is a precious resource, especially on a remote island. Reethi Faru addresses this challenge with state-of-the-art reverse osmosis (RO) plants, which process seawater into potable water. The RO plants employ multiple filtration stages to ensure the highest quality of tap and drinking water. Producing approximately 200 tons of fresh water daily, the RO plant underscores Reethi Faru's commitment to sustainability. Regular laboratory testing of water samples guarantees that the water meets stringent health and safety standards, providing guests with safe and clean water while reducing the resort's environmental impact.
In another stride towards self-sufficiency, Reethi Faru has established an in-house mushroom farm. Utilizing a temperature-controlled environment, the resort grows three types of oister mushrooms. The mushroom farming project, with its one-month harvest cycle, exemplifies how sustainable food production can be achieved even in challenging environments. Reethi Faru is also planning to expand its mushroom varieties by experimenting with other types, further enhancing its sustainable culinary offerings.
Reethi Faru practices stringent waste segregation to minimize pollution and its impact on the ocean. Effective waste management is crucial for any eco-friendly operation, and Reethi Faru excels in this area. The resort has implemented an in-house biogas plant that converts food waste into a valuable resource. The resulting biogas is used for heating water and cooking in staff kitchens, reducing the need for conventional cooking gas.Additionally, the resort has a comprehensive recycling program for materials like glass, which is processed in a glass mill for reuse or recycling. A particular emphasis is placed on reducing plastic waste. The resort has transitioned away from single-use plastics, opting for alternatives like glass and tin. Any necessary plastic waste is responsibly disposed of through a partnership with Parley for the Oceans, an organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution in marine environments.
Parley for the Oceans is a global initiative aimed at addressing the growing threat of plastic pollution. Their A.I.R. (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) strategy seeks to transform plastic waste into new products, often through collaborations with major brands. As a partner, Reethi Faru contributes to this mission by sending segregated plastic waste to be repurposed into sports clothing and equipment. This partnership underscores the resort’s commitment to not only minimizing its environmental impact, but also actively participating in broader conservation efforts. By integrating creative solutions into their waste management strategy, Reethi Faru helps protect the pristine marine environment surrounding the Maldives.
The Olive Ridley Project focuses on the conservation of sea turtles, another vital aspect of Reethi Faru's environmental efforts. Guests and staff contribute to a global database by photographing turtles spotted during dives and snorkeling trips. These images help identify individual turtles and track their movements, providing valuable data for conservationists. Moreover, the resort has been involved in monitoring nesting behaviors of green sea turtles on the island. Trained by the Olive Ridley Project, the marine biologist and team ensure minimal disturbance to nesting turtles, following strict guidelines to protect these vulnerable creatures.
Reethi Faru Resort welcomes feedback from our guests, community and staff about the work we are doing to improve our environmental and social impacts, including suggestions about how we can improve. Please email your comments or ideas to [email protected]
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