During July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reiterates their pledge to protect the Maldives through a month of conservation activities which motivate tourists to protect the oceans as stewards.
According to the UNDP report, each year, the Maldives produces more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste which equals 215 blue whales or 120 tons daily. For a country whose future is dependent on its oceans, plastic reduction is necessary in order to protect marine biodiversity and to preserve the natural beauty of the Maldives. In July, tourists are encouraged to join weekly activities including Sunset Island Beach Clean & Reef Clean by our Marine Lab where they will help to remove plastic from the beaches as well as learn about the significance of protecting coastal and reef ecosystems. Another activity includes the cooperation between the hotel and a local sustainable NGO which will demonstrate tourists about the ways to make discarded plastic into art pieces, jewelry, and other products.
In addition to the above mentioned activities, there is another important activity in the program of 14 July. This is the Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru which is the biggest shark research and conservation organization of the Maldives. Despite their menacing reputation, sharks are among the most significant guardians of the sea. The function of maintaining fish population by natural way plays an important role in ensuring sustainability and balance of the coral reef ecosystems. Moreover, an abundance of sharks in the sea is a sign of healthy marine environment which ensures not only food chain balance but also thriving fisheries and biodiversity.
Guests will have an opportunity to learn some fascinating facts about sharks of the Maldives and the issues faced by them during information sessions with marine biologists from Miyaru.
In addition to Plastic Free July campaign, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also be celebrating the International Day of Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July via an event aimed at planting and cleaning up mangroves in collaboration with Huraa Council.Mangroves are one of the most valuable natural ecosystems in Maldives that act as nursery for marine creatures, protect shorelines from erosion, purify water and build resilience against climate change. Along with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the project emphasizes the significance of protecting all parts of marine ecosystem - from shoreline to reef. Not only a month-long project, Plastic Free July shows how much dedication is invested by Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru to preserving the rich marine legacy of Maldives.
